The pomegranate is one of the earliest fruits to be cultivated by man, dating as far back as 3500-2000BC. It was highly valued for its medicinal properties in a number of ancient cultures, and modern medicine is now confirming that this plant does indeed have a wide range of beneficial effects (1). All parts of the plant were traditionally used - the juice, seeds, leaves, flowers, bark and roots. At Mokosh we have been using certified organic pomegranate seed oil in our key products for many years, because of its many and varied benefits to the skin. Read on to find out why this beautiful oil is a must for your skin care routine.
What’s special about pomegranate seed oil?
Pomegranate seed oil is extremely rich in unsaturated fatty acids, of which punicic acid, a conjugated polyunsaturated acid that is rare in the natural world, makes up around 60%. Despite its high concentration of unsaturated fatty acids, pomegranate seed oil is relatively stable and resistant to oxidation because of its unusually high antioxidant content. It is rich in both polyphenols and vitamin E, both potent antioxidants. It also contains abundant anti-inflammatory phytosterols (2).
Most of the benefits of the oil come from its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. When taken internally, pomegranate seed oil has been shown to reduce levels of pro-inflammatory mediators, reduce insulin resistance and may also have anti-cancer and neuro-protective effects (1). Its benefits when applied to the skin are also significant.
How can pomegranate seed oil benefit my skin?
The unique benefits to the skin of pomegranate seed oil are mostly attributable to its potent anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activity. Its anti-inflammatory properties help to calm red, irritated skin, while its antioxidant effects help protect the skin from the generation of free radicals by UV light and pollutants - agents that can prematurely age the skin.
Other benefits of pomegranate seed oil are still being discovered. One study showed that pomegranate seed oil promotes the proliferation of keratinocytes, the cells that make up the outer layer of our skin, or epidermis. This means it can promote speedier and more effective healing of the skin. (3)
Another significant discovery was that the application of pomegranate seed oil to the skin at a concentration of only 5% prevented skin tumor development, demonstrating its potential as a safe preventive against the development of skin cancer (4).
Which Mokosh skin care products contain pomegranate seed oil?
You will find certified organic pomegranate seed oil in our Elderberry & Chia Seed Beauty Serum, Raspberry & Pomegranate Beauty Serum, Rich Face Cream and Baby Massage Oil.
We like to formulate our certified organic skin care products so that they contain a balance of beneficial ingredients. Pomegranate seed oil’s anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, healing and anti-tumor benefits are complemented with ingredients that build and restore the skin barrier, provide antioxidants and anti-inflammatories of different molecular structures, protect and restore collagen, and protect the skin’s microbiome. We like to think of our products as a balanced diet for the skin!
For help finding the right Mokosh product for your skin type, take a look at our Guide.
References:
1. Boroushaki, MT et al. (2016) Pomegranate seed oil: a comprehensive review on its therapeutic effects. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research. 7:430-442
2. Pereira de Melo, IL et al (2016) Characterization of constituents, quality and stability of pomegranate seed oil (Punica granatum L). Food Science and Technology 36: 132-139
3. Aslam, MN et al (2006) Pomegranate as a cosmeceutical source: pomegranate fractions promote proliferation and procollagen synthesis and inhibit matrix metalloproteinase-1 production in human skin cells. J Ethnopharmacol. 103:311-8.
4. Hora JJ et al (2003) Chemopreventive effects of pomegranate seed oil on skin tumor development in CD1 mice. J Med Food. 6:157-61.
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