Introduction

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is a fruit-bearing deciduous shrub or small tree that is widely cultivated for its juicy, red fruit. It is native to the Middle East and South Asia and has been cultivated for thousands of years for its culinary and medicinal properties. The fruit is typically round and about the size of an apple, with a tough, leathery skin that ranges in color from yellow-orange to deep red. The fruit is filled with numerous small, edible seeds surrounded by juicy, sweet-tart pulp that is often used in a variety of culinary preparations, such as juices, sauces, and salads. Pomegranate is also known for its health-promoting properties, and its juice and extracts have been studied for their potential benefits for the heart, brain, and skin, among other areas.

Skin Benefits of Pomegranate Extract

Pomegranate extract is known to have several benefits for skincare, including:

Antioxidant and antibacterial properties: Pomegranate extract is rich in antioxidants, such as polyphenols and anthocyanins, which can help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. It’s antibacterial effects may help reduce acne.
The study by Malviya et al. (2014) investigated the antioxidant and antibacterial potential of pomegranate peel extracts. The study found that the extract had potent antioxidant activity due to its high polyphenol content, which can scavenge free radicals and prevent oxidative damage. The extract also demonstrated antibacterial activity against a range of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria due to the presence of tannins and flavonoids. The authors suggest that pomegranate peel extract may have potential for use as a natural antioxidant and antibacterial agent in the food and pharmaceutical industries, as well as in cosmetic formulations.
Anti-inflammatory effects: Pomegranate extract has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help soothe and calm irritated skin and reduce redness and inflammation. The study by Stefanou (2020) investigated the anti-inflammatory properties of pomegranate and its bioactive compounds. The study found that pomegranate and its derivatives, such as ellagic acid and punicalagin, have potent anti-inflammatory effects in various cells and tissues. The anti-inflammatory effects were attributed to the ability of these compounds to modulate the activity of various signalling pathways and transcription factors involved in the inflammatory response, as well as to their antioxidant properties. The author suggests that pomegranate and its bioactive compounds have potential for use as natural anti-inflammatory agents in the prevention and treatment of inflammatory diseases.
Moisturization: Pomegranate extract can help hydrate and moisturize the skin, leaving it feeling soft and smooth.
There have been several studies that have investigated the moisturizing properties of pomegranate extract. One such study is "Moisturizing effect of cosmetic formulations containing Punica granatum extract" by Kaszuba et al. (2017). The study investigated the effect of cosmetic formulations containing pomegranate extract on skin hydration and transepidermal water loss in healthy volunteers. The results showed that the formulations significantly improved skin hydration and barrier function, suggesting that pomegranate extract has potential as a natural moisturizing agent in cosmetic formulations.
UV protection: Some studies suggest that pomegranate extract may have UV-protective properties, which can help to shield the skin from the damaging effects of sun exposure.
One study investigated the protective effect of pomegranate-derived products on UVB-mediated damage in human reconstructed skin. The results demonstrated that treatment with pomegranate extract or oil reduced the UVB-induced DNA damage and oxidative stress in skin cells. The study also showed that the pomegranate products had anti-inflammatory effects and protected the skin barrier function. The authors concluded that pomegranate-derived products may have potential as natural and safe ingredients in skin care products to protect the skin from UVB-induced damage (Afaq et al, 2009).
Wrinkle reduction: Bioactive compounds, including polyphenols and flavonoids, within pomegranate extract have been shown to have anti-aging effects on the skin. These compounds can help to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, which are proteins that provide structure and elasticity to the skin.
As we age, the production of collagen and elastin naturally declines, which can lead to the formation of wrinkles and fine lines. By stimulating the production of these proteins, pomegranate peel extract can help to improve the elasticity and firmness of the skin, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
One prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigated the effects of oral pomegranate extract on skin wrinkles, biophysical features, and the gut-skin axis. The study found that the pomegranate extract supplement was associated with significant improvements in skin hydration, elasticity, and sebum content, as well as a reduction in wrinkle depth and volume. In addition, the study found that the pomegranate extract supplement had a positive impact on gut microbiome composition, suggesting a potential gut-skin axis. The authors suggest that the supplement may have potential as a natural intervention for improving skin aging and overall health (Chakkalaka et al, 2022)
Skin Lightening: Pomegranate peel extract contains various bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins, which have been shown to have skin lightening effects. These compounds inhibit the activity of an enzyme called tyrosinase, which is involved in the production of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color.
By inhibiting tyrosinase activity, pomegranate peel extract can help reduce the production of melanin in the skin, which can help lighten hyperpigmentation and dark spots. Additionally, the extract's antioxidant properties can help protect the skin from further damage and prevent the formation of new hyperpigmentation (Kanlayavattanakul et al 2020)

References

Afaq, F., Zaid, M. A., Khan, N., Dreher, M., & Mukhtar, H. (2009). Protective effect of pomegranate-derived products on UVB-mediated damage in human reconstituted skin. Experimental dermatology, 18(6), 553–561. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0625.2008.00829.x

Chakkalakal, M.; Nadora, D.; Gahoonia, N.; Dumont, A.; Burney, W.; Pan, A.; Chambers, C.J.; Sivamani, R.K. Prospective Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study of Oral Pomegranate Extract on Skin Wrinkles, Biophysical Features, and the Gut-Skin Axis. J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11, 6724. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11226724

Kanlayavattanakul, M., Chongnativisit, W., Chaikul, P., & Lourith, N. (2020). Phenolic-rich Pomegranate Peel Extract: In Vitro, Cellular, and In Vivo Activities for Skin Hyperpigmentation Treatment. Planta medica, 86(11), 749–759. https://doi.org/10.1055/a-1170-7785

Malviya, S., Arvind, Jha, A., & Hettiarachchy, N. (2014). Antioxidant and antibacterial potential of pomegranate peel extracts. Journal of food science and technology, 51(12), 4132–4137. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13197-013-0956-4

Stefanou V, Papatheodorou S, Tsakni A, Lougovois V, Talelli A, Panourgias G et al. Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Pomegranate. Int J Adv Res MicroBiol Immunol 2020; 2(1&2): 1-13.

Zarfeshany, A., Asgary, S., & Javanmard, S. H. (2014). Potent health effects of pomegranate. Advanced biomedical research, 3, 100. https://doi.org/10.4103/2277-9175.129371