7 Ways to Add Watermelon to Your Skincare Routine This Summer

As the heat of summer kicks in, skincare becomes an uphill task. Sun exposure and increasing humidity can lead to a dull and parched skin. But there’s a solution that you might be overlooking – the humble watermelon. A beloved summer snack, a symbol of fertility according to Zoe Kravitz and Diddy, a piece of furniture for Animal Crossing players, and even a disguise for Virginia bank robbers, this versatile fruit became a powerful symbol in Harry Styles’ music video “Watermelon Sugar.” However, the transition we’re interested in is that of watermelon moving from cookouts to your skincare shelf.

The Watermelon Magic in Skincare

The use of watermelon in skincare is far from a new concept, especially for those well-versed in K-beauty. Dermatologist Tiffany J. Libby, MD, relates her own experience of rubbing watermelon rind on the face and placing pieces on the eyes, similar to cucumber slices – a facial tradition from her mother, rooted in Asian cultures. Watermelon’s anti-inflammatory properties are known to reduce redness and inflammation, aiding in skin repair. The fruit is also rich in vitamins A, C, and E, which contribute to its antioxidant power, neutralizing free radical damage and reducing skin stress.

Unpacking the Benefits of Watermelon

The entire watermelon – pulp, rind, and seeds – holds skincare benefits. The pulp, packed with water, hydrates dry skin, while the rind helps with skin irritations and skin hydration and repair. The protein-rich seeds, fortified with fatty acids, plump and hydrate the skin. Made up of 90% water, watermelon provides exceptional hydration, soothing skin, and combating dryness, flakiness, fine lines, and even wrinkles.

Watermelon pairs well with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, enhancing hydration, and gentle exfoliants like lactic acid, which also aid in hydration. Antioxidants like vitamins C and E are excellent companions too. When Chang and Lee launched their sleeping mask, they chose to combine watermelon with active ingredients like AHA and hyaluronic acid, leading to not just hydration but also gentle exfoliation and skin smoothing.

Long-term effects of using watermelon in skincare, like with most skin products, take time to surface – a minimum of 30 days before skin cells turn over and real benefits start to show. However, short-term effects like calmer, less irritated skin might be noticed earlier.

As watermelon is 90% water, it’s suitable for all skin types, including acne-prone, breakout-prone, and sensitive skin. Its anti-inflammatory properties are beneficial for reducing redness or stressed-out skin.

Now that you know how watermelon could be your summertime skincare savior, let’s delve into some simple, DIY watermelon skincare recipes that can revitalize your skin this summer:

Why and How to Include Watermelon in Your Skincare Routine?

Why not embrace your inner Harry Styles and hydrate your stressed-out skin with watermelon? It’s a superfruit that provides essential hydration – the best thing you can do for your skin, especially now. Chang and Lee suggest that watermelon, in combination with active ingredients, can combat acne and breakouts that many are facing due to the stress of the ongoing pandemic.

1. Invigorating Watermelon Facial Mist

This is a perfect tool for instant hydration on hot summer days. Blend some chopped watermelon, strain the juice, and pour it into a spray bottle. Store this in the refrigerator and use it throughout the day for a refreshing, hydrating boost. This mist not only cools the skin but also delivers vital nutrients for skin health.

2. Brightening Watermelon Sugar Scrub

A sugar scrub is a fantastic exfoliator, removing dead skin cells and revealing fresh, glowing skin. Blend fresh watermelon juice, sugar, and coconut oil to create this scrub. The sugar gently exfoliates, while the coconut oil moisturizes, and the watermelon juice brightens your skin.

3. Soothing Watermelon Face Mask

A blend of fresh watermelon chunks, honey, and yogurt can produce a nourishing face mask. Watermelon reduces inflammation, honey locks in moisture, and yogurt gently exfoliates and soothes the skin. Applying this mask for about 20 minutes can result in a healthy, vibrant complexion.

4. Hydrating Watermelon Lip Scrub

Watermelon juice mixed with brown sugar and coconut oil makes an excellent lip scrub. The amino acids in watermelon keep your lips soft and hydrated, the brown sugar exfoliates, and the coconut oil deeply moisturizes.

5. Revitalizing Watermelon Eye Pads

Dark circles or puffiness around your eyes? Watermelon-soaked cotton pads are here to save the day! The vitamins in watermelon reduce dark circles and puffiness, refreshing your eyes.

6. Strengthening Watermelon Hair Mask

A mixture of watermelon, coconut oil, and honey applied to your hair can help strengthen hair strands and prevent breakage. It hydrates your scalp and can give your hair a lustrous shine.

7. Relaxing Watermelon Foot Soak

Nothing ends a long summer day better than a soothing foot soak. Blend some fresh watermelon and add it to warm water for a foot soak. The magnesium in watermelon relaxes tired muscles and rejuvenates your feet.

However, remember that skincare is a journey, not a race. While the calming effect of watermelon may be immediate, for the real, long-term benefits, allow your skin cells about 30 days to turn over as they absorb these nurturing ingredients.

As we wrap up, we hope you’re excited to give these watermelon skincare recipes a try. We promise you a refreshed, glowing look that will be the talk of the summer season!

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• 10 Savory Plant-Based Watermelon Recipes
• The 5 Best Ingredients for Your DIY Wellness Drinks

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