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:
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.”
What is pomegranate seed oil?
Pomegranate seed oil, or simply pomegranate oil, is an oil made from the seeds of a pomegranate, or Punica granatum. Yes, the delicious, juicy seeds you may eat for a snack. The fruit is native to the Mediterranean region and has long been used for its therapeutic properties.
The oil is often cold-pressed from the seeds and then used in oils, serums, or creams. You may also look for pomegranate skin oil, which is oil made from the skin of the fruit, pomegranate extract, which takes certain components (like specific antioxidants) from the pomegranate, or pomegranate essential oil, which should always be mixed with a carrier oil.
It’s been hailed as a super fruit and beloved in skin care for its potent fatty acid, polyphenol, and other antioxidant properties—which can account for its many benefits.
So let’s get into them, shall we?
What are the potential benefits of using pomegranate seed oil on skin?
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.
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 collagen
