The Beauty Benefits of Red Wine

Ah, red wine. A lovely way to unwind after a tough week. Or a not so tough week. Really a great beverage for any night. Although it may be an acquired taste, it turns out that red wine is healthy to drink regularly in moderation. Not only has it been known to be good for your heart, but has also been seen to have many beauty benefits— especially for your skin. Read on to discover why you should incorporate red wine into your beauty routine.

Better Beauty Sleep

Red wines have the highest level of melatonin out of any alcoholic beverages. This is similar to the melatonin we naturally produce in our bodies that helps program our internal clock. It prepares us to fall and stay asleep. Although some researchers say that the alcohol in wine may still disrupt the sleep cycle^[1], personal experience shows that a glass of wine a few hours before bed will lead to peaceful sleep. An ample amount of sleep is imperative to looking great the next morning, forgoing puffy, sleepy eyes and dark circles.

Filling In the Lines

The antioxidants in red wines, namely the popular resveratrol, are best known for restoring collagen and smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles. The antioxidants found in wine are now commonly seen in the latest and greatest skin care products. Drinking a glass a day can slow the outward effects of aging and keep skin even.

Tones & Treats Acne

Red wine can be used topically as a toner, as it has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties^[2]. The natural AHAs in red wine make it a good exfoliant that unclogs pores, and can beat acne-causing bacteria. A recent study published in Dermatology and Therapy showed that combining the skin benefits of red wine and benzoyl peroxide, an active ingredient in many over-the-counter acne solutions, creates a powerful duo that can knock out acne more effectively and keep your skin clear longer^[3].

Protection Against Sun Damage

Flavonoids found in red wine have the ability to protect the skin against sun damage. Extracted from grapes, flavonoids reduce the formation of reactive oxygen species, which are affected by UV rays and lead to damage of the skin^[4]. In turn, the prevention of their production will help protect against sunburn, premature wrinkles, and skin cancer.

If you’re not big on drinking alcohol, or you’re underage, find out what foods are great for your skin in my post here.

Do you drink wine for the beauty benefits?

Sources: ¹, ², ³, ⁴