Pomegranate: Benefits For Skin And Hair

Pomegranate is currently experiencing a renaissance in the hands of natural cosmetics, which has chosen it as a star ingredient in creams, facial and body oils, shower gels, shampoos and other products that are highly suitable for mature skin.

The pomegranate is an extraordinary fruit. It appears to be crowned and when opened it shows a collection of rubies. It is not surprising that it attracted sages, poets and therapists as symbols of beauty, femininity and longevity. Since ancient times, it has been prized for its flavor, for being healthy, and for its usefulness in skin and hair care.

Its edible part or arils, the showy crimson grains, contain polyphenols, including flavonoids such as anthocyanins and quercetin.

These compounds, with a high antioxidant power, offer the body protection against certain types of cancer and degenerative and cardiovascular diseases, and may also explain their effect on the skin and hair.

Pomegranate for your skin and hair

Various cosmetic ingredients are obtained from the pomegranate, such as seed oil and extracts of the grain or aril, of the white skin that separates them or of the bark. Each of these raw materials has peculiar properties.

White fur, for example, is astringent, reducing pore size. This is ideal for combination or oily skin, as it prevents the appearance of blackheads, pimples and acne.

The peel is revitalizing, since it stimulates the skin’s metabolism, firming it and strengthening its blood capillaries. The extract is indicated to treat melasma or dark discoloration of the skin in areas exposed to the sun, a very common skin disorder associated with estrogens and progesterone, which affects more pregnant women, those taking birth control pills and young women with tan skin tones.

On the other hand, the peel extract is rich in tannins, which improve the adhesion of the dyes to the keratin of the hair and enhance its tone and shine. Hence it is used in reddish natural dyes.

A very regenerating oil

The oil that is extracted from the dried arils, with the seeds inside, is highly valued. It takes a half ton of grenades to obtain a liter of oil by cold pressing, which justifies its price.

It is composed of essential fatty acids such as gamma linolenic acid from the omega-6 family and punic acid. This substance, exclusive to pomegranate and suitable for mature skin, is a great anti-inflammatory, regenerates the skin, calms irritation and relieves eczema.

Rejuvenating pomegranate-based mask

• For four uses, 100 g of white clay, 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and the juice of a pomegranate are prepared .
• The three ingredients are mixed until obtaining a creamy texture.
• The mask is applied to a clean and dry face, avoiding the eye contour.
• It is left to act between 15 and 20 minutes and is removed with plenty of warm water.
• A toner is then applied to the face, and finally a day moisturizer. If the toner and cream also contain pomegranate, the effect will be enhanced.

What is left over can be kept in an opaque glass jar, kept in the fridge for a few weeks. After applying the mask it is better not to come into direct contact with sunlight.

Anti-wrinkle effect

The antioxidants in pomegranate fight free radicals, the main cause of skin aging, and stimulate fibroblasts, the cells that produce collagen and elastin, essential for keeping skin plump and supple.

Pomegranate oil, for its part, reverses and prevents premature aging caused by environmental agents. According to a study by the University of Michigan, it stimulates the proliferation of keratocytes, the cells that predominate in the skin.

Thus it strengthens it and favors its healing in case of injury. In addition, like all oil, it helps to keep the skin hydrated. It is also useful as a protective shield when the cold begins, since it helps the skin to adapt to the changes in temperature between the cold outside and the heated air inside.

The oil massages Granada are a luxury and reduce muscle fatigue. They also serve to treat discomforts of menopause.

For this, it is also recommended to consume the pomegranate as food. It is rich in vitamins A and B6, as well as calcium, phosphorus and manganese.