Vinotherapy, where you dip (not sip) into some wine for flawless skin

Vinotherapy is multisensory, restorative ritual that helps with skin health (Photo: AI Generative) 

A good spa day includes a calming environment, warm oils, soothing music (which is definitely not notification pings), and maybe even a glass of wine. But what if someone tells you that wine is not for sipping, but soaking? Yes, this is called vinotherapy (or wine therapy), a wellness concept where wine meets skincare.

Now, when it comes to skincare, finding the right routine or experimenting with new ingredients can feel overwhelming. But this is where vinotherapy comes in - experts say that incorporating wine into beauty treatments can have real benefits, though only to a certain extent.

Vinotherapy: Ageing like fine wine

The origins can be traced back to the late 1990s. Mathilde Thomas and Bertrand discovered a treasure in their backyard vineyard. The French couple, who are now the founders of beauty brand Caudalie, had a chance encounter with Professor Joseph Vercauteren, an expert in grapevine polyphenols, in their home. As conversations unfolded, they realised that what was being discarded as waste from wine-making was actually “liquid gold.”

According to the professor, grape seeds are rich in antioxidants and could have powerful anti-ageing effects. This led to a patented discovery and, eventually, the launch of the first vinotherapy spa.

As more studies and research were conducted to tap the potential benefits of vines and grapes, it was established that antioxidants like resveratrol, flavonoids, and tannins are the true heroes here. Therefore, it works well for the skin.

• The power of antioxidants helps neutralise free radicals that oxidise skin, causing premature ageing.
• Grapes have anti-inflammatory properties that soothe acne-prone or irritated skin.
• Tannins found in grape skin can help tighten pores and benefit oily skin. This makes it ideal for humid Indian weather.
• Natural acids in wine may gently exfoliate and improve skin texture as well.