Watermelon for skin: Combat acne with this summer fruit

Summer months call for refreshing fruit juices and all things cool. Watermelon tops summer fruits list as it has high water content, something that you need in abundance due to the scorching heat. You can cut it and eat it or use it to make DIY face masks to calm your skin. If you are looking for home remedies to combat acne, you can try watermelon. A popular cosmetic dermatologist shares why watermelon is good for skin and how you can include it in your summer skin care to fight acne.

To find out how well watermelon works on acne prone skin, Health Shots reached out to Dr Jaishree Sharad, a popular cosmetic dermatologist, author, TEDx speaker and founder of Skinfiniti Aesthetic Skin and Laser Clinic in Mumbai.

Benefits of watermelon for skin

Watermelon is not just about water content, it is also a fruit that is abundant in antioxidants, multivitamins, and minerals, making it incredibly beneficial for your health.

Here are some more benefits of watermelon:

• It contains high levels of lycopene and vitamin c which are antioxidants that combat free radicals and safeguard the skin from damage, says Dr Sharad.
• It is good for those looking for anti-aging ingredients. It reduces collagen damage, maintains skin elasticity, and minimises the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
• It is a rich source of vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), vitamin A, potassium, copper, and magnesium, all of which help brighten dull skin.
• Magnesium that’s found in watermelon seeds helps to reduce stress hormone levels, balance hormones and alleviate acne.
• The presence of malic acid in watermelon serves as an exfoliator that helps to do away with dead skin cells. So, you’ll see a reduction in blemishes and dullness.

Watermelon masks to combat acne

The nutritious summer fruit can be used to soothe and calm the skin. Simply applying watermelon juice to your face with a cotton ball for 10 to 15 minutes can alleviate skin irritation and redness, says the expert. It increases the body’s nitric oxide levels, which promotes wound healing and also reduces acne. Here are other ways to include watermelon in summer skin care regime!

1. Watermelon with yogurt and honey

Combining mashed watermelon with yogurt and honey and then leaving the paste on the face for 10-15 minutes can be beneficial. The antioxidants in honey and watermelon can reduce inflammation, while the yogurt can exfoliate the skin.

2. Watermelon and tomato

A mixture of mashed watermelon and tomato pulp can be used by those with oily skin to smoothen the skin. Malic acid in watermelon and lycopene in tomato act as natural exfoliators and soothe the skin.

3. Watermelon and banana

You can apply a mixture of watermelon juice and mashed banana to the face for 20 minutes, as the anti-inflammatory properties can help alleviate acne.

Dr Sharad says that the white rind of watermelon can also be used to calm irritated skin. Just freeze thin slices of the fruit and apply them to the face for 15 to 20 minutes. This will provide hydration and also soothe your skin.

You may be a fan of home remedies, but try not to use ingredients such as lemon and scrubbing agents along with watermelon. While lemon is a potent acidic agent that contains lactic acid, watermelon has malic acid that also does the job of an exfoliant. So, combining two acidic agents can cause your skin to become dry, red, and peel. It is particularly bad for women with sensitive skin who may experience more severe side effects.

Also, harsh scrubbing agents like sugar and ground walnut shells should not be mixed with watermelon face packs. Watermelon seeds already act as a natural exfoliant, and the abrasive texture of sugar scrubs and ground walnut covers can be too harsh for the face. That means you can end up with dryness, irritation and rashes.

A word of caution before you head out and try these watermelon masks! Before trying any home remedy, consult a dermatologist or do a patch test.