Self-Care

Skin Care & Pomegranates

December 4, 2013
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pomegranateIn the past few years the pomegranate has been touted as a super food, but it was known for medicinal and beauty benefits and much more in ancient times. It is a symbol of prosperity and abundance in many cultures. Modern scientific studies have shown that this red fruit with its juicy arils also has an abundance of health benefits.

A Brief History

The name pomegranate is derived from Middle French—pomme garnete or “seeded apple.” Pomegranates are believed to have originated in Iran, known at that time as Persia. It is a fruit that is mentioned in Greek legends and ancient texts, including the Bible. Some even believe that it was a pomegranate, not an apple that was the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden. The pomegranate was brought to Egypt in 1600 BC where it became revered not only as an important food source (it was a required fruit in the pharaoh’s palace), but it was also used for medicinal purposes. The pomegranate was highly valued and is depicted in paintings in Egyptian tombs as it symbolized life after death. It is a symbol of fertility in some cultures and prosperity in others, inspired by the abundance of jewel-toned seeds within the bright red and sturdy round rind. It has also been used in wedding rituals in several cultures.

Skin Care Benefits

With its incredible antioxidant, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties and ability to encourage radiant skin, the pomegranate has been incorporated into skin care. It can help with a number of skin care issues including dry skin, oily skin, age spots, hyperpigmentation, and acne breakouts.

Cell Regeneration. Pomegranates help protect the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin) and helps with skin cell regeneration in the epidermis and dermis (inner layer), increasing circulation and healing the skin, aiding in tissue repair and wound healing.

Sun Protection. Pomegranates have sun protective compounds that protect the skin against free radical damage, help facialprevent skin cancer, relieve sunburn and reduce the signs of sun damage. Pomegranate seed oil works to protect against skin cancer because of ellagic acid, a polyphenol antioxidant found in large quantities in pomegranates, which researchers have found inhibits the growth of skin tumors.

Anti-Aging. Pomegranates protect against premature aging by helping reduce the signs of skin aging caused by sun damage and exposure, such as wrinkles and fine lines. Pomegranates also help prevent hyperpigmentation and age spots.

Youthful Skin. Pomegranates promote smooth, firm skin by promoting collagen and elastin production and soften skin.

Dry Skin. It is a great ingredient for skin care because its small molecular structure allows it to penetrates deeply into the skin. It works for most skin types, (which depends on the skin care ingredients pomegranate is combined with). Since pomegranate oil penetrates deeply into the skin, it is effective for treating dry skin. It soothes dry, cracked and irritated skin. It contains punicic acid, an omega 5 fatty acid that hydrates and prevents moisture loss.

6. Oily Skin/Combination Skin. Pomegranate oil even works for oily skin and the use of pomegranate have been beneficial in skin care products for acne prone skin, to combat breakouts, reduce scarring and sooth minor irritations.

Feed your skin antioxidants by scheduling a pomegranate facial; this facial is for all skin types. It includes skin analysis, cleansing, exfoliation, an impurity treatment for blackheads & whiteheads, masque, warm towel application, and a neck, shoulder, scalp, & face massage.

About the Owner:

Beauty Writer & Lifestyle Blogger April M. Monterrosa is a Proud Latina from San Antonio, Texas, a Military wife, the mama of a dachshund, a licensed Cosmetologist of 18 years, Owner of The Lil Spa Room, & a Nuskin Skin Care Distributor. With beauty & blogging being such passions she also created Shine Beautifully. Shine Beautifully will feature beauty tips, home remedies, quotes, poetry, recipes, personal stories, travel adventures, & an array of other topics. Don’t forget to check it out and subscribe!