Can Watermelon Really Make Your Skin Dewy and Fresh?

Are you ready to lose your rind – enter watermelon?! The sweet, juicy fruit that is a summer staple serves more than a ‘watermelon sugar high’. The go-to fruit during the sizzling months with the go-go juice that quenches our thirst and hydrates us from within is also the ultimate hydration booster for our skin year-round.

Rich in anti-aging antioxidants and skin-nutritious nutrients, its delectable flesh has many delicious benefits for our flesh, making the juicy edible a popular stable in skincare trends. Let’s cut to the rind on the sweet watermelon skin and health benefits, and how you can incorporate this super fruit in your daily routine for soft, radiant, plump, and healthy skin.

Is it just a summer feelin’ on a summer evenin’ that makes watermelon something we could never go without? While it’s true the large, crimson fruit is the perfect refresher in food and drink during the scorcher months, its appeal doesn’t end there. Watermelon’s health and hydration benefits have it vibin’ year-round in skincare.

Beyond the pretty green rind and down to the pesky black or even annoying supposed ‘seedless’ white seeds, the natural composition of watermelon is what holds the dewy skin dream keys to your own flesh. Just like good ol’ H2O is essential for life, watermelon is mainly comprised of water. Specifically, it contains a nearly whopping 92% of water and 7.55% of carbohydrates; hence why you feel a bit quenched and refreshed after nibbling on or drinking its fleshy goodness.

The wonders of watermelon extend from the inside out, providing a plethora of skin-loving nutrients. It contains high quantities of anti-aging vitamin A, hydration-protecting potassium, radical-fighting magnesium, and anti-inflammatory B vitamins. Watermelon contains antioxidants like lycopene and skin-brightening vitamin C, which also helps with combatting oxidative stress and inflammation associated with skin irritations, acne, and chronic complexion conditions.

If all those skin all-star nutrients and antioxidants don’t raise the bar or rind enough, watermelon has a long-standing, stellar reputation as a skin superstar with cultural underpinnings of its use in past and modern beauty rituals. That’s right! The sweet legacy of watermelon can be found in the hieroglyphs and in the tombs of ancient pharaohs where it was used as a water source and ancient remedy for high blood pressure.

Today, we not only can enjoy the cooling (off) effects of watermelon, but we can also enjoy and indulge in the phenomenal success of watermelon-based beauty products being rolled out. More on these water-locking beauties below!

We know water is essential for life. Since our skin is the largest organ, it’s going to need a good bit of water to maintain healthy homeostasis. Did you know the average person’s skin loses around 1.5 cups of water per day? Whether it’s from sweating from high humidity or a damaged skin barrier, water loss or transepidermal water loss (TEWL) is a constant process that occurs daily to our skin. This occurs when water passes from the dermis through the epidermis and evaporates from the skin's surface. TEWL is a contributing factor to dry skin, and chronic dry skin can lead to aging, like fine lines and wrinkles.

It is incredibly important that our skin remain well hydrated at all times. For the best of both watery worlds, you can hydrate the skin from the inside by keeping up a healthy intake of H2O, while using the right hydrating products will protect your skin from the outside. That’s where the wonders of watermelon roll down the red carpet for celebrity dewy, fresh skin – and even more skin-efits!

#1. Reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL)
A healthy skin barrier has adequate hydration running the show to prevent TEWL. When skin becomes dehydrated, it’s more prone to losing plumpness and elasticity. Dehydration can also cause fine lines and wrinkles to become more visible, which is another downer if you want to maintain youthful skin.

H2O really puts the water into watermelon. This juicy fruit is the ultimate hydration booster for your complexion. It leaves skin feeling soft, radiant, plump, and healthy, with a glow that literally comes from within.

#2. Hydrates and smooths skin
Common traits of a compromised skin barrier are dryness, flakiness, and fine lines from dehydration and TEWL. Restoring lost water will increase hydration in the skin and improve the overall look and feel of your complexion.

Watermelon skincare products can moisturize and help combat these skin concerns. They help replenish skin moisture, improving hydration levels and reducing dryness and roughness, as well as improve moisture retention and support the skin's natural moisture complex.

#3. Contains skin-nourishing nutrients
Watermelon contains high quantities of anti-aging vitamin A, hydration-protecting potassium, radical-fighting magnesium, anti-inflammatory B vitamins, and skin-brightening vitamin C. These skin-loving nutrients help dull, damaged, or aging skin as well as combat oxidative damage from UV and environmental aggressors.

#4. Provides all-star antioxidants
Watermelon contains antioxidants like lycopene and skin-repairing vitamin C, which also helps with fighting oxidative stress, dark spots and uneven skin tone, and inflammation associated with skin irritations, acne, and chronic complexion conditions.

In addition to being an antioxidant, lycopene is also classified as a carotenoid (fitting, as lycopene can also be found in carrots). As an antioxidant, carotenoid lycopene can help balance and support our skin cells by removing stressors linked to aging skin. It may also be beneficial for skin cell regeneration

#5. Contains anti-inflammatory properties
Watermelon contains cucurbitacin E, a compound known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It can help reduce inflammation in the skin, which can be beneficial for soothing irritated skin, reducing redness, and calming inflammatory skin conditions.

Watermelon-infused skincare products are rich in amino acids, which makes them an excellent option for acne-prone or inflamed skin. They can also help smooth uneven skin tone and texture, brighten the skin, and add a nice glow.

Interesting Tidbit: We love the skin transformative powers of watermelon skincare products, which we’ll introduce shortly. But did you know the big, juicy super fruit has some transformative effects on your body? Called the’ Watermelon Diet’, some participants and studies provide claims of reducing blood pressure and aiding in weight loss.

What could you add to the already stellar reputation of watermelon for skin to launch your complexion into the hydration heavens? Its cousin from another mother melon, cucumbers! That’s’ right! Whether it’s your regular old American or English cucumbers, those fruity swords are loaded with skin-loving H2O. That’s precisely why we paired it with the wonders of watermelon in our skincare line!

Powered by the power couple of clean skincare ingredients - polyglutamic acid from natto beans and hyaluronic acid from sweet potatoes - our water-locking serum, moisturizer, and mist combines watermelon hydrosol and cucumber hydrosol so that you can stay hydrated, glowing, and achieve a flawless complexion. Here are your best picks!

Watermelon + Cucumber Trio

Our Watermelon + Cucumber Trio is entirely vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, and non-toxic. The base for our water-locking moisturizer is organic aloe vera juice, and the base for our serum and mist consists of watermelon hydrosol and cucumber hydrosol.

The hero trio also contains polyglutamic acid to visibly reduce lines and wrinkles, hyaluronic acid to improve moisture retention, Irish moss extract, and olive squalene to repair and nourish dry skin. The soothing ingredients in this skincare trio will leave your skin feeling moisturized and nourished without feeling greasy.

Customer Reviews:

Love this line!

I have very sensitive skin and this doesn’t irritate my skin at all. It’s light and makes my skin glow. I also love the scent!

--Dixie

My Favorite Skincare Product!

I have naturally dry skin and this kit does wonders. I incorporate it into my daily morning and nighttime skincare routine. I have noticed a significant difference in my skin as it feels moisturized and appears hydrated when consistently using these products. I have now ordered a subscription because I love it that much. My favorite product out of the kit is the serum because of the way it glides on my face and really seems to lock in the moisture. Overall, this is one of my favorite 100% Pure products.

--Sam

Watermelon + Cucumber Water Locking Serum

Our intensely hydrating hydrogel serum locks in watermelon hydrosol to revitalize dehydrated skin cells with skin-plumping polyglutamic acid from fermented natto beans and moisture-retaining hyaluronic acid - plus:

Unique Ingredient
Rice Ceramide

Phytoceramides are plant-based ceramides, often made from sweet potatoes, rice bran, and wheat, and can still be completely gluten-free. Ceramides are lipids (fats) that are found naturally in high concentrations in the uppermost layers of skin.

Plant-based ceramides help restore your skin's protective barrier function by reinforcing its lipid content. This allows for better hydration and protection against environmental stressors like UV rays and other potential irritants. They also help maintain the right balance of lipids on your skin, which helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Rice ceramide helps soothe redness-prone or compromised skin with its anti-inflammatory properties, while also improving its overall appearance with moisturizing benefits and a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles.

Customer Reviews:

Glowing!

I’ve gotten so many compliments on my skin lately, and the only thing I’ve changed is using this serum daily before applying moisturizer. This was my first time trying a serum in my daily skincare routine and I’m definitely seeing the improvement in my skin tone.

--Stephie

AMAZING!

I LOVE THIS! It is SO hydrating and the greatest hydrating serum. It smells so good too, and it makes my skin look so plump and young.

--Rena E.

Watermelon + Cucumber Water Locking Moisturizer

Our hydrating moisturizer locks in watermelon hydrosol and polyglutamic acid to naturally restore skin elasticity, promote cell regeneration, and reduce signs of aging – plus it contains:

Unique Ingredients
Irish Moss Extract

Irish Moss is a type of red algae that has many benefits for the skin. It moisturizes, softens, and smooths skin; it soothes irritated skin; it can help reduce TEWL; and sea moss-based products can also help protect and provide protein for your skin.

Irish Moss Extract forms a protective layer that helps lock in moisture. This makes it an even better humectant than hyaluronic acid when used topically. Additionally, Irish Moss Extract has special moisturizing properties and contains high amounts of polysaccharides (also known as carrageenans), which is a thickening agent that forms a protective yet breathable film over the skin.

Sea moss-based products can also help reduce TEWL, which helps keep your skin plump and moist—making Irish Moss Extract an effective anti-aging ingredient!

Sodium Hyaluronate

Sodium hyaluronate is a salt that's derived from hyaluronic acid, and it has an incredibly hydrating effect on your skin.

As a humectant, sodium hyaluronate pulls in water from the air and helps to retain moisture to keep your skin hydrated and flake-free, while also helping to restore and maintain a healthy barrier to prevent TEWL, which can lead to inflammatory conditions.

Sodium hyaluronate also works to replace lost moisture and hyaluronic acid naturally found in the skin lessens with age. This added hydration helps to further smooth skin texture and visibly reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

Customer Reviews:

Wow! Great moisturizer!

This product delivers on the moisture. For skin that is parched by dry air year-round (air conditioning in the summer and furnace heat in the winter), this moisturizer replenishes the facial skin and lasts all day. Wish 100% Pure made a body lotion like this formula. I use this moisturizer with the water-locking mist and the serum of the same line. An unbeatable combination!

--Carol A.

That dewy look for dry skin!

My face was feeling rough but this and the nourishing balm saved my skin texture. It leaves my skin dewy and sticky which I find to be the perfect base for sunscreen. I’ve been needing a good moisturizer and this is it for me!!

-- Shoshanah E.

Watermelon + Cucumber Water Locking Mist

Our ultra-hydrating water mist naturally reinvigorates dehydrated skin cells and reduces signs of aging by locking in cactus juice, watermelon hydrosol, and hyaluronic acid - and contains:

Unique Ingredient
Olive Squalene

Olive squalene is a cruelty-free, plant-based alternative to squalene harvested from sharks.

Squalene is a naturally occurring antioxidant compound that is found in varying amounts in both animal and plant sources. It is classified as a triterpene hydrocarbon (highly unsaturated), and is a natural lipid that is a major intermediate in the biosynthesis of cholesterol in the liver.

In nature, the highest levels of squalene can be found among olives, sharks, liver oil, wheat germ, and rice bran. The main animal source of squalene is sourced from certain deep-sea shark varieties.

Olive Squalene can help repair dry, rough skin by moisturizing and softening it while also soothing redness or irritation caused by sensitive skin. It leaves you with a moisturized yet non-greasy feel - perfect for everyday use!

Customer Reviews:

Lovely!

Another wonderful 100% Pure product. It really helps to refresh dry skin throughout the day. Smells like watermelon candy too.

--Sarah W.

Tightens skin and gives dewy glow!

Love it. The scent is of light watermelon. I smell so good!

--Nadya H.

When it comes to how to get better skin, it all comes down to a well-rounded approach: use a skincare regimen that works for you, get plenty of sleep, and manage stress through both active and creative outlets. Of course, healthy foods play a role in not only skin health but the whole body, as well! So, when we eat healthily, we’ll see benefits even beyond the mirror.

Seeing as our diets affect our skin, can you imagine how incorporating healthy and hydrating foods (and water) can do even greater skin wonders?! They sure can! Whether you were blessed with trouble-free pores or you experience breakouts on the regular, the quest for how to get better skin begins with healthy food and adequate hydration – both inside and out.

Nutrients in healthy foods that benefit skin include but are not limited to antioxidants, lycopene, amino acids, and omega fatty acids. In fact, the bloodstream carries both oxygen and the nutrients from your food, and then the dermis diffuses these nutrients to the epidermis, which is the skin’s outer layer. It is in this way, then, that our diets are truly reflected in our skin. And when a healthy diet is paired with plenty of H2O and water-logged fruits and veggies, a match in hydration heaven is made.

For instance, a food’s water content can contribute to the hydration of our skin, making it plumper and dewier. Speaking of high water-content foods, hopefully, watermelon comes to your mind or melon. Take its antioxidants like lycopene. While you should never skip your sunscreen, the presence of lycopene may help with how to get better skin by providing a little extra UV protection.

Other benefits of watermelon that complement skin vitality is its skin-brightening and radical-fighting vitamin C. Research suggests consuming vitamin C helps reduce inflammation in people. A 2019 study found people who ate 2 cups of watermelon daily for a month had less oxidative stress than folks who ate low-fat cookies.

As mentioned earlier, watermelon is a whopping 92 percent water, so nibbling on it can aid in your daily hydration goals. However, you still want to drink an adequate amount of water daily. High water content is also the reason your body feels full after eating fruits and veggies like watermelon and cucumber. Watermelon’s high levels of vitamins A and C are BFFs with healthy skin and hair, too.

In short, watermelon is very important to incorporate into your diet and the key to radiant skin and overall health.

Can watermelon help with acne-prone skin?

Yes! When the skin’s barrier is not working properly, the skin can get very dehydrated. This makes the skin dry, inflamed, and at risk for inflammatory skin conditions like eczema, rosacea, acne, and psoriasis. Watermelon contains cucurbitacin E, a compound known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It can help reduce inflammation in the skin, which can be beneficial for soothing irritated skin, reducing redness, and calming inflammatory skin conditions.

How often should I use watermelon in my skincare regime?

Generally, most skin types can tolerate watermelon skincare for daytime and nighttime. However, if you have super sensitive or reactive skin, do a small patch test to make sure you won’t have any adverse reactions.

Are there any skin types that should avoid watermelon?

All skin types can benefit from the gentle yet effective properties of watermelon. Since this juicy super fruit is mostly made of water, it's very low-risk to add it to any skincare routine for any complexion type. But as mentioned earlier, super sensitive or reactive skin types should do a small patch test to make sure your skin won’t react adversely to it.

Can I use watermelon in conjunction with other skincare ingredients?

Absolutely! Take our prized watermelon + cucumber skincare line. We paired both these hydration heroes with other superstar natural ingredients like hyaluronic and polyglutamic acids, vitamin C, plant ceramides, olive squalene, and more for the dewiest, healthiest skin.

What are the best ways to preserve watermelon for skincare use?

Store in an airtight container and away from direct light and heat. Our watermelon-infused products are properly stored and protected where they can be used in or out of the refrigerator.

Whether you’re trying to balance back-and-forth on that skin see-saw for healthy, hydrated skin, the science behind prized watermelon makes it the center of any skincare routine for dewy, radiant skin. These sweet super fruits have anti-aging antioxidants, skin-nourishing nutrients, radical-fighting properties, and anti-inflammatory powers that can do anything from soothing sensitive and acne-prone skin to increasing elasticity and firmness in aging skin.

Watermelon can also hydrate and replenish skin’s barrier, creating a perfectly balanced, glowing, and luminous complexion. We can’t think of a reason for watermelon not to be in your self-care routine! Whether it’s enjoying its sweet, refreshing flesh during the hot summer or it’s the past the end of June, we don’t know how you ‘could ever go without a watermelon sugar high’!

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