5 Ways Grapeseed Oil Can Improve Your Skin

Regardless of your skin type— whether your face often feels totally dehydrated or you become an oil slick 30 minutes into your day, a face oil in your beauty routine can really turn things around. And although there are tons of good-for-skin oils out there that deserve to be in your routine, grapeseed oil tends to fly under the radar even though it's chock-full of benefits. Dr. Marnie Nussbaum, NYC-based cosmetic dermatologist, explains to me over email that what makes grapeseed oil such a top-notch skin-care ingredient is that it's packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and healthy fats.

However, even though you may want to slather yourself in grapeseed oil after learning all of the ways it can benefit your skin, Dr. Clarissa Shetler and Dr. Christine Falsetti, founders of C2 California Clean, tell me over email that it's important to maintain a healthy balance with this oil. They explain that grapeseed oil actually contains the highest level of omega-6 fatty acids that, while good for you in moderation, can lead to inflammation if you get too much. And because we tend to consume omega-6s in our diets, paying attention to how you use it in your skin care will help ensure you reap the benefits without incurring the detriment. So as long as you don't overdo it, here are five ways using grapeseed oil can totally improve your skin-care game:

1. It Moisturizes

Try: St. Ives Exfoliate & Nourish Coconut Oil Scrub, $7, Target

According to Dr. Nussbaum, "Part of what makes grapeseed oil so beneficial for the skin is that it contains linoleic acid which is a polyunsaturated fat that forms a protective layer on the skin maintaining a moisturizing barrier." To reap the benefits, Amanda Hume, green beauty expert and founder of VERT Beauty Boutique, with whom I also emailed, says that grapeseed oil can be used alone as a treatment, as a cleanser, or as a moisturizer.

2. It Prevents Signs Of Aging

Try: Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil, $105, Sephora

Because the linoleic acid in grapeseed oil helps strengthen cell membranes, in addition to moisturizing it also helps minimize fine lines and wrinkles, says Dr. Nussbaum. What's more, she adds, is that it also "contains antioxidants which fight free radical damage and thereby help protect against skin cancers and the aging process." Not to mention that vitamins C, E, and D found in grapeseed oil also help strengthen and stimulate collagen production to further minimize and slow signs of aging. Talk about a value-packed ingredient.

3. It Balances & Tones

Try: Osmia Organics Balance Facial Serum, $50, Vert Beauty

According to Hume, grapeseed oil also contains malic acid which is a type of AHA. The malic acid gives grapeseed oil a gentle exfoliating property which helps "alleviate signs of discoloration and improves the skin's overall texture and health." Drs. Shetler and Falsetti add that grapeseed oil also contains astringent properties that can help "tone and balance out the pH of the skin."

4. It Controls Acne

Try: Tu'el Detox Essential Oil, $32, Tu'el

Although it may seem counterintuitive to fight acne and oil with oil, Lisa Nestore, co-president and ingredient expert at Tu'el, tells me over email that grapeseed oil is lightweight and absorbs quickly into the skin making it great for those with already oily skin. It's also rich in polyphenols that have anti-inflammatory antioxidants which, she says, help prevent breakouts. And according to Drs. Shetler and Falsetti, this non-comedogenic oil also helps regulate oil production, so breakouts caused by overactive sebaceous glands can be kept at bay.

5. It Heals Scars

Try: SheaMoisture Beauty Hack 100% Pure Grapeseed Oil, $10, Ulta

Whether you need to speed up a wound recovery or want to minimize leftover acne scars, oils can be a big help. Drs. Shetler and Falsetti along with Nestore all agree that grapeseed oil in particular can help with skin-cell regeneration to heal and minimize scarring.

Because sometimes a single ingredient can make all the difference in your skin.

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