Pomegranates have been lauded as a jewel in the superfood crown. Sprinkled over salads or broken at breakfast, pomegranates are a great addition to any meal for their nutritional benefits. But while their role in cuisine is clear, the power of pomegranates in skincare is lesser known.
First appearing in Egyptian literature and Greek mythology, pomegranates are packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that make them a superpower ingredient to have on your bathroom shelf and use in your daily skincare routine.
Antioxidant advantage
Pomegranates are packed full of antioxidants, which are beneficial for your general health as well as the health of your skin.
One of the reasons that pomegranates are a powerful skincare ingredient is for their ability to support the structure of healthy skin cells. As well as providing you with up to 48% of your daily vitamin C, pomegranates contain anthocyanin, ellagic acid and tannins, which all work to reduce cellular damage, improve skin tone and radiance, limit free radical damage and repair environmental damage that your skin may have experienced from factors including UV radiation.
Skin cell health
One of the reasons that Sofia has included cold-pressed pomegranate oil in her signature Face oil is for its support of skin health at a cellular level. As well as protecting cells from damage, pomegranate has also been shown to improve skin elasticity through cell growth. According to a 2005 study, featured in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, pomegranate seed oil improved skin elasticity by stimulating keratinocytes in the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin) to encourage cell regeneration. This is particularly beneficial in revitalising the appearance of mature skin.
But it doesn’t stop there.
Other benefits of pomegranate for skin health include:
- Reduced inflammation – A drop in free radical damage translates to reduced inflammation in the skin, which can especially help to manage conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.
- Antimicrobial support – Pomegranate is thought to contain natural antimicrobial properties from vitamin C, which may help to defend the skin against bacteria and fungi that can be responsible for acne breakouts.
- UV protection – Ellagic acid, a polyphenol antioxidant found in pomegranates, is thought to provide natural protection against sun damage. But don’t skip the sunscreen – it’s still the best way to protect yourself from harmful UV rays.
- Youthful appearance – The soothing properties found in pomegranates penetrate deeply into dry skin to heal cracks and irritation. Pomegranates also contain punicic acid, an omega 5 fatty acid that hydrates and prevents moisture loss, while also supporting a healthy immune system when consumed. Meanwhile for oily skin, pomegranate combats breakouts and supports acne-prone skin.
Pomegranate power
Pomegranate is a true superfood and skincare powerhouse. When consumed, it improves immune function, hormone health and circulation, while topical use protects the skin from free radical damage and boosts elasticity through cell regeneration.
Adding pomegranate to your skincare routine might be your next best move. But just be careful about the product you use. The polyphenols in pomegranate oxidise quickly in water, so if you’re using pomegranate extract, be aware of the shelf life so that you always get the best results for your skin.
Have you tried cold-pressed pomegranate oil?
We’d love for you to tell us in a comment below!
Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/health/pomegranate-benefits-on-skin
https://www.byrdie.com/the-skin-care-benefits-of-pomegranates-2442898
https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/skin-care-benefits-of-pomegranate-extract-supplements
https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/pomegranate-seed-oil
