Pomegranates are one of my family’s favorite fruits to devour, but did you know they also contain powerful topical skin benefits? Not only are the seeds chock-full of vitamin C, but pomegranate peel also has mega antioxidant power to stimulate and repair collagen [source]. The next time you come across this vibrant fruit, don't discard any part of it. It can be a lot of work to get to those flavorful seeds, making you wonder if it's worth it. Trust me—it is!
7 Pomegranate Beauty Recipes
Pomegranate has antioxidant activity levels 3 times stronger than green tea or red wine [source]. That's a lot of anti-aging power working to fight wrinkles and dark spots. Pomegranate is rich in vitamin C, which protects skin from aging free radicals, and iron, which oxygenates cells for a luminous glow.
What's even sweeter is getting to use every part of the fruit. We love pomegranate in co*cktails and smoothies, but what about on your face? These beauty recipes use all the various pomegranate components, so your labor is never in vain.
Reduce Redness with Pomegranate Juice
1. Pomegranate Clay Mask
The nutrients of pomegranates are unparalleled, and their juice can be a wonderful addition to a face mask. This mask is perfect for a bright, clear complexion without drying your skin out.
—1 tablespoon bentonite or Aztec clay
—1 to 2 tablespoons pomegranate juice
Mix the clay and pomegranate juice together, and using your fingers, apply the mixture all over your face and neck. Leave it on for 10 to 20 minutes, and then wash it off with warm water.
2. Pomegranate Repair Mask for Aging Skin
Premature fine lines are often caused by sun exposure, and pomegranates can help protect collagen, slowing this process down. For aging, mature, or sun-damaged skin, this mask gives a powerful boost and hydrates at the same time.
—2 tablespoon organic plain yogurt
—1 teaspoon honey
—1 teaspoon pomegranate juice
Mix the ingredients well, and apply the mixture to your face and neck with either a facial brush or your fingertips. Leave the mask on for 10 to 20 minutes for maximum benefits, and then rinse well with warm water.
Boost radiance with pomegranate seeds
3. Younger skin pomegranate seed face mask
Pomegranate is rich in ellagic acid, which brightens skin and promotes cell turnover. Use this age-defying fruit for a simple 2-ingredient face mask that comes together super quick!
—Handful of pomegranate seeds
—1 teaspoon honey
Crush the seeds in a bowl and stir in the honey. Apply the mixture to your face. Relax for 10 minutes then rinse with warm water.
4. Shed dull skin with a pomegranate seed face scrub
Make a gentle face scrub with the fruit's gritty seeds that slough off dead cells that dull the complexion. Plus, their vitamin C content brightens skin for a more glowing appearance.
—½ cup pomegranate seeds
—1 tablespoon brown sugar
Puree seeds and brown sugar together in a blends. Massage a quarter-size amount onto damp skin for 1 minute. Rinse and pat dry. Store leftovers in the fridge for 7-10 days.
Banish Breakouts with Pomegranate Peels
5. Acne-Fighting Pomegranate Peel Scrub
Did you know that pomegranate peel has acne-healing properties? Along with the many nutrients it contains [source], it is a powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and bacterial inhibitor [source].
You can DIY your powder this way: When the seeds have been removed, cut the peels into small pieces, and place them in a dehydrator or roast them on a low heat of 145°F on parchment-lined baking pans.
Roast the peels until they are dry, and then remove them to cool. Place the dried peels in a blender or grinder and mix well until you have a powder.
How to use your pomegranate peel powder:
—2 tsp pomegranate peel powder
—Rosewater
Using 2 teaspoons of powder, slowly add enough rosewater to form a paste. Place the paste directly on blemishes as a spot treatment.
Leave it on for 5 to 10 minutes, and then rinse with warm water. This can be done as needed or 1 to 2 times a week.
6. Pomegranate Peel Acne Spot Treatment
No time to dry the peels? No problem. You can get the skin-healing antioxidants and antibacterial properties by using fresh pomegranate peel as well.
Rub the flesh side of a 2-inch strip of peel onto blemishes for 1 minute. Let the residue absorb into skin. Repeat as needed until acne subsides.
7. Pomegranate Body Scrub
This sugar scrub is both exfoliating and immediately restores hydration to the skin. To make this moisturizing body scrub, use the same method as above to grind the pomegranate peel into a powder and then add the following ingredients:
—2 tsp pomegranate peel powder
—1 cup brown sugar
—½ cup carrier oil such as jojoba or avocado
In a bowl, combine the powder and the sugar and stir well. Add in the oil and continue to mix well. Use this mixture as a body scrub, concentrating on rough patches such as knees or elbows. Rinse thoroughly when finished.
Want more pomegranate ideas? Treat tired eyes these hydrating under-eye masks or let skin soak up this age-fighting toner with green tea.
Photos by Ana Stanciu
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