This little red fruit is uber tasty, but did you know it has medicinal and beauty benefits as well as skin benefits? There's a reason pomegranate juice was said to have been one of Cleopatra's beauty secrets. Presenting our round-up of pomegranate skin care benefits.

And, read on to the end of the blog for some other pomegranate uses.

All About Pomegranate

Knowledge of pomegranate skin care benefits isn't a recent thing. Pomegranate fruit has been used for centuries in traditional medicines and skincare. In fact, it's is thought to have originated in Iran where it was used for skincare purposes before humans understood its antioxidant properties. It's most commonly found and used in the Middle East, South Asia, and The Mediterranean.

Pomegranate Oil vs. Pomegranate Extract

The oil of pomegranate comes from the seeds. It's non-greasy and absorbs almost instantly into the skin. The oil also helps to prevent water loss while protecting against free radical damage from UV rays. Pomegranate seed oil has anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce redness or irritation on the surface of the skin due to acne or other damage; this property of the oil makes it helpful in reducing scars, blemishes, dark spots, age spots, and other hyper pigmentation on the skin.

Pomegranate root extract works similarly but specifically targets aging skin because it inhibits matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which are enzymes that break down collagen in the skin. Pomegranate extract is especially effective in keeping the skin hydrated and smooth by reducing trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) which helps to retain moisture at deeper levels, fighting dry skin. They also help to smooth the skin by removing any dead skin cells that may be on the surface of the skin.

Facial Benefits of Pomegranate

Skin Cell Regeneration

Pomegranate contains P-coumaric acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, ellagic acid, gallic acid, among many other nourishing compounds that all work together to promote wound healing and tissue repair. Meanwhile, Vitamin C and phytonutrients help skin cells regenerate.

Pssst...why not try our Super Fruit lip balm pack? Skin cell regeneration happens on that kisser too. We feature pomegranate as one natural remedy for cracked lips.

Sun Protection

Pomegranate is also a great ingredient to use after the skin has been exposed to the sun because they contain antioxidant polyphenol that is especially good for repairing free radical damage caused by exposure to pollutants or UVB/UV radiation.

The fruit also has a high concentration of polyphenols, Vitamin C, A, and E as well as Omega 3 fatty acids and amino acids which all help to make skin healthy and less susceptible to damage from environmental factors, pollutants, or sun exposure.

So, yeah. It's pretty good in the prevention of sun damage thanks to its antioxidant abilities. That's why it's part of our sunscreen. ;)

Pomegranate Extract for Acne-Prone Skin

Pomegranate skin care benefits continue for those of us whose skin can get a bit problematic. Ellagic acid found in pomegranates is also an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties, which helps to reduce inflammation caused by acne breakouts and can heal any scarring that might be present on the surface of the skin. Punicic acid present also moisturizes the skin naturally without leaving behind any oily residue that can often upset acne-prone skin.

This is precisely why we've included pomegranate as a key ingredient in our Superfruits & Sea Kelp Face Wash! You don't need to have moisture loss to treat blemishes.

Anti-Aging Benefits

Pomegranate topically stimulates collagen and elastin production. Again, it can also fight free radicals from UV radiation, thus reducing fine lines and wrinkles. So, they're a great choice for those looking to have healthier-looking skin with fewer visible signs of skin aging.

Glowing Skin Cells

Your natural glow, delivered. The boost of collagen that pomegranate provides also increases the radiance of the skin. The ellagic acid contained in pomegranates is incredibly brightening, as well.

Other Inclusions of Pomegranate Juice - Tasty Recipes & More

We're all about working beauty from the inside-out, (Get that cellular detox baby!) so we're including some yummy recipes and other inclusions of pomegranate fruit to work in those overall health benefits alongside our skincare products. Of course, you could always just eat the pomegranate seeds, but why not zhuzh it up?

50 Healthy Pomegranate Recipes

Scroll through this expertly crafted list of ways to cook and bake using pomegranate juice and pomegranate seeds, enabling its anti-inflammatory benefits.

DIY Lip + Cheek Stain

Pomegranates can stain like crazy, but maybe that isn't such a bad thing. Back in the day, beauty mavens deepened the lip and cheek in color using richer berry juices. So, maybe you don't have time to buy up another makeup product. In that case, all you need to some pom juice and a few drops of oil. (For extra nourishment, use our Glow Oil.)

For all-around health—but especially in skincare—pomegranate is a powerhouse ingredient for anything from aging to sun protection to acne control. So, be sure and serve yourself up some antioxidants in your routine.