Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Viniferine and Caudalie

As I have mentioned before several times, I considered anti-oxidants to be the end-all of skincare and in helping to prevent the signs of aging. I am never without at least one product in my regime that contains some type of anti-oxidant protection.

So what is an anti-oxidant? It is an ingredient, either natural or chemical, that helps to protect skin from harming free radicals. Well what is a free radical? This term is bounced around in every magazine and used in almost every skin care product that claims to help prevent the outer signs of aging. A free radical is a charged particle that has been broken off of its compound. Free radicals come from smoke and most any kind of pollution in the air. An anti-oxidant protects skin by binding to the free radicals instead of allowing them to bind to the skin.

Caudalie uses grape-seed polyphenols (a compound that they have patented) as the major anti-oxidant ingredient in their entire line of skincare. In a brochure published by the company, they have stated that Viniferine is 20 times more effective than Vitamin C (the current popular anti-oxidant) in free radical protection. Viniferine is a molecule that is found in the stalks of the sauvignon blanc vine. In addition to free radical protection, it also helps to clear the complexion and reduce pigmentation.

Another patent from this company is grapevine resveratrol, which is a natural active ingredient extracted from the stalks and stems of the vine. It is said to have exceptional firming and wrinkle reducing action and helps to promote younger looking skin.

Caudalie is obviously one of my favorite skincare companies and therefore, I am rather biased in their favor. I know that natural anti-oxidants aren’t the ingredients for everyone. They are better at helping to prevent the signs of aging than at correctly problematic skin. Someone with major signs of aging and/or massive sun damage will not find these ingredients of any help to their skin.

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