DIY
BATH & BODY, SKINCARE
+ MAKEUP | 1
COMMENT
JULY
21, 2016 BY DEBORAH
HARJU
Pomegranates are one of my family’s favorite fruits to devour, but did you know they also contain powerful topical skin benefits? Not only are the seeds chock-full of vitamin C but pomegranate peel also has mega antioxidant power to stimulate and repair collagen.
The next time you come across this vibrant fruit, be sure not to discard of any part of it. It can be a lot of work to get to those flavorful seeds, making you wonder if it’s worth it. Trust me, it is! Pomegranate has antioxidant activity levels three times stronger than green tea or red wine (source). That’s a lot of anti-aging power working to fight wrinkles and dark spots.
What’s even sweeter is getting to use every part of the fruit. We love pomegranate in cocktails and smoothies, but what about on your face? Here are 4 beauty recipes using all the various pomegranate components so your labor is never in vain.
The nutrients of pomegranates are unparalleled and the juice from them can be a wonderful addition to your clay mask. This mask is perfect for a bright, clear complexion without drying your skin out.
1 tablespoon bentonite or Aztec clay
1-2 tablespoons pomegranate juice
Mix together the clay and pomegranate juice and apply with fingers all over your face and neck. Leave on for 10-20 minutes and wash off with warm water.
Premature fine lines are often caused by sun exposure, and pomegranates can help protect collagen, slowing this process down. For aging, mature or sun damaged skin, this mask gives both a powerful boost and is hydrating at the same time.
2 tablespoon organic plain yogurt
1 t honey
1 t pomegranate juice
Mix the ingredients well and apply with either facial brush or fingertips to face and neck. Leave the mask on for 10-20 minutes for maximum benefits and then rinse well with warm water.
Did you know the pomegranate peel has acne healing properties? Once the seeds have been removed, and the peels are cut into small pieces, place them in a dehydrator or roast on low heat of 145 degrees on parchment lined baking pans. Roast until they are dry and then remove to cool. Place the peels in a blender or grinder and mix well until you have a powder.
2 t pomegranate peel powder
Using 2 teaspoons of powder, slowly add rose water until a paste is formed. Place on blemishes as spot treatment. Leave on for 5-10 minutes and then rinse with warm water. This can be done as needed or 1-2 times a week.
This body scrub is both exfoliating and immediately restores hydration to the skin. Using the same method as above to grind the pomegranate peel into a powder, use the following ingredients to make this moisturizing body scrub.
2 t pomegranate peel powder
1 t brown sugar
1 t carrier oil such as jojoba or avocado
In a bowl, combine the powder and the sugar and stir well. Add in the oil and continue to thoroughly mix. Use as a body scrub and concentrate on rough patches such as knees or elbows. Rinse thoroughly when finished.
Photos by Ana Stanciu