INGREDIENT 101
JUICY FRUIT Add water melon to your summer routine and reap the skin-soothing benefits
By Lora Grady
Photos: Adobe.
WATERMELON IS A SUMMERTIME ESSENTIAL —no beach picnic is
complete without it ( just ask Harry Styles!) The refreshing fruit has also been used in Asian cultures for centuries to help tackle inflammation and redness. And over the last few years, watermelon has become one of the hottest ingredients in skincare worldwide. Since Glow Recipe launched its bestselling Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask back in 2017, watermelon has appeared in ingredient lists from brands including Milk, Sephora, Drunk Elephant and more. The fruit (a cousin of the cucumber and squash) of 92 percent water, so it’s hardly surprising that the beauty industry is harnessing its hydrating powers. Within the beauty aisles, “Watermelon is quite a new ingredient for skincare,” says Dr. Benjamin Barankin, dermatologist and medical director of the Toronto Dermatology Centre. Its nutritional benefits— including vitamins A, B6 and C— may also benefit our complexions. Another element found in the fruit is citrulline, an amino acid that is believed to exfoliate and improve circulation. “Topically, watermelon
seems to reduce inflammation and boost collagen,” says Dr. Barankin. “Vitamins A, C and E have antioxidant properties that appear to help with complexion vibrance and firmness.” Watermelon also contains lycopene, an antioxidant that has antiinflammatory, astringent effects (it’s also what gives watermelon its vibrant pink colour), says Dimitra Davidson, president and COO of Indeed Labs. Thanks to these allstar components, watermelon helps to reduce the appearance of pores, fine lines, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. “The high water content also makes watermelon great for hydration,” says Davidson. Watermelon can be used at any step during your skincare routine and can benefit varying skin types. The anti-inflammatory properties make it ideal for sensitive skin, says Davidson, while those with acne-prone skin can benefit from the astringent properties. Remember that the higher the higher watermelon is on the l of ingredients, the higher its proportion in the product itself; if the active ingredient is listed near the end, then its just marketing.
SUMMER 2021 | COSMETICSMAG.COM
GET THAT GLOW
Formulated with vitamin B3, watermelon and hyaluronic acid, this multi-use serum reduces the look of hyperpigmentation. Use it before or after makeup for an instant glow. GLOW RECIPE
Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops, $45, at Sephora.
Take off the day with this oil-based balm, formulated with watermelon and hemp seed oils to deeply cleanse and condition skin. INDEED LABS
Watermelon Melting Balm, $23, at IndeedLabs.com.
The watermelon extract and Swiss garden cress sprout extract in this lightweight solid serum help to reduce dark spots while smoothing skin. MILK MAKEUP
Watermelon Brightening Serum, $48, at Sephora.
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