Pomegranates are among the healthiest fruits in the world. In fact, they’re sometimes referred to as “nature’s power fruit” or even “the fruit of life”. And rightfully so. All parts of the pomegranate plant have therapeutic uses, including the roots, bark, flowers, leaves and fruits. Pretty impressive, right? The vibrant, red berry offers a wide-range of health benefits thanks to its impressive nutritional profile which includes an array of powerful nutrients and antioxidants. The seeds of a pomegranate are great to eat on their own or sprinkled atop smoothies and salads. And while ingesting pomegranate seeds is a great way to reap some of their benefits, the oil from the fruit’s seeds can also be applied topically.
In fact, Pomegranate Seed Oil is an absolute miracle worker on skin. Personally, it has changed mine immensely, and it’s listed by Dr. Lori Shemek as one of the “Top 6 Anti-aging Oils For a Younger Skin That You Should Be Aware Of”. Read that full blog here!
For those who have been following along and reading about my journey, you likely already know about the struggles I’ve encountered with my skin and the slew of products that I’ve gone through over the years. It’s been an uphill battle to say the least. My skin is very sensitive, and is also acne-prone, which has made it difficult to lock down a good skincare routine that doesn’t cause irritation or flare-ups. To make things worse, during my pregnancies I developed melasma/skin discoloration. I used a lot of harsh products like Retin-A and Hydroquinone to try and treat this, but then I became more conscious of the ingredients that I was slathering on my face. I was completely disheartened at the loads of chemicals that were hidden inside!
Soon after, I decided to make the switch to green beauty and clean skincare. Through that change, and after lots of research, I discovered some amazing all-natural oils. Their powerhouse ingredients helped to make my skin dreams a reality, and I had no problem ditching the high-priced creams and serums I had once put my confidence (and paycheck) in. Pomegranate Seed Oil instantly become an all-time favorite of mine, and it’s versatility has allowed for me to use it regularly to prevent and fight some of the skin ailments I face or once faced. So, let’s dive a bit deeper into how this magical oil is made and four reasons why it will now always be a part of my daily regimen.
What is Pomegranate Seed Oil?
The jewel-like seeds of a pomegranate are also known as arils. You may be surprised to learn that they are one of the only edible parts of the fruit. The process of making pomegranate seed oil involves compressing these seeds in order to squeeze out their potent juices. Each tiny aril is made up of roughly 10–20% oil, so you can imagine how many go into one small bottle. A cold-pressed extraction process is best, as it uses little to no heat, which means that all of the natural enzymes, vitamins and other nutrients stay intact. You’ll likely find pomegranate seed oil in a variety of cosmetic products like hair care, soaps, moisturizers and facial oils. Aside from it’s many topical beauty benefits, research has shown that the oil can also help lower the risk of numerous diseases.
Benefits of Pomegranate Seed Oil
Pomegranate seed oil can benefit the skin in many ways. For one, it’s deeply moisturizing and loaded with antioxidants, which are great for warding off premature aging. Pomegranate seed oil also boosts collagen production, enhances the skin’s elasticity and has anti-microbial properties. Because of all of these nourishing characteristics, it’s a popular and advantageous oil amongst those who may be suffering from inflammation, acne, psoriasis, eczema or other types of skin disorders.
Here are four reasons I love pomegranate seed oil for my skin:
- The number one reason why I love Pomegranate Seed Oil is because it helps to reverse sun damage. It does so by stimulating cell turnover, revealing younger-looking skin. Does anyone else suffer from melasma like me? If so, say goodbye to skin discoloration and hello to a fresh and more youthful complexion!
- The second reason I love pomegranate seed oil so much is because it’s full of powerful polyphenols that fight free radicals, which in turn keep wrinkles at bay! The oil is also packed with fatty acids, the omega-5 fatty acid in particular, which helps with keeping the skin hydrated and plump. Without moisture, fine lines can become more pronounced, so it’s important to keep those pores quenched.
- The third reason I love Pomegranate Seed Oil is because it contains a lot of anti-inflammatory properties due to its high punicic acid content. Therefore, if you have any skin issues (like myself) such as psoriasis, eczema, acne or even just a sunburn, pomegranate seed oil is great for speeding up the healing process.
- The fourth and last reason why I love this oil so much is because it’s great for all skin types. It can be used by those with dry skin to help with moisture and hydration, but it also works well for those with oily skin, by aiding in skin regeneration. It absorbs deeply and quickly into the skin, without leaving a greasy or sticky residue, so it can be applied under makeup or worn on its own.
While these four perks have been the most useful to me and my skin needs, this is really just hitting the tip of the iceberg. There are so many more wonderful benefits that pomegranate seed oil can offer, even if you’re simply looking to up your skincare game and not necessarily treat anything specific. For example, it can also help to improve overall skin texture and firmness, as well as brighten and fade dark spots. For this reason, it’s great to throw in the mix as a preventative measure.
We import our Papillon Pomegranate Seed Oil from Israel and bottle it here in the US. It’s 100% certified ‘organic’ and it smells amazing! I personally love to rub it on my palms and then simply press it into my pores at night before bedtime. I also mix it with my sunscreen during the day. Our pomegranate seed oil is also be a great addition and nutritional boost to any creams, lotions or balms that are used for the face and body. Even just a little bit goes a long way. I’d love to hear what you think about pomegranate seed oil and how you incorporate it into your skincare routine. Let me know in the comments below!
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