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Liz deSousa for BYRDIE
Rich in antioxidants and packed with Vitamin C, pomegranates are a delicious addition to any diet — or skincare regime. The jewel-hued fruits have been a best-kept beauty secret since ancient Greek times. Today, pomegranates are still hallowed for their skincare benefits — even among top dermatologists. That's because the juicy fruit's polyphenols, vitamins, and antioxidants work as well as any cutting-edge ingredients to nourish and revive the complexion.
Meet the Expert
- Marie Hayag, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of 5th Avenue Aesthetics.
- Shuting Hu is a cosmetic scientist and founder of skincare brand Acaderma.
- Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, MD, is the founder of Mudgil Dermatology in NYC.
Keep reading to learn more about pomegranate's incredible benefits for the skin.
Pomegranate
Type of ingredient: Antioxidant
Main benefits: Free-radical protection, firming
Who should use it: In general, people with oily or congested skin will find pomegranate the most beneficial.
How often is typical use?: Once a day
Works well with: Ceramides
Doesn't work with: Pomegranate works with everything
What is a Pomegranate?
A pomegranate is a winter fruit that holds juicy arils inside a thick, red skin. A little history: the pomegranate was brought from western Asia to Egypt in 1600 BC. It became revered for its medicinal purposes and is thought to have been used in treatments for digestive disorders, intestinal parasites, and — even back then — skin issues.
"Pomegranate is a powerful fruit rich in polyphenols like anthocyanins, ellagic acid, and many other plant polyphenols," explains Shuting Hu, a cosmetic scientist and founder of the skincare brand Acaderma. (Polyphenols are bioactive compounds that are commonly found in plant-based foods. Packed with antioxidants, they can help guard the skin against damage from a number of factors.) "These ingredients are the reason why pomegranate extract is so effective," Hu adds. "They help to protect the skin from free radicals while also repairing skin that could have been damaged from environmental factors ."
Benefits of Pomegranate for Skin
- Heavy in antioxidants: "Not only does [pomegranate] contain about 48 percent of the [recommended] daily vitamin C, but it also contains other antioxidants such as anthocyanins, ellagic acid, and tannins. With all these antioxidants you have one of the ultimate blockers in free radical damage, which is a big cause of aging," says Marie Hayag, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of 5th Avenue Aesthetics. (Found in everything from air pollution to alcohol and UV light, free radicals can damage skin cells causing oxidative stress.) "I would pick pomegranate juice over açaí and blueberry juice any day."
- Regenerates cells: Pomegranates help protect the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin) and help with skin cell regeneration in both the epidermis and dermis (inner layer). They increase circulation, which aids in tissue repair and wound healing.
- Sun protection: They have sun protective compounds that may protect the skin against free radical damage, help prevent skin cancer, relieve sunburn, and reduce the signs of sun damage. Pomegranate seed oil may work to protect against skin cancer because of ellagic acid, a polyphenol antioxidant found in large quantities in pomegranates, which researchers have found inhibits the growth of skin tumors. (To be clear, pomegranate is not a substitute for SPF.)
- Anti-aging: Pomegranates may help protect against premature aging by helping reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Pomegranates may also help prevent hyperpigmentation and age spots.
- Boosts collagen: Pomegranates promote smooth, firm skin by boosting collagen and elastin production.
- Hydrates skin: Since pomegranate oil penetrates deeply into the skin, it is effective for treating dry skin. It soothes dry, cracked, and irritated skin. It contains punicic acid, an omega-5 fatty acid that hydrates and prevents moisture loss.
- Helps combat oil/combination skin: Pomegranate oil even works for oily and acne-prone skin. It can combat breakouts, reduce scarring, and soothe minor irritations.
Side Effects of Pomegranate for Skin
"Skin allergy and irritation is possible, but rare," says Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, MD, the founder of Mudgil Dermatology in NYC. Unless you know you're allergic to pomegranate, you're likely safe using it in skincare, but it's always best to consult a dermatologist before introducing a new skincare ingredient.
How to Use Pomegranate for Skin
"A surprising benefit of pomegranate is its ability to regenerate skin cells," Hu says. "Pomegranate is great when used as a spot treatment agent for skin issues such as hyperpigmentation, acne scars, age spots, and dry skin."
But aside from just being a spot treatment, pomegranate has a wealth of uses. Because they're so rich in polyphenols, pomegranates may be used in almost any product and concentration for different purposes.
"The polyphenols (especially anthocyanins) that reside in pomegranate quickly oxidize in water, so if you're going to use a product with pomegranate extract, I suggest not letting it sit on the shelf too long so you get the most potent version of the product," Hu suggests.
Want to test pomegranate out in skincare? The fruit plays a starring role in the Glow Recipe Pomegranate Peptide Firming Serum, which pairs pomegranate with polypeptides to hydrate the skin and increase its firmness.
