Pomegranate Power

This polyphenol-packed fruit is loaded with natural wrinkle fighters.

Pomegranate is the latest wonder ingredient in anti-aging skin care. This colorful fruit has three times more antioxidants than green tea and red wine, which helps neutralize the free radicals that cause skin damage and visible signs of aging.

Pomegranate was found to have more polyphenols than “superfoods” açai or white tea. Polyphenols are a naturally occurring family of plant chemicals that function as antioxidants in the body, helping reduce the risks of cancer and cardiovascular disease and the effects of aging on the skin.

Pomegranates are packed with vitamins C and E, which slow the signs of aging by preventing the breakdown of collagen and aid the growth of fibroblasts, the cells that produce elastin and collagen. They’re also rich in zinc, a mineral that regulates the growth of basal cells, which develop into mature skin tissue and assist in wound healing. Plus, pomegranates contain copper, which is needed to produce melanin, a pigment responsible for the color of skin, eyes, and hair that also provides natural sun protection.

Another important constituentof the fruit, ellagic acid (a poly-phenol antioxidant), helps prevent pigmentation and age spots. Recent research reveals that ellagic acid may also inhibit the growth of skin cancer. Specifically, the effects of ellagic acid on melanoma cells demonstrated “an inhibitory effect on cell proliferation at specific concentrations.”

Several studies show that pomegranate seeds’ rich oil helps to accelerate healing by protecting the outer layers of the skin and encouraging cells to regenerate. The oil is an ideal moisturizer for dry skin, and a potent source of flavonoids and punicic acid, which reduces inflammation and improves skin elasticity.

Mix NeoCell Collagen+C Poamegranate Liquid (below, left) with water, juice, or tea for a skin-beautifying drink. 

NeoCell Collagen+C Pomegranate Liquid protects against free-radical damage with ellagic acid and vitamin C.

Weleda Pomegranate Firming Serum was shown in a trial to reduce wrinkles by 29 percent after 28 days of use.

Botanique by Himalaya Neem • Pomegranate Toothpaste supports healthy gums with a blend of botanicals including pomegranate extract.

Reviva Labs Microdermabrasion Pomegranate Scrub uses pomegranate instead of abrasive aluminum oxide to exfoliate and revitalize skin.

Skin by Ann Webb Pomegranate Daytime Protection Moisturizer guards against the elements with potent antioxidants and sun-protective minerals.