Much of the therapeutic skin benefits of pomegranate come down to its antioxidants. “It contains vitamin C as well as other antioxidants such as anthocyanins, ellagic acid, and tannins,” says board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, M.D. ”Ellagic acid is a polyphenol found in high concentration in pomegranates.”
Here’s what you may expect according to research and the professionals:
1.
It can support healthy aging.
There are many pathways to healthy aging—from cell regeneration and evening tone to hydrating otherwise dry, crepey skin. Luckily, pomegranate seed oil checks almost all the boxes.
“Traditionally, pomegranate seed oil compounds have been touted for their anti-aging effects,” says board-certified dermatologist Raechele Cochran Gathers, M.D. ”Pomegranate seed oil has both strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may make it useful in helping decrease signs of aging such as wrinkles and dark spots.
“And, in one study, a compound with pomegranate seed oil was shown to improve the growth of skin cells and improve skin hydration and elasticity.”
2.
It can support skin hydration.
Perhaps one of its most famous benefits is hydration: Pomegranates make for a star hydrator. “It contains punicic acid, an omega-5 fatty acid that helps to hydrate and prevent moisture loss,” says King. “And it helps to support the skin barrier.”
Aesthetician and Alpha-H Facialist Taylor Worden agrees: “Pomegranate seed oil is rich in fatty acids, which helps your skin look more hydrated, plumper. The oil can also nourish and soften dry, cracked skin—and also help redness and flakiness. Additionally, pomegranate seed oil works great as an emollient for the skin and helps with eczema and psoriasis—but it can also moisturize acne or oily skin without clogging the pores.” Essentially it’s a hydrating ingredient that benefits all skin types!
3.
It can help manage inflammation.
Antioxidants work by neutralizing free radical damage in the skin, which in turn eases inflammation. By using antioxidants consistently, you can help manage inflammation long term—especially the sneaky microscopic, low-grade inflammation called inflammaging.
“Because it’s rich in many antioxidants and contains a high amount of vitamin C, it works as an anti-inflammatory to decrease inflammation, fight the free radicals, and will lighten, tighten, and brighten the skin,” says Worden.
4.
Antioxidants can provide sun and pollution protection.
Antioxidants, among their many other duties, provide environmental protection against stressors, UV damage, and pollution. “Rich in antioxidants, it helps protect the skin from damage from free radicals from UV rays and pollution,” says King.
Cochran Gathers agrees: “There have also been some studies that suggest that components of pomegranate seed oil may have a photoprotective effect against some types of UV1 light skin damage. Keep in mind, though, using pomegranate oil is not a replacement for sunscreen!”
5.
It has antimicrobial benefits.
For those with acne-prone skin, pomegranate seed oil is one of the best oils for you to consider. This is because it can actually help tend to the bacteria that plays a role in acne formation. “It has antimicrobial properties, which helps fight P. acnes bacteria and controls acne,” says Worden.
Not to mention, acne is itself an inflammatory condition, so it’s vital that you also alleviate inflammation while controlling sebum.
6.
Has scalp and hair benefits.
Remember that your scalp is your skin—and should be paid attention to as such. Certainly there are many popular hair and scalp oils out there (jojoba and argan come to mind), but we’re going to argue that you also add pomegranate seed oil to the list.
“Use it in the hair,” notes Worden. “It nourishes the hair, stimulates blood circulation, which promotes hair growth and balances scalp pH.”
7.
It may promote collagen production.
“It also promotes the synthesis of collagen and elastin, and it promotes skin regeneration, tissue repair, and wound healing,” says King. Why is this? Well, as we’ve noted, the oil contains vitamin C. Vitamin C is actually a very important nutrient for collagen production: It’s an essential part of the collagen synthesis process. But it doesn’t just stimulate collagen production; it stabilizes the collagen2 you have, leading to overall wrinkle reduction.
How to use pomegranate seed oil in your skin care routine.
Lucky for you, pomegranate seed oil is a very common addition to skin care products as it is. (You may be using something with the ingredient, and you don’t even know it!) Because of its popularity in skin care items, this is likely the easiest way to incorporate it. “Moisturizing serums and facial oils can contain pomegranate seed oil and are easy to incorporate into your skin care routine,” says King.
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