Proanthocyanidin
Proanthocyanidin (OPC) works as a DNA mutation inhibitor. Also,
OPC block elastase, maintaining the integrity of elastin in the skin
and act synergistically with both vitamin C and E, protect and
replenish them.21 OPC in cream form has been researched and
demonstrated to be effective against the dangerous effects of the sun
(UV rays). When OPC cream is applied to the skin before exposure to
the sun, less burning of the skin occurs.22 In one study, grape seed
OPCs exerted a solo antioxidant effect at a level of potency on a par
with vitamin E-protecting different polyunsaturated fatty acids from
UV light-induced lipid peroxidation. In this same study, the grape
OPCs synergistically interacted with vitamin E, recycling the
inactivated form of the vitamin into the active form and thus acting
as a virtual vitamin E extender.23 Grape seed proanthocyanidins
(GSP) are potent antioxidants and free radical scavengers. GSP
inhibited skin tumor formation and decreased the size of skin
tumors in hairless mice exposed to carcinogenic UV radiation.
Exposure to UV radiation can suppress the immune system, but GSP
prevented this suppression in mice fed a diet containing GSP.
Treatment of cells with GSP increased tumor cell death in a model
used to study tumor promotion in skin cells.