Sunday 10 August 2008

RESVERATROL, RED WINE AND LONGEVITY



New to the UK is a US range of skincare containing antioxidant vinotherapy called Le Vin. The use of grapes in anti-ageing skincare is very big in the US, especially in California - where most of the country's vineyards are established.

In Europe most of us know the French brand from Le Caudalie Spa in Bordeaux which is now quite widely available in department stores in the UK such as Selfridges and Debenhams.

Le Vin combines organic with scientific technology in a range that is limited to three products - eye and face serums and face cream. They smell delightful and are vitamin rich with an anti-oxidant complex of Chardonnay grape seed extract and certified organic essential oils, sets a new standard in high quality organic skincare, eliminating undesirables such as parabens and propylene glycol.

I try them on my sensitive skin and it soaks them up, leaving it dewy and lightly scented.

Le Vin has an interesting history. It was founded in New York in July 2007 by a former engineer, Ken Heng, who launched the successful spa product line Olavie.

Following numerous trips to the wine producing regions of Napa, California, Ken noticed that the people who tended the vines had radiant, young looking skin, years younger than their real age. Heng (after a childhood of problem skin) chose to research the powerful scientific beneficial effects of grape seed extract and utilise what is known as the ‘French Paradox’ and thus the brand was born.
The anti-ageing effects of the antioxidant in red wine, resveratrol, has made one big pharma sit up and make plans for the first anti-ageing pill. Grape seed extract also contains polyphenols which are used in Le Vin to stimulate skin renewal and fight stress and age-related damage.


After travelling the world seeking the finest ingredients, Ken worked closely with skin care labs and formulators to launch Olavieä, his first bodycare line in 2002 which uses the key active ingredient of Chardonnay grape seed extract (GSE), imported from Burgundy, France. Today, Le Vinä, Heng’s newest product collection combines cosmeceutical and organic ingredients offering a new approach to high quality skincare.

Vita-vino Actif: Unique anti-oxidant and anti-ageing ingredient technology

Combining grape seed extract with scientifically proven high dosage medical grade actives and vitamins, Vita-vino Actifä is a unique nutrient and anti-oxidant rich complex. Featuring Chardonnay GSE (grape seed extract), resveratrol and Vitamins A, B, C, D & E, this physician-grade, three-step skincare line combines strong anti-ageing and anti-oxidant properties.

Grape seed extract contains Polyphenols, a potent anti-oxidant that penetrates the epidermis to stimulate the renewal of skin cells and collagen by combating free radicals, which damage and age the skin. The seeds are extracted from the grape before fermentation to yield the highest percentage for anti-oxidants, seven times more potent that Vitamin E.

Product collection

Face Serum - £90.00, 50ml

This potent skin cocktail featuring GABA (Gamma Aminobutyric Acid) that instantly inhibits the muscle contractions that contribute to wrinkles, Le Vinä Face Serum is the perfect alternative to Botox, dramatically reducing the appearance of fine lines. Vita-vino Actifä delivers powerful anti-oxidants and nutrients deep into the dermal layer, with anti-bacterial agents to keep pores clean and certified organic ingredients high in gamma linolenic acid, a proven anti-inflammatory can also help congested, acne prone skin. Skin feels smooth, pore-less and glowing.

Key ingredients:

Vita-vino Actif, MatrixylÒ, GABA, Panax Ginseng, Argeriline™, Portulaca Oleracea, Centella Asiatica, VLMW Hyaluronic Acid

Certified organic ingredients:

Chamomile, Sunflower Seed Oil, Rose Hip Oil, Borage Oil, Flax Seed Oil, Arnica, Lavender, White Tea, Calendula, Aloe

Face Cream - £77.00, 50ml

Ultra-fine hyaluronic acid combined with Vita-vino Actifä delivers moisture deep into the skin increasing anti-oxidant benefits and hydration and preventing damage by environmental aggressors. Tissue Respiratory Factors bring oxygen to the skin, ridding skin cells of toxins. Skin appears smooth and nourished whilst Borage oil and Flax seed oil restore balance for a beautiful complexion.


Key ingredients:

Vita-vino Actif, Matrixyl, GABA, Argeriline, VLMW Hyaluronic Acid, Tissue Respiratory Factors, Lycopene, Ceremide 3, Helioguard

Certified organic ingredients:

Chamomile, Sunflower Seed Oil, Rose Hip Oil, Borage Oil, Flax Seed Oil, Arnica, Lavender, White Tea, Calendula, Aloe


Eye Serum - £57.00, 15ml

GABA and purpose-specific peptides target dark circles, eye bags and fine lines for immediate and long lasting results and Vita-vino Actif fights free radicals from damaging the fragile eye area. A tiny drop of this lightweight serum delivers a silky finish without residue acting as a perfect base for concealer.

Key ingredients:

Vita-vino Actif, GABA, Eyeseryl, Haloxyl, Matrixyl, Argeriline, Super Oxide Dismutase, VLMW Hyaluronic Acid

Certified organic ingredients:

Arnica, Lavender, Chamomile, Calendula, White Tea

** Natural and certified organic botanicals ** Medical grade actives
Le Vin is exclusively available at Beyond Beauty at Harvey Nichols.

1 comment:

Ju said...

Awesome post! Have you had a chance to watch 60 Minutes, Fox News, Oprah or Barbra Walters segments last weekend about it?

Basically, it shows promise in mice. For mice, has shown major health improvements including blood sugar control. Keep in mind that 6 out of 10 major drug successes in mice - fail in humans. But the limited human trials showed promise and there are some patients that claim it helps. However, this could be the 'placebo effect,' and only empirical data under controlled experiments can tell for sure. It will take a few years for these clinical trials to conclude.

You can get supplements of the extract right now. While it is safe, it is not guaranteed to work. Before making a decision, you should watch all the videos. Here's the a recap from all the trustworthy shows:

http://resveratrolcertifiedsupplements.com/?page_id=4

I did some research and learned the following: You can only get 1-2mgs of it in a single bottle of wine. So, white, it's a good excuse to drink wine, but you really won't get much benefit. There are resveratrol supplements on the market - but many do not have the required strength and they don't work for everyone. The only way to know for sure is to try the supplements. Hope you find this interesting... its a future hope for the fountain of youth and treatments (not cures) for countless diseases.

-Linda, the Good Nurse.