Watermelon is the fruit of the hour, thanks to its ability to quench summer's heat while nourishing our bodies. The juicy red fruit has been touted for being "summer's blessings," and it lives up to the hype. Indeed, watermelon has attained a superfruit status.
When the temperature rises, one can’t deny this luscious fruit in all of its glorious forms: juices, smoothies, popsicles, cocktails, desserts, you name it. But, while watermelon gets all the good rap, a part of it is mostly forgotten and discarded - the rind.
But, when you next carve out the moist fruit, think twice before tossing the peel in the trash.
What is the watermelon rind?
Watermelon rind is the dense transparent layer between the succulent flesh and thick and hard greenish peel that houses the fruit. The rind makes up approximately 30% of the whole fruit - and that's a big deal.
Apart from offering us health benefits when consumed, watermelon rinds give our skin a facelift when used topically. It is a summer-friendly addition to your beauty lineup, especially if you are dealing with tired and thirsty skin.
It's understandable that by now, you are eager to lay your hands on a ball of ripe watermelon, carve out the rinds, process them, and slather them on your face.
Many DIY recipes for topical use of watermelon rinds are floating around the internet. But, it's advisable to go for watermelon rind extract (or products containing this ingredient) because the extract has been processed to eliminate any substance that can irritate or worsen your skin condition.
Watermelon rind extract provides the skin with an array of benefits. Here’s the lowdown:
Combats free radical damage
Watermelon rind is rich in lycopene, which enhances the appearance of the skin by fighting free radicals and warding off oxidative stress. Furthermore, as an antioxidant, lycopene strengthens the skin to cope with the elements (which are more extreme during the harsh summer weather).
Fades hyperpigmentation and promotes youthful skin
The rind is chock-full of vitamins that build our skins defences against warm-weather conditions.
Vitamin C in watermelon rinds promotes collagen synthesis, fades sun spots, heals sunburns, diminishes wrinkles, and brightens the complexion.
Vitamin A improves healthy skin by preventing collagen breakdown caused by sun damage. In addition, it combats acne, infections, fine lines, and sunburns.
Fights signs of aging
Watermelon rind contains rutin, a flavonoid that promotes skin elasticity and diminishes fine lines.
Pectin, a polysaccharide that makes up 13% of watermelon rind, plays a crucial role in reversing premature aging.
Protects the skin from extreme weather conditions
Citrulline, a noteworthy amino acid in watermelon rinds, also packs a punch. The compound is a natural skin-conditioning agent because it can bind water to itself. It is also beneficial for shielding the skin during intense temperature shifts and pollution. In addition, Citrulline is a natural source of nitrogen that plays a pivotal role in forming collagen and proteins in the skin.
Fights inflammation and soothes irritated skin.
Watermelon rinds contain anti-inflammatory components that are beneficial to the well-being of the skin.
Quercetin, a flavonoid in watermelon rind, alleviates irritated skin. It repairs sun-damaged skin by restoring skin barrier function and preventing transepidermal water loss. In addition, vitamin B6 prevents ruddy complexion and inflammation when the weather heats up.
Chlorophyll found in the rinds has been linked to having antibacterial properties that prevent clogged pores and breakouts.
Heals wounds
This overlooked part of the watermelon contains zinc, an essential nutrient in after-sun care products that prevent damage caused by the sun's UVB rays and speed up wound healing.
We’re so in awe of this natural powerhouse that we included it in our multi-benefit T-Zone + Cheeks moisturizer. This combo is the ultimate summer essential because it targets skin concerns such as oiliness, premature aging, clogged pores, and UV damages that are prevalent during the hot season.