What it is: An alcoholic beverage made of fermented grape juice.

Where it comes from: The first wine was produced thousands of years ago. Today, wine is produced when grapes are harvested, crushed, and put into tanks. Cultured yeast is added, and once the fermentation process is completed, the wine is placed in barrels to age. Red wine gets its burgundy color from the seeds and grape skins that are used to make it. The depth of the hue depends on the length of time the grape juice is in contact with the seeds and skins.

Properties: An alcoholic beverage, red wine contains antioxidants such as resveratrol and flavonoids. It also contains astringent plant compounds called tannins. The more tannins in a red wine, the more full-bodied it is. 

What it’s good for: The resveratrol in red wine can reduce skin inflammation and slow the aging process by reducing oxidation. Polyphenols, another chemical compound present in wine, fortifies skin. Vinotherapy, the process of rubbing the residue of wine making into skin, is growing in popularity at spas in Spain, Portugal, and France. The residue is said to have excellent exfoliating qualities. Body lotions made from wine grapes can help to balance moisture and firm skin. 

Where you’ll find it: Red wine can be found as an ingredient in lifting face masks intended to promote resilience and firmness. Red wine is also present in anti-wrinkle creams formulated for anti-aging and cleansing makeup removers. Red wine and wine grapes are used to make hand soaps, lotions, and even body scrubs.

Other uses: Besides being a popular beverage, red wine can be found in dietary supplements designed to improve heart health. Studies have shown that resveratrol in red wine could possibly prevent damage to blood vessels, reduce bad cholesterol, and prevent blood clots.

For reprint and licensing requests for this article, Click here.

Read more about