Pomegranate: benefits for skin and hair

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

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

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

These compounds, with 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

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

White skin, for example, is astringent, which reduces pore size. This is ideal in combination or oily skinas it prevents the appearance of points black, pimples and acne.

The peel is revitalizing, since it stimulates the metabolism of the skin, reaffirming it and strengthening its blood capillaries. The extract is indicated for treat melasma either dark skin coloration on 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.

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

A very regenerative oil

The oil that is extracted from the dried arils, with the seeds inside, is highly appreciated. A half ton of grenades is needed to obtain a liter of oil by cold pressingwhich justifies its price.

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

Pomegranate-based rejuvenating mask

For four uses, prepare 100 g white clay, 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and the juice of a pomegranateThe three ingredients are mixed until a creamy texture is achieved. The mask is applied to a clean and dry face, avoiding the eye area.It is left to act between 15 and 20 minutes. and is removed with plenty of lukewarm water.A toner is then applied to the face., and finally a moisturizing day cream. If the tonic and the 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 pomegranate antioxidants They fight free radicals, the main causes of skin aging, and stimulate fibroblasts, the cells that produce collagen and elastin, essential for keeping the skin smooth and flexible.

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

This strengthens it and favors its healing in case of injury. Also, like all oil, helps keep skin hydrated. It is also useful as a protective shield when the cold starts, as it helps the skin to adapt to changes in temperature between the cold outside and the warm air inside.

The pomegranate oil massage They are a luxury and reduce muscle fatigue. They are also used to treat menopausal discomfort.

For this, it is also recommended to consume the pomegranate as food. It is rich in vitamins A and B6in addition to calcium, phosphorus and manganese.