Touted as "Food of the Gods” and a symbol of ‘fertility’, the incredible crimson-coloured fruit is well-known for its immense curative properties and beauty benefits since ancient times. The name "pomegranate" is derived from the French word ‘pomme garnete’ which means “seeded apple.”
Pomegranate which comes from the deciduous shrub with the botanical name Punica granatum is native to Iran and is cultivated widely all over the world. Be it the seed, flowers, juice, peel, oil, bark, or roots, the extracts obtained are extensively used in several health and skin-care products.
Known as ‘aanar’ in Hindi, the extracts obtained from pomegranate or pomegranate seed powder has extensive uses in the holistic science of Ayurveda and offers an alternative remedy for several health anomalies including promoting weight loss, clearing clogged pores, treating erectile dysfunction, lowering blood pressure, treating kidney stones etc.
Pomegranate which is tough and leathery from the outside has hundreds of tiny edible seeds called arils. These arils which produce the extract are abundant in antioxidants, minerals, fibres, flavonoids, catechins and healthful nutrients like vitamins A, C, E and folic acid. These extracts obtained can then be infused in beauty essentials or dried to make powders which are then fabricated into health supplements.
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Right from being used for cooking, baking, making juice blends, smoothies, cocktails, sprinkled as salad garnishing, brewed as a tea or used for making skin or hair essentials, the tasty aanar is the go-to for enhancing both skin and overall health.
Pomegranate-based products also help in repairing, rejuvenating and replenishing the skin in many ways. Apart from being incredible for health, in the recent years pomegranate-based skin care essentials have literally created a buzz in the beauty industry owing to the presence of anti-inflammatory, anti-toxin and rejuvenating properties.
From an anti-ageing product to imparting a natural glow, here's how pomegranate-based beauty essentials bestow ultimate revitalisation to both skin and hair.
Beauty Benefits Of Pomegranate-Based Products:
Prevents Acne And Pimples
Loaded with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial properties, pomegranate-based skin care products are extremely beneficial for treating skin infections and inflammatory conditions like acne, pimples, etc. The pomegranate seed oil acts as a mild cleanser and helps to clean the skin pores by removing dead skin cells and accumulation of dirt and grime particles from them. It also prevents infections in the sebaceous glands and thus reduces redness and pain at the site of acne.
Provides Sun-Protection
Pomegranate-based skin care essentials act as a natural sun protectant. The presence of polyphenols and antioxidants protects the skin from the harmful UVA and UVB rays and prevents free radical damage to the skin and thus helps reduce tanning and fight signs of premature ageing. Incorporating pomegranate-based products in your daily beauty routine is useful in reducing sun tan and providing a healthy and natural radiance from within.
Arrests Signs Of Ageing
The occurrence of spots, blemishes and dark circles makes the skin look dull, aged and reduces one’s self-confidence. Blemishes mostly occur due to several causes including hormonal imbalance, exposure to the sun, unhealthy dietary choices, and aging. The umpteen healthful nutrients present in this fruit-based products work effectively in improving skin health. It plays a crucial role in lightening the skin under the eyes thus reducing dark circles. Regular use of pomegranate oil or serum evens out the skin tone and prevents further discolouration.
Also Read: Pomegranate: The Elixir of Anti-Aging
Ensures Hydration Of Skin
The abundance of Vitamin C in pomegranate-based beauty products hold high significance in moisturising and hydrating dry and peeling skin. The bulk of nourishing properties in moisturisers, creams and skin oils imbued with pomegranate extract are rich in micronutrients and phytochemicals and hence helps to penetrate more deeply into the skin to deliver hydration. These products are beneficial in retaining moisture within the skin pores thus providing a dewy radiant skin.
Relieves Hair Problems
With the latest innovations, pomegranate extracts are also incorporated in hair-care essentials because of its extensive hair-growth properties. The anti-microbial nature of the fruit-extract treats various scalp and hair infections like folliculitis, itching and dandruff. Shampoos, hair oils, conditioners and serums containing pomegranate extract nourishes the hair follicles with essential nutrients, improves blood circulation and strengthens the hair strands from the roots. The oil obtained from pomegranate is also beneficial for normalising the secretion of the stress hormone, thereby preventing hair fall and breakage due to stress and anxiety.
Homemade Pomegranate Beauty Essentials
Pomegranate – Papaya Face Mask
Ingredients:
2 tbsp pomegranate seed powder
1 tbsp papaya powder
1 tsp basil essential oil
1 tbsp raw milk
Method:
Mix all the ingredients to get a smooth paste.
Apply it all over the skin.
Let it dry for 20 minutes.
Wash off with cool water.
How It Works:
Imbued with antioxidants, pomegranate powder acts like an exfoliative and scourges away all the dead skin cells making your skin smoother to touch. While papaya reverses the age clock and combats the various signs of ageing, basil oil controls oil secretion and raw milk adds a natural glow to the skin.
Aloe vera Gel - Pomegranate Oil Hair Serum
Ingredients:
3 tbsp aloe vera gel
1 tsp vitamin E oil
10 drops of pomegranate seed oil
10 tbsp almond oil
Method:
Mix all the ingredients in a double boiler.
When everything liquifies, pour the serum in a dark coloured bottle.
Apply on towel-dry hair and smoothen it out with a hair brush.
Dry the hair using a blow dryer.
How It Works:
Touted for its astonishing hydrating and moisturizing properties, aloe vera gel works wonder for dry hair. Both vitamin E oil and pomegranate seed oil are extremely nourishing and promotes hair growth while making it sleek and shiny. The addition of almond oil as the base ingredient helps in locking the moisture in the hair shafts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do pomegranate extracts enhance hair health?
Pomegranate extracts nourish the scalp, reduce dandruff, and promote hair growth. The antioxidants present help in strengthening hair follicles and improving hair shine.
Can pomegranate-based products help with acne?
Yes, pomegranate extracts have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can help reduce acne and prevent breakouts.
Are pomegranate-based products suitable for all skin types?
Generally, pomegranate-based products are suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, due to their gentle and nourishing properties.
How do pomegranate-based products protect against UV damage?
Pomegranate extracts contain antioxidants like ellagic acid, which help protect the skin from UV damage and reduce the effects of sun exposure.
How do pomegranate extracts promote collagen production?
Pomegranate extracts stimulate fibroblast cells in the skin, which are responsible for producing collagen and elastin, leading to firmer and more youthful skin.
(This article is reviewed by Kalyani Krishna Chief Content Editor)
Author Profile
Soumita Basu:
Soumita Basu holds a Bachelor's Degree in Pharmacy and is keenly interested in Ayurveda, home remedies, yoga, fitness, diagnostics, and beauty. With nearly 6 years of experience, she produces evidence-based health content, including articles, videos, and infographics, to provide valuable insights to her audience.
References:
1. Potent health effects of pomegranateAuthors: Aida Zarfeshany, Sedigheh Asgary,1 and Shaghayegh Haghjoo Javanmard
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4007340/
2. Food Applications and Potential Health Benefits of Pomegranate and its DerivativesAuthors: Panagiotis Kandylis* and Evangelos Kokkinomagoulos
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7074153/
