Perrin's Lip Guard-

Antioxidant protection for chapped lips and dry lips.  Empowered with grapeseed extract and vitamin E in a base of beeswax and grape oil.  Enriched with peppermint oil.

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Grapeseed Extract & Grapeseed Oil 

The medicinal and nutritional value of grapes ( Vitis vinifera ) has been praised for since ancient times. Egyptians consumed this fruit at least 6,000 years ago, and several ancient Greek philosophers praised the healing power of grapes -- usually in the form of wine. European folk healers developed an ointment from the sap of grapevines to cure skin and eye diseases. Grape leaves were used to stop bleeding, inflammation, and pain, such as the kind brought on by hemorrhoids. Unripe grapes were used to treat sore throats and dried grapes (raisins) were used to heal consumption, constipation, and thirst. The round, ripe, sweet grapes, were used to treat a range of health problems including cancer, cholera, smallpox, nausea, eye infections, and skin, kidney, and liver diseases.

Researchers are now discovering that many of the health properties of grapes may actually come from the seeds themselves.

Among other beneficial effects, the active compounds in grape seed are believed to have antioxidant properties. A recent study of healthy volunteers found that supplementation with grape seed extract substantially increased levels of antioxidants in the blood. Antioxidants are substances that destroy free radicals -- damaging compounds in the body that alter cell membranes, tamper with DNA (genetic material), and even cause cell death. Free radicals occur naturally in the body, but environmental toxins (including ultraviolet light, radiation, smoke, certain prescription and non-prescription drugs, and air pollution) can also increase the number of these damaging particles. Free radicals are believed to contribute to the aging process as well as the development of a number of health problems, including heart disease and cancer. Antioxidants found in grape seeds can neutralize free radicals and may reduce or even help prevent some of the damage they cause.  Some studies suggest that grapeseed extract may be as much as 50 times more potent than vitamin C or E in terms of antioxidant activity.  

Some of the substances in grapeseed that are beneficial

Vitamin E, flavonoids, linoleic acid, and compounds called procyanidins (also known as condensed tannins, pycnogenols, and oligomeric proanthocyanidins or OPCs) are highly concentrated in grape seeds. These healthful compounds can also be found in lower concentrations in the skin of the grape. Procyanidins are also found in grape juice and wine, but in lower concentrations. Resveratrol is another of grape's healthful compounds which are related to procyanidins and found mainly in the skins. Resveratrol has gained much popularity as an antioxidant supplement.  Resveratrol has shown to have anti-cancer activity. Resveratrol is a photoalexin produced natually by several plants when under attack by bacteria or fungi.  Phytoalixins are antibacterial and anti-fungal chemicals produced by chemical synthesis.  Resveratrol is found on the skin of grapes but also in the seeds.  In laboratory studies resveratrol has appeared to interfere with cancer cell growth and division and causes some cancer cells to disintegrate at a faster rate than they normally would.  Resveratrol may block enzymes that prolong the the sruvival of several cancer cell types including skin cancer.  As a result tumors may either stop growing or actually shrink  because many of the cancer cells die.
 
In some studies injuries to skin may have healed better when grapeseed extract was applied.  Thorugh several possible effects that include promoting the regrowth of connective tissues, grapeseed extract is believed to encourage faster, stronger healing with less scarring.

Medicinal Uses and Indications

Today, health care professionals use standardized extracts of grape seed to treat a range of health problems related to free radical damage, including blood sugar regulation problems, heart disease, and cancer. Studies in laboratories, animals, and people lend some support to these uses.

Flavonoids found in red wine have been reported to protect the heart. They may inhibit the oxidation of LDL ("bad") cholesterol. (LDL oxidation which can lead to hardening of the arteries or atherosclerosis). Studies have demonstrated a relationship between flavonoid intake (from foods) and reduced risk of death from coronary heart disease.

Cancer

Studies have found that grape seed extracts may prevent the growth of breast, stomach, colon, prostate, and lung cancer cells in the laboratory. Grape seed extract may also be effective in preventing damage to human liver cells caused by chemotherapy medications. Antioxidants, such as grape seed extract, have been reported beneficial in cancer prevention. Although grape seed has not been studied in humans for its anticancer effects, the antioxidant properties of grape seed are proven beneficial. 

Other conditions

Health care professionals may recommend grape seed extract for a variety of circulatory ailments (including varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency). Grape seed may also be used for other diseases related to free radical damage (oxidation), including blood sugar regulation and age-related macular degeneration, an eye disorder that develops with age and can lead to blindness. Grape seed extract may help improve night vision and photophobia (sensitivity to light) as well.

Grape seed extract may also be helpful in those with asthma and allergies. Several studies support the use of proanthocyanidins, such as those found in grape seed, as a supplement for allergic conditions (including airborne and food allergies).

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that research has shown to have a variety of benefits for the skin.  Studies have shown vitamin E may help decrease the effects if psoriasis and erythema, in the reduction of stretch marks, in the reduction of scarring from wounds, and it may help to reduce the risk of skin cancer.  A study from Duke University concluded that "Appreciable photoprotection can be obtained from the combination of topical vitamins C and E. We suggest that these natural products may protect against skin cancer and photoaging".

Beeswax

We use beeswax instead of petroleum because it contains “wax esthers” that also exist in human skin.  It is a natural hydrating agent that increases essential moisture in the skin.  Beeswax has a very low irritation potential and promotes healing and softening of skin and is an antiseptic. Historically, Beeswax was used in Greece to treat abscesses, by the Assyrians to heal wounds, and by the Egyptians for mummification. Numerous scientific tests have been conducted with a variety of bacteria, fungi, viruses and other microorganisms.  A study recently found that a mixture of honey, beeswax and olive oil inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans isolated from human specimens.

Peppermint oil

Peppermint is a natural source of menthol.  Studies have shown that topical application of peppermint stimulates the nerves that detect cold, leading to the cooling sensation. The nerves that perceive pain and itching are depressed.  This leads to the dialation of the blood vessels, which can promote healing.

---The information provided on this website should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. We are only relaying information gathered from various sources and various reports and various scientific studies. Information may have errors or be outdated. Some information is from historical sources or represents opinions of the author. It is for research purposes only. The information is "AS IS", "WITH ALL FAULTS". User assumes all risk of use, damage, or injury. You agree that we have no liability for any damages. We are not liable for any consequential, incidental, indirect, or special damages. None of the products sold on this website have been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.  None of the products sold on this website are meant to cure, prevent, or diagnose any disease.  Discontinue use of any product on this website if irritation occurs.  We do not suggest anyone use these products instead of seeing a liscensed medical professional.