JOIN USWinning remedy with red wine
Wine is the latest. Recent research has highlighted the health and beauty benefits of wine. Wine therapy is also being used in spa treatments, as it is said to induce relaxation of the muscles and also helps stress reduction. In some spas, a wine bath is part of the programme, as it helps relaxation of the entire body. Although many different kinds of wine are used in skincare, the most popular one is the red grape wine.
This is because wine is said to be rich in antioxidants. Scientific research indicates that age-related degeneration of the body can be retarded by supplying the body with substances that counteract the effects of free radical or oxidation damage. These are the antioxidants.
The known antioxidants are Vitamins A, C and E. Some of the B-complex Vitamins, bioflavinoids, amino acids and minerals like zinc and selenium also work wonders on the skin. These antioxidants are very delicate and are completely or partially destroyed during cooking.
Taking just one or two antioxidants do not help. The essential balance of all the nutrients must be maintained. Therefore, there is a strong case in favour of “natural” foods and drinks. Antioxidant-rich foods are said to have a rejuvenating effect and have helped delay ageing and even reverse age-related degeneration of the body.
Wine contains traces of certain minerals which have been known to have a rejuvenating effect on the skin. Grape wine contains polyphenols, a powerful antioxidant. It helps to fight oxidation damage and thus rejuvenates the skin. It also speeds up cell renewal process, protecting the youthful qualities of the skin. Wine facials and masks, therefore, help to delay the visible signs of ageing.
Wine masks and facials brighten the skin by removing dead cells and stimulating blood circulation to the skin surface. They nourish and moisturise the skin, adding a wonderful glow.
The skin becomes softer and the texture improves. Wine masks also help to remove tan and produce an even colour tone over a period of time.
In wine facials in salons, after cleansing and exfoliation, the face is massaged with a mixture of herbs, fruit and vegetable extracts, essential oils and wine. Wine may also be combined with flower extracts and clay, like Fuller’s Earth, along with ground almonds to exfoliate the face and body. In high-end spas, quality wines are used. Masks containing wine are applied.
It is said that the dregs or the sediment at the bottom of wine bottles are also used for masks. In fact, the entire body is exfoliated with the seeds of grapes, which are crushed and used with wine and other ingredients. At home, honey may be used with grape seeds and wine as a body scrub.
One can also prepare wine masks at home. Take honey and yoghurt and add a few tablespoons of red wine. Apply this on the face and leave it on for 20 minutes. Rinse with plain water. This softens and moisturises the skin, removes tan and also adds a glow.
For oily skin, mix red wine and green tea with Fuller’s Earth (multani mitti) into a paste. Apply on the face, avoiding the lips and area around eyes. Wash it off when it dries.
Wine can also be added to ingredients like lemon, orange peel powder and ground almonds to mix into a mask.
For dry skin, add red wine to aloe vera gel and dried milk powder. Apply on the face and wash after 20 minutes.
Wine masks are ideal for adding a glow to the skin. Regular use of wine masks will result in a clear, unblemished skin with radiance. Apart from the usual red wine, one can also try out spicy wines, like fennel wine, or fruit wines containing oranges, cherries or strawberries.
Weekly professional facials go a long way in rejuvenating the skin and making it look youthful.