The juicy fruit is being touted as one of the hottest skin care ingredients popping up in masks, moisturisers and lip balms. Experts tell us if it’s worth the hype...
A summer staple, watermelons are known for being thirst- quenching and refreshing to eat. And they are perfect not just as a cooling juice but the fruit’s extracts also offer a host of skin care benefits. Korean beauty brands have brought the ingredient to the forefront, especially for its moisturising properties, as it contains 90 per cent of water. It also has vital nutrients that make it suitable for both dry and acne prone skin. Glow Recipe’s Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask has become such a craze that it was sold out within hours of its launch. Milk Make-up’s serum stick also contains the seeds of the fruit as does Drunk Elephant’s hydration gel. But beyond the current hype for products, is it an effective skin care component?
Moisturising benefits
Watermelon seeds, as well as the rind, have been introduced in skin care products in the recent past. “There aren’t too many products available today with watermelon extracts but I do notice that many companies are exploring the rich antioxidant content of the fruit to be able to deliver the benefits to skin when used topically. A lot of Korean beauty products are using watermelon in face masks, hydrating gels and serums too,” says Dr Jamuna Pai, Cosmetic Physician, Author and Founder SkinLab. The water content helps provide moisturising benefits, lycopene being a photonutrient has anti-inflammatory properties and brightening effects and the amino acids help in exfoliation. She suggests using it as a moisturiser or as a DIY pack made at home.
Quick mask at home
Watermelon extract is touted for being rich in vitamin C and the amino acids offer benefits for sun damaged skin. It also promotes cell regeneration. Dr Saumya Shetty Hegde, Dermatologist, Roots Skin Clinic, mentions, “The citrulline (an amino acid) improves blood circulation and works as a natural exfoliator. It could also come in handy for battling fine lines.” She recommends using chilled slices of watermelon as a quick face mask. Ideal for sun-parched or irritated skin, the watermelon will instantly cool and soothe. Another option is to take a piece of watermelon and juice it. Use cotton pads and apply this to your tanned body parts or face. Wait for 15 minutes and then rinse your face or body with normal or cool water. A mixture of equal portions of cucumber pulp and watermelon mask on your face helps with a suntan.
Suitable for flaky skin
Turkey is one of the largest producers of watermelon in the world and the fruit is incorporated into their beauty products. “The abundant Vitamin A present in the watermelon decreases the skin pore size and controls the oil secretions. It also encourages growth of collagen and elastin that helps your skin stay young and supple. Though watermelon is suitable for all skin types, it is particularly very effective for dry or flaky skin. While it works as natural toner, it also hydrates and brightens your skin. Forms like cream, face masks could provide many benefits to your skin,” says Poornima Choudhary, Business Head, Global Beauty Secrets that has incorporated it in their day cream. “It helps fight free radicals, leaving you with younger and more radiant skin,” adds Dr Shefali Trasi Nerurkar, MD Skin, Consultant Dermatologist, Dr Trasi’s Clinic and La Piel.
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