Aside from being a refreshing summer fruit, watermelon is actually a great anti-aging treat. One of the primary reasons why watermelon is so desirable in the skincare industry is that, aside from being incredibly hydrating at approximately 90% water, it also provides an ample amount of antioxidants and vitamins which are what gives it its anti-aging status.
As well as containing carotenoids like lycopene, alpha-carotene and beta-carotene, watermelons contain vitamins A, C and E, cucurbitacin E, magnesium, potassium and the amino acid citrulline. If you’re into your anti-aging skincare ingredients, you’ll be very familiar with vitamins A and C. Vitamin A is known for its contribution to the popular wrinkle fighter retinol due to its natural ability to help to reduce the visibility of wrinkles and fine lines that come with age. As well as being associated with acting like a natural skin brightener, vitamin C helps to increase collagen production and defend the skin against free radical damage, which is subsequently instrumental in preventing the signs of premature aging. The plant compound known as cucurbitacin E is recognized for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. Anti-inflammatories are great for calming dermal redness and irritation, especially those caused by the environmental stressors we encounter every day like pollution, for example.
Moving onto carotenoids, these are also plant compounds with potent antioxidant capabilities. Lycopene aids the skin in its quest to detoxify the effects of free radicals and photodamage whilst improving overall dermal texture. Beta-carotene and alpha carotene, on the other hand, are converted by the body into vitamin A, the benefits of which we listed above. Magnesium helps to shield the skin against damage caused by free radicals by modulating cellular processes, thus impeding the onset of wrinkles and fine lines as well as improving dermal elasticity. Potassium is also just as useful in maintaining a youthful complexion since it plays an important role in helping to transport nutrients around the body to its cells. The amino acid citrulline (also known as L-citrulline) has been found to harbor anti-aging qualities. Plentiful in watermelon rind, citrulline is said to contain antioxidant properties and behave like a dermal conditioning hero and, as such, is generally used in moisturizers and a host of other anti-aging skincare products, not to mention sunscreen.
With that said, it’s also useful to take note of watermelon’s vitamin E content, more specifically that found in watermelon extract. Vitamin E is known to be able to sink deeply into the skin, which is partly why it’s so nourishing. When combined with the power that is watermelon’s vitamin C content, it has been reported via various studies that the antioxidant protection from such vitamins is noticeably heightened, rather than if the two vitamins were used individually. As well as its in-born emollient properties, watermelon (in its extract form) acts like a toner to the skin which is very helpful, especially if you’re looking to reduce the size of your pores.
As well as reaping the benefits that come with eating watermelon and utilizing its extract, this fruit can also be enjoyed via the oil created from it. Watermelon seed oil is said to be a blessing to skin that is on the dry side since its moisturizing abilities, in conjunction with its mineral, antioxidant and unsaturated fatty acid content, it is very nutritious to the skin. With omega fatty acids 3, 6 and 9 as well as copper and oleic acid it, like the fruit it’s sourced from, is incredibly hydrating. In addition to this, watermelon seed oil has been said to have demonstrated its abilities when looking to decrease any visible facial puffiness caused by water retention.