Pomegranate Seed Oil: 9 Amazing Benefits (plus, a DIY recipe)

Ancient Egyptians regarded the pomegranate as symbol of prosperity and fertility. And they were really onto something. They probably didn’t refer to the pomegranate as a “superfood” per se – but they were well aware of its many health benefits.

The grapefruit-sized pomegranate is actually a berry. Surprising, right? Inside the fruit are layers of spongy, bitter tissue, packed with small seeds. And it’s those seeds we’re after: not only are they sweet and juicy – they’re filled with antioxidants and omega fatty acids.

Nutrients

So what exactly are these nutrients that give pomegranates such a good reputation? Here are a few:

Vitamin C: also known as ascorbic acid, this vitamin provides antioxidant benefits and plays an important role in the health of skin, bone, and connective tissues.

Ellagic acid: a small phytochemical (plant-based biologically active compound) with naturally occurring antioxidant properties.

Punicic acid: found predominantly in pomegranate seed oil, this fatty acid is rich in anti-inflammatory benefits.

Linoleic acid: an essential Omega-6 fatty acid that the body can’t manufacture on its own, linoleic acid is known to help regulate immunity and fight off serious illnesses.

Oleic acid: an Omega-9, this is the second most abundant fatty acid found in adipose (fat) tissue.

Flavonoids: phytonutrients (plant nutrients) that are responsible for the bright colors of fruits and vegetables, as well as their many health benefits. Flavonoids belong to the polyphenol group of antioxidants, which are often used in natural healing practices.

9 Reasons to Add Pomegranate Seed Oil To Your Skincare Regimen

Without further ado, here are nine reasons why you might want to consider using this superfood on your skin.

1. It Help Protects the Skin From Sun Damage

Sun spots, wrinkles, leathery skin: We all know that the sun is a big culprit when it comes to the visible signs of aging. Studies have shown that ellagic acid – found in pomegranate seed oil – can help protect skin cells from damage caused by UVB rays. These UVB rays encourage wrinkle formation, but ellagic acid can help disrupt this process.^1,2

Smooth a few drops over your skin before applying your sunscreen or apply to your skin after a long day in the sun.

2. It Helps Brighten Skin and Fade Dark Spots

Sun spots? Skin darkening? If these are your concerns, you may want to consider adding some pomegranate seed oil to your skin brightening routine. Both Vitamin C and ellagic acid interfere with pigment overproduction, which leads to the appearance of dark spots on the skin.³

3. It Helps Soothe Inflammation

Dealing with persistent redness? Sensitive skin? Even a sunburn? Pomegranate seed oil may help.

It turns out, pomegranate seed oil has strong anti-inflammatory qualities, thanks to the presence of punicic acid and flavonoids. Gently rub on a few drops of pomegranate seed oil to soothe irritated skin.

4. It Helps Slow the Formation of Wrinkles

The antioxidants found in pomegranate seed oil can help slow the wrinkle formation process. And the vitamin C component in pomegranate seed oil? It promotes collagen and elastin production – keeping skin plump and elastic.

Add pomegranate seed oil to your anti-aging regimen to boost results.

5. It Moisturizes Dry Skin

Pomegranate seed oil has moisturizing qualities for both oily and dry skin. It doesn’t leave a greasy film on the skin OR clog pores, but it penetrates deeply for lasting hydration.

To quench dry skin – apply a few drops under your regular moisturizer.

6. It Helps Clear Acne

Speaking of breakouts, the antioxidants found in pomegranate seed oil can help balance the production of sebum (oil) in skin, reducing the potential for pimples to appear.
And since pomegranate oil contains anti-inflammatory properties, it may help to reduce the inflammation of a pimple once a breakout is already in progress.

7. It Aids in Skin Regeneration

The skin naturally sloughs off old cells called “keratinocytes.” These dead cells – if they remain on the skin – can contribute to skin dullness and thickening. When the old cells are properly shed, it makes room for cell regeneration – and the creation of new cells.

Pomegranate seed oil stimulates this “keratinocyte proliferation” process, promoting a bright, fresh complexion.⁴

8. It Helps Improve Skin Texture

Skin elasticity and firmness decreases with age, but pomegranate seed oil encourages taut-looking skin.

Pomegranate seed oil protects and extends the lifespan of fibroblasts. Fibroblasts are responsible for the production of collagen and elastin – the very things that keep the skin strong, elastic, and youthful-looking.⁵

Not only that – the vitamin C in pomegranate seed oil helps reduce skin roughness.⁶

9. Reduces the Chances of Scarring

Cuts and scrapes – no one likes any of these wounds to linger long.

Well, it turns out the the punicic acid found in pomegranate seed oil helps speed wound healing. It promotes collagen and protein synthesis – necessary components for skin regeneration. Wounds treated with pomegranate seed oil also are less likely to become inflamed, thanks to the abundance of flavonoids.⁷

Want to Make Your Own Pomegranate Seed Oil At Home?

What you need:

1 ounce pomegranate seeds
4 cups jojoba oil
Crockpot
Jar
Cheesecloth
Rubberband

How To:

1. Add 4 cups of jojoba oil to a crockpot.
2. Stir in 1 ounce of pomegranate seeds and set the crockpot to “low” and let cook for 6 hours.
3. After 6 hours, turn crock pot off and let oil cool for 15 to 20 minutes.
4. Lay cheesecloth over jar and secure with a rubber band.
5. Pour oil over cheesecloth to strain out pomegranate seeds, letting the oil settle in the jar.
6. Store pomegranate seed oil in the refrigerator or in a cool, dark place for up to six months.

The Superfood That Leads To Super Skin

So, don’t just drink pomegranate juice or snack on the seeds! Reap the full benefits of this superfood by adding pomegranate seed oil to your skincare routine.

For more beauty tips, keep reading:

Why You Should Massage Your Face While Cleansing

Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20113347
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3004287/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3673383/
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16221534
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18717570
6. http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/health-disease/skin-health/vitamin-C
7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4007340/