Grape seeds are one of the richest sources of proanthocyanidins, a natural compound found in plants. Research has demonstrated proanthocyanidins supports skin function, promotes skin health and slows the aging process by reducing damage to cellular skin components. Proanthocyanidins have the ability to inhibit collagen degradation, stimulate collagen synthesis, act as potent antioxidants, and protect against ultraviolet (UV)-induced damage. A article published in Oxidants and Antioxidants in Medical Science (2023) titled “Proanthocyanidins and Skin Health: Effects on Aging, UV Protection, and Wound Healing” summarised proanthocyanidins influence on skin aging, wound healing, and photoprotection.

Skin aging is a complex multifaceted biological process driven by both internal and external factors, leading to progressive decline in physiological function and structural changes. UV radiation, pollution and oxidative stress, can lead to premature aging, impaired wound healing, and increased risk of skin diseases. Collagen degradation, a sign of aging skin, results in loss of elasticity, firmness, and the appearance of wrinkles. Proanthocyanidins are flavonoid polyphenols and natural bioactive that have emerged as effective to counter the ageing process due to their potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, photoprotective properties and ability to counteract the detrimental effects of oxidative stress (Yu, 2023).

Biological modes of actions of proanthocyanidins within the skin.

1. Inhibition of Collagen-Degrading Enzymes
   Proanthocyanidins inhibit the enzymatic activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), particularly MMP-1 and MMP-9, which degrade collagen and elastin fibres within the skin.

2. Stimulation of Collagen Synthesis
   In addition to enzyme inhibition, proanthocyanidins have been shown to stimulate fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis. (Yu, 2023).

3. Antioxidant Activity
   Proanthocyanidins rank among the most potent natural antioxidants, efficiently scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) that drive oxidative stress and damage collagen, elastin, and cell membranes. They also enhance the activity of inherent skin antioxidant enzymes, such as Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and catalase, further boosting the skin’s defence against oxidative stress. (Yu, 2023).

4. UV Radiation Protection
   Exposure to UV radiation accelerates oxidative damage, inflammation, and breakdown of critical skin structures. Proanthocyanidins can mitigate UV-induced damage by decreasing lipid peroxidation and DNA oxidation and suppressing inflammatory cytokines (Yu, 2023).

Proanthocyanidins offer a multifaceted, evidence-supported approach to protecting, promoting and boosting skin function. By inhibiting collagen degradation, stimulating new collagen production, neutralising oxidative stress, and providing UV protection, they are an effective addition to skincare to mitigate the effects of oxidative stress and ageing process by protecting cellular components. Proanthocyanidins have the antioxidant power 50 x greater than Vitamin C 

Summary Table: Skin Benefits of Proanthocyanidins

Vitis V Face TonIQ uses unfermented grape seed proanthocyanidins. Unlike traditionally processed extracts from red grape seeds, unfermented grape seeds (seeds that have not participated in the winemaking process) retain a higher percentage of proanthocyanidins in their native state, preserving their full biological activity. Highly processed extracts suffer oxidation, molecular breakdown and chemical structural changes due to solvents and/or exposure to heat in commercial industrial processing.

The purity of the naturally occurring proanthocyanidins in Vitis V Face TonIQ where our extraction process does not change the structure and chemical properties of the proanthocyanidins ensures greater bioactive function including more complete inhibition of MMPs and protection of skin collagen, enhanced stimulation of fibroblasts for collagen production, super antioxidant defence, anti-inflammatory properties and photoprotection. By preserving their full molecular integrity, unfermented proanthocyanidins enhance skin’s resilience against UV damage, oxidative stress, and collagen loss.

Key Benefits of the use of unfermented grape seeds as found in Vitis V Face TonIQ

·       Greater antioxidant activity

·       Stronger MMP inhibition

·       Increased fibroblast stimulation for collagen synthesis

·       Enhanced photoprotection

The use of unfermented grape seed extract rich in proanthocyanidins in Vitis V Face TonIQ represents a completely new approached to natural skincare, leveraging higher bioactivity and purity compared to fermented and commercially processed alternatives.

Topical application of highly active unfermented grape seed proanthocyanidins, found only in Vitis V Face TonIQ, can preserve the skin’s architectural integrity, limiting the onset of wrinkles and sagging associated with MMP overexpression

Vitis V Face TonIQ blend is unique in its use of unfermented grape seed extract as a foundational ingredient and ensures that the bioactive proanthocyanidins are delivered in their most potent form, stimulating the skins natural regenerative processes and contributing to improved skin density and elasticity over time.

The high concentration of naturally occurring polyphenols including super antioxidant proanthocyanidins in the unfermented extract made by us and used in Vitis V Face TonIQ blend maximises free radical neutralisation, boosts protection against oxidative stress and minimises the subsequent visual changes to our skin.

Vitis V Face TonIQ’s proanthocyanidins work synergistically to enhance the skin’s endogenous defences, providing broad-spectrum support against photodamage

Proanthocyanidins in Vitis V Face TonIQ are a potent natural skin bioactive that nourishes fortifies, boosts and protects your skin regenerative functions making it your essential daily dose of nature’s luxury.

Vitis V Face TonIQ, is unique in its use of unfermented grape seed extract positioning itself at the forefront of natural, high-performance skincare and understanding of the powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and photoprotective properties of proanthocyanidins

Yu, X. (2023). Proanthocyanidins and Skin Health: Effects on Aging, UV Protection, and Wound Healing.

Polyphenolics in grape seeds-biochemistry and functionality

Proanthocyanidins in grape seeds: An updated review of their health benefits and potential uses in the food industry