More than just everyone’s favourite bright, sweet and summery fruit, watermelon can do just as much good in your skincare routine as it can in your diet. It’s full of juicy, hydrating H2O, as well as a number of vitamins and minerals that not only act as the ultimate skin perfectors, but will defend your complexion against everyday wear and tear from the elements.
Despite watermelon’s superfood properties, it’s only really emerged as a hero ingredient over the past few years, due to the release of some buzz-worthy products that have dominated both social media and the shopping carts of many a skincare lover. So you’ve got all the info, we’re here to give you the run-down on watermelon – from its top skincare benefits to a skin type breakdown, and of course, the deets on our must-have watermelon beauty products.
What are some watermelon benefits for the skin?
Reminiscent of hot summer days, watermelon is a beloved ingredient that evokes that fresh, sunkissed and glowy feeling – and this is no exception when it’s incorporated into your skincare products. The reason watermelon is such a skincare superfood is because it’s packed with heaps of antioxidants, and also has a very high water content, which makes it an expert hydrator.
Let’s break down some of the elements you’ll find in watermelon and what they can do for your skin, starting with the most simple – water! Watermelon, as the name might ever-so-subtly suggest, is predominantly H2O. In fact, it’s roughly 92% water, which makes both consuming it and incorporating it into your skincare routine great for supplementing your body’s hydration.
As we all know, though, water’s not perfect on its own – it needs another ingredient to help bind it to the skin to maintain that hydration and a smooth, supple, glowy texture and appearance. Meet citrulline, an amino acid with water-binding properties that’s luckily found right alongside all the other goodies in watermelon. Amino acids are often referred to as the ‘building blocks’ of proteins in the body, and there are a handful of them in existence, each with its own benefits for the skin. The other amino acid present in watermelon is arginine. Along with citrulline, these powerful amino acids do a few things for the skin, including locking in hydration and smoothing the complexion. When used over a significant period of time, this can ultimately lead to the reduction of visible signs of ageing – a pretty juicy benefit, if you ask us.
Amino acids aren’t the only skincare godsends found in watermelon infused products, though! Another must-have skincare ingredient that is ideal for sloughing away dead skin cells to reveal a fresh, glowy, and smooth complexion is malic acid, which is found in spades in watermelon. Malic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) also present in other fruit extracts (e.g., from apples, pears, and grapes), and its main job is to brighten the skin through gentle chemical exfoliation. It’s also a humectant, which means it draws water to the skin and traps it there.
Finally, watermelon is chock full of antioxidants, including vitamins A, B, C, and E, as well as wellness superstar lycopene. Antioxidants have a tonne of benefits – lycopene is great for promoting skin immunity, whereas vitamin A assists with skin turnover for a more even skin tone and texture. Collectively, antioxidants are also hugely useful at protecting the skin against free radical damage. We encounter free radicals in a number of forms every day, whether that’s in our food, through exposure to UV radiation, or via environmental pollution. As well as wearing a daily SPF, it’s important to include skincare products in your routine that are designed to target and minimise the effects of free radicals, which can be very pesky, leading to an uneven skin tone, fine lines, and wrinkles if not addressed with skincare. By using skincare that includes watermelon extract, you’ll shield your skin from this kind of damage and keep it looking younger, glowier, and healthier for longer.
Who should use watermelon skincare?
Because watermelon is naturally derived, it’s inherently safe for any skin type and can be used alongside a number of other products or with more active ingredients – making it a must-add ingredient to any routine.
However, watermelon will be a particularly effective ingredient choice if you’ve got sensitive, mature, dehydrated, or dry skin. Mature skin, where fine lines and wrinkles are a concern, will reap the benefits of watermelon’s protective antioxidant properties and its ability to smooth uneven skin texture for a uniform look. Skin types that experience irritation, flakiness, or discomfort will enjoy the calming nature of watermelon, as well as its ability to bind moisture to the skin for a boost of hydration.
Of course, if you’ve got combination or oily skin, that doesn’t mean watermelon’s not for you! Everyone can benefit from protection against free radicals and the soothing, hydrating pick-me-up that watermelon offers.
What are the best watermelon skincare products, and when should you use them?
Looking to get that watermelon glow? Well, you’re in luck – watermelon has recently become an ingredient du jour in the skincare space, so it’s easier than ever to find and add to your daily routine. You’ll notice watermelon is a popular choice in certain products, including masks, gel cleansers, and mists.
Our favourite watermelon-based product by far is the Remake Fruity Reboot-y Facial Tanning Water. Get your glow on, quite literally, with this bronzing facial tanner that boasts watermelon as a key ingredient to deliver maximum hydration and protection against the elements. Gone are the days of exposing your precious face to harmful UV rays – Fruity Reboot-y uses naturally derived DHA, the primary ingredient found in self-tanners, to deliver a gorgeous bronzing boost that’s also really good for your skin. It’s almost better than sipping your favourite watermelon cocktail poolside… come to think of it, we couldn’t picture a better combination for your next summery vacay.
Ready to glow from the inside out? Shop the Remake Fruity Reboot-y Facial Tanning Water to turn dreams into reality. Don’t forget to explore our full range of super simple skincare for a routine that delivers results without any of the fuss.