What are the benefits of pomegranate juice for the skin?

The name "Punica granatum" is used to refer to both the tree and the fruit of the pomegranate. This is a tree that grows between 2 to 5 metres high, belonging to the Punicaceae family. Originally from Central Asia, the cultivation of the pomegranate has spread to several countries such as Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, and even America. As a mythical fruit, numerous benefits are attributed to the pomegranate. In Egyptian mythology, it is considered a symbol of fertility. Its use also extends to medicine, and recently, to skincare and haircare.

To harness all its benefits, the pomegranate is utilised in the form of an extract. This plant-based active ingredient is obtained following an alcoholic extraction and maceration of the fruits in water and glycerine. The pomegranate fruit extract is a slightly amber liquid with a characteristic scent, soluble in water or another hydrophilic medium. The recommended dosage of this ingredient in a skincare product ranges from 0.5% to 2%.

The skin is exposed to various aggressions. Pollution, microbes, and solar rays are among the factors that promote the production of free radicals. These unstable molecules accelerate the skin ageing process by "attacking" proteins, cells, and even DNA fragments. Pomegranate juice, being rich in antioxidants (anthocyanins, catechins, ellagic acid and tannins), helps to neutralise them by donating electrons to stabilise them. This action against cellular oxidation helps toprevent premature skin ageing. In fact, pomegranate extract has demonstrated an action on radicals superior to that of commonly used antioxidants such as green tea.

Furthermore, the pomegranate also has a firming power. Indeed, it contains phytosterols that stimulate collagen synthesis and restore elasticity and firmness to the skin.

The juice extracted from pomegranate peel is renowned for its benefits for dull skin. Indeed, it contains:

• B and C group vitamins that activate cellular renewal by stimulating collagen synthesis.

• Minerals such as iron play a crucial role in thecellular oxygenationprocess.

• Copper that contributes to the production of melanin. It provides natural protection against damage caused by UVB and UVA rays. It limits the appearance of pigmentation spots while boosting the skin's repair in case of injuries or sunburn.

• Magnesium that reduces or alleviates redness, inflammation, irritations…

Pomegranate juice thus limits the appearance of blemishes and reveals the skin's radiance.

In a 2010 study, quantitative analyses carried out using gas chromatography demonstrated the presence of catechin, quercetin, kaempferol, and equol in pomegranate extract. It was observed that these compounds facilitated an increase in collagen synthesis and a decrease in the expression of MMP-1 on human skin fibroblasts exposed to UV radiation. As a reminder, MMP1, or collagenase-1, is the prototypical MMP (matrix metalloproteinase), primarily functioning to degrade type 1 and 3 collagen. The conclusion of this study: the main polyphenols of pomegranate, particularly catechin, play a significant role in photoprotective effects on skin damage induced by UVB radiation.

• DELLAVALLE R. P. & al.  Ellagic acid inhibits melanoma growth in vitro. Dermatol Reports (2011).

• LI D. & al. Pomegranate juice and extract consumption increases the resistance to UVB-induced erythema and changes the skin microbiome in healthy women: a randomized controlled trial. Scientific Reports (2019).

• Hye Min Park & al., Extract of Punica granatum inhibits skin photoaging induced by UVB irradiation, Int J Dermatol, (2010).