Caudalie - French Week Day 6

For the second to last day of French Week, we are going to the French countryside and looking at the more rural areas of the country. Paris may be the most well know aspect of this country but in reality, France is very diverse and every aspect of the country should be looked at. The Bordeaux region of the country in rich in farming and especially well known for its role in the production of grapes and wines. Caudalie is a skincare line that is based on grapes and the anti-oxidants that they contain. Since I wax poetic about Caudalie's products all the time, this column will be based on the science behind the line and the role of the grapes in the products.

In 1993, Mathilde and Bertrand Thomas (the founders of the line) first met with Professor Vercauteren who was then already working with the anti-oxidant. It was explained to the couple that after the grapes have been harvested, the seeds are then thrown away and that the seeds contain beneficial anti-oxidants. They contains what are known as grape polyphenols, containing a large amount of anti-oxidant which could very successfully be used in skincare.

Some facts from the company's website...According to in-vitro testing, the grape-seed OPC is 10,000x more effective in fighting aging than Vitamin E. Also used in the skincare is the compound Resveratrol, isolated from the stalk of the vine. This is a stablizied molecule that was patented in 2001 that provides exceptional action on the stimulation of cellular renewal, which is vital to help skin lacking in vitality.

Another compound is also used by this company, named Viniferine. This is the compound that is found in the Vinoperfect line of products that I am so in love with. This compound is used to help promote radiance and treat dark stops without the use of bleaching agents.

The use of these ingredients are the core of Caudalie's Vinotherapie, the use of the grape to protect and treat the skin from damaging and aging free radicals. Also, in addition to these two major ingredients, Caudalie strives to use only the highest quality natural ingredients and essential plant oils in all of its product line.

A dream come true for myself would be a visit to one of this company's Vinotherapie spas, located throughout the globe. Both facial and body treatments are offered and grapes are at the heart of everything performed in these spas. The United States spa is located in The Plaza in Manhattan and is one of my most wanted places to visit.

All of the above reasons contribute to why Caudalie is a favorite company of mine and a necessary addition to a week of discussing French products and beauty philosophy.

photo courtesy of Caudalie