Pomegranates have held value for centuries for their health and skincare benefits. Packed with antioxidants, vitamins and essential fatty acids, this super fruit has powerful anti-ageing, hydrating and skin boosting effects. Not only does eating pomegranate support skin health but topical use of its seed oil and extract in skincare can deliver significant skin benefits. In this article we’ll explore the science behind the benefits of pomegranates for skin. We’ll also review the best way to use pomegranate in your skincare routine.
What are Pomegranates?
For thousands of years, pomegranates (Punica granatum) have had uses in traditional medicine and beauty. Originating from Persia and the Himalayan regions of Northern India, the pomegranate fruit quickly spread across the world. In ancient Egypt, their extracts were used for their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. The Greeks and Romans associated them with youth and vitality, incorporating them into skincare and hair treatments. In Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine, pomegranate seed oil was prized for its benefits in balancing skin, soothing inflammation and wound healing.
Today, pomegranate is enjoying a revival in modern skincare due to its remarkable ability to fight free radicals, support collagen production and deeply nourish the skin. This is because pomegranates are rich in bioactive compounds such as:
- Punicalagins & Anthocyanins: These are potent antioxidants that neutralise free radicals and prevent premature ageing.
- Punicic Acid (Omega-5 Fatty Acid): A rare fatty acid, this deeply hydrates and reduces inflammation.
- Vitamin C: This is essential for making collagen, skin brightening, and sun damage protection.
- Tannins & Flavonoids: These anti-inflammatory compounds help calm irritation and redness.
- Ellagic Acid: This is a polyphenol that prevents water loss and reduces hyperpigmentation.
Benefits of Pomegranate for Skin
Pomegranates are packed with powerful antioxidants, vitamins and essential fatty acids. These provide a range of benefits for skin including:
- Anti-Ageing: Pomegranates contain high levels of antioxidants that protect the skin from UV damage and oxidative stress which cause sun spots, wrinkles, fine lines and loss of elasticity. Pomegranate extract can also stimulate fibroblasts which are the skin cells responsible for collagen production. This helps to improve skin firmness and elasticity.
- Deep Hydration & Barrier Repair: Pomegranate seed oil is rich in punicic acid, an omega-5 fatty acid that locks in moisture and prevents transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Unlike heavier oils, pomegranate oil absorbs quickly, making it an excellent choice for hydration without clogging pores. It is especially beneficial for dry, sensitive or injured skin.
- Soothes Inflammation & Reduces Redness: The anti-inflammatory properties of pomegranate make it effective at calming irritated skin. Ellagic acid and flavonoids work together to reduce redness and support the skin’s healing process, making pomegranate particularly helpful for eczema, rosacea and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
- Regulates Sebum & Fights Acne: Pomegranate seed oil doesn’t clog pores and helps to balance oil production. This makes it useful for acne-prone skin. Additionally, it has antimicrobial properties, which can help prevent breakouts while soothing inflamed skin.
- Brightens Skin & Fades Hyperpigmentation: Pomegranate contains natural skin brightening compounds, like vitamin C and ellagic acid. Over time, this can fade dark spots, even out skin tone and make the skin more radiant.
How to Use Pomegranate in Your Skincare Routine
Although its not as widely available as more trendy skincare ingredients, you can find easily add pomegranate into your skincare routine with a little bit of effort. Before you do that though, you should know that there are two main types of pomegranate ingredients that you commonly find in skincare. These are pomegranate seed oil and extract with each having distinct skin benefits and uses:
- Pomegranate Extract: This is a light-weight water soluble ingredient packed with polyphenols and Vitamin C. Pomegranate extract works for all skin types and its main benefits are brightening, firming and preventing oxidative stress.
- Pomegranate Seed Oil: This is a highly concentrated oil rich in punicic acid and antioxidants. Pomegranate seed oil’s main benefits are hydration, inflammation reduction and skin barrier repair especially in dry or sensitive skin.
Once you’ve identified if one of the two types of pomegranate skincare ingredients is better for you, choose where you want it in your skincare. Here are the best ways to use pomegranate in your skincare routine (in our humble opinion):
- Moisturiser or Facial Oil: Pomegranate seed oil works well as a hydrating booster in skincare. You can either buy a ready made moisturiser containing it, use it on its own as a facial oil or mix into your existing moisturiser. Whatever you choose, you can use pomegranate seed oil every day. Apply it as the final step in your night routine to help seal in hydration.
- Serum: Pomegranate extract containing serums are ideal for delivering antioxidants and brightening compounds to the skin. Look for products that combine pomegranate with vitamin C or niacinamide for extra brightening and anti-ageing effects. Its best to use pomegranate serums in the morning for added protection against the environment.
- Face Mask: Hydrating or antioxidant face masks containing pomegranate can provide an instant glow and moisture boost. You can use these masks 1–2 times per week to help with dullness, dehydration and skin fatigue. If DIY is more your vibe, you can mix fresh pomegranate juice with honey or yoghurt for a hydrating and brightening mask.
Safety of Pomegranate Skincare
Although most people tolerate pomegranate well, you should proceed with caution if you have sensitive skin or food allergies. As with any new skincare ingredient, it’s best to perform a patch test before adding pomegranate products into your skincare routine. If you have any skin conditions or history of allergies, its best to speak with your medical provider before trying.
Pomegranate is a super fruit and powerful skincare ingredient that offers hydration, anti-ageing, brightening and protective benefits for skin. Whether in the form of seed oil, extract or even as the natural fruit, pomegranate can be a valuable addition to any skincare routine. As with any skincare ingredient, you’ll get the best ouyt of pomegranate by using it as part of a consistent and comprehensive routine.
At City Skin Clinic, we are obsessed with personalised skincare. We offer safe and effective compound skincare treatments with prescription-strength ingredients. These include Tretinoin and Hydroquinone where appropriate through our online skin clinic. Our doctors treat a range of conditions such as acne and scars, hyperpigmentation, melasma, skin ageing. To start your personalised skincare plan, book a virtual video consultation or use our online consultation form. The journey towards great skin starts here.
