Watermelon Seed Oil Benefits for Skin & Hair
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There are so many different types of oils out there that all claim to have amazing benefits, but one you probably haven’t heard of is watermelon seed oil. This amazing oil is packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that can help improve the health of your hair and skin. It has a host of benefits for both skin and hair, including moisturizing, nourishing, and protecting against sun damage. If you’re like me, then you love anything that’s natural and good for your skin and hair, then keep on reading for all the incredible watermelon seed oil benefits for skin and hair.
Watermelon seed oil is a little known oil and probably one that you haven’t seen very often in beauty products. But that doesn’t mean it’s not good for you!
What Is a Watermelon Seed Oil
Also known as ootanga oil or kalahari oil, watermelon seed oil is a light, non-greasy oil that is extracted from the seeds of watermelons. It is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, which makes it a great choice for improving the health of your skin and hair.
Watermelon seed oil is a light yellow color and has a slightly nutty scent. Many people love this oil because it’s very light in texture and absorbs quickly into the skin.
It originated in the Kalahari Desert of Africa where Watermelons were first cultivated. Watermelon seeds have been used for centuries in Africa for their medicinal properties. Watermelon seed oil is a relatively new ingredient in the beauty industry, but it’s quickly gaining popularity because of its impressive benefits.
How to Make Watermelon Seed Oil
Watermelon seed oil mainly comes from cold pressing the dried seeds. While there are many ways to extract watermelon seed oil, the most popular has to be sun-drying and cold pressing the watermelon seeds to squeeze out all the nutritious oil.
First, it involves removing the watermelon fruit rind before picking out the seeds. The seeds then get dried before cold pressing which uses hydraulic pressure without using chemicals or heat which helps retain all the nutritional value and properties that makes the oil so great.
Properties of Watermelon Seed Oil
The watermelon seed oil has many beneficial remediating properties, making it an essential ingredient in most hair and skin care products.
Antioxidant Properties
The watermelon seed oil contains numerous phenolic compounds, including vitamin A and E, giving the skin a protective barrier against UV radiation. These antioxidants will help to repair and prevent free radical damage which can lead to premature aging, sun damage and fine lines and wrinkles. According to a study, watermelon seed oil can protect the skin from free radicals by environmental factors and UV radiation.
Moisturizing Properties
Watermelon has a ton of fatty acid molecules essential in maintaining hydrated skin. These compounds help seal moisture and prevent transepidermal loss from the deeper skin layers. Linoleic is the most significant fatty acid present in watermelon seeds and helps create the lipid barrier in the skin’s stratum corneum. Other essential fatty acids in watermelon seeds include oleic and palmitic acids working in tandem to keep the skin moisturized and the skin barrier healthy.
Anti-Inflammatory properties
The watermelon seed oil has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to soothe the skin and reduce redness. It’s rich in Vitamin E which is an antioxidant that has tons of soothing properties so it’s a great oil for those with sensitive or reactive skin.
Anti-Aging Properties
Watermelon seed oil is also rich in anti-aging properties. It helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating collagen production and regenerating skin cells thanks to its high levels of antioxidants and vitamins.
Anti-Acne Properties
Watermelon seed oil is also beneficial for those struggling with acne. Watermelon seeds contain a high concentration of linoleic acid, which has been shown to regulate sebum production which can help reduce acne
Detoxifying
Watermelon seed oil also has detoxifying properties that can help to cleanse the skin and hair of toxins and impurities. Watermelon seeds contain high levels of potassium, which helps to regulate fluid balance in the body and improve circulation. This can help to reduce the appearance of cellulite and give the skin a healthier, more radiant appearance.
Benefits of Watermelon Seed Oil for Skin and Hair
So now that we know a little bit more about this oil, you might be wondering what is watermelon seed oil good for? Watermelon seed oils have a plethora of benefits that impact your skin’s and hair’s health. Most of these benefits emanate from its inherent remediating properties discussed earlier in this article. Here are the benefits of watermelon seed oil for hair and skin you should be mindful of.
Benefits of Watermelon Seed Oil on the Skin
So is watermelon seed oil good for the skin? The numerous watermelon seed oil skin benefits include:
Evens Skin Tone
The watermelon seed oil also helps to brighten the skin and even out skin tone thanks to its high levels of antioxidants and vitamins. Watermelon seed oil can help to reduce the appearance of dark spots, scars and hyperpigmentation thanks to its high concentration of Vitamin A and Vitamin E which both help to fade discolorations and brighten the skin.
Great For All Skin Types
Another one of the incredible watermelon seed oil benefits is that it’s great for all skin types. Watermelon seed oil is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores, and is also hypoallergenic so it’s gentle enough for those with sensitive skin.
It’s also super lightweight and non-greasy and it sinks into the skin quickly making it ideal for those with oily and combination skin.
Reduces Wrinkles
Thanks to its high levels of Vitamin A, Watermelon seed oil can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Watermelon seed oil can also help to regenerate skin cells and stimulate collagen production which can smooth the skin.
Since watermelon seed oil is also moisturizing, it can help to plump the skin and give it a youthful appearance while smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles.
Reduces Skin Inflammation
The Watermelon seed oil’s anti-inflammatory properties can help to soothe the skin and reduce redness. This makes it a great oil for those with sensitive or reactive skin, but it can also help to reduce inflammation associated with acne or other inflammatory skin conditions.
Helps Prevent Acne
Watermelon seed oil can also help to prevent acne breakouts thanks to its anti-inflammatory and sebum regulating properties. Watermelon seed oil’s ability to regulate sebum production can help to keep pores clear and prevent the build-up of excess oil that can lead to clogged pores and breakouts.
Moisturizes Skin
Despite its light, non-greasy texture, watermelon seed oil is a great moisturizer for the skin. Watermelon seed oil contains high levels of linoleic acid which helps to lock in moisture and keep the skin hydrated. Not to mention it can help to keep the skin barrier strong so your skin stays healthy and happy!
Benefits of Watermelon Seed Oil on Hair and Scalp
Nourishes And Moisturizes Hair
Watermelon seed oil can also help to nourish and moisturize the hair thanks to its high levels of fatty acids. Watermelon seed oil can help to add shine and softness to the hair while also taming frizz. It’s great to use as an oil treatment or as a styling oil to smooth frizz and keep the ends moisturized to prevent split ends and breakage
Promotes Hair Growth
When hair is moisturized, less breakage occurs which means your hair can continue to grow and grow. Watermelon seed oil is rich in many vitamins, minerals and nutrients which keep your hair healthy so it is able to grow.
Stimulates Blood Flow
Watermelon seed oil can also help to promote hair growth by stimulating blood flow to the scalp. Watermelon seed oil is a great scalp massage oil as it can help to increase circulation which can encourage hair growth.
Watermelon Seed Oil Comedogenic Rating
Watermelon seed oil has a comedogenic rating of 0, meaning it won’t clog pores. Watermelon seed oil is non-comedogenic, lightweight, and hypoallergenic so it’s great for all skin types including those with sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Since it’s non-comedogenic, it’s a great choice for those with acne prone and oily skin types so don’t be afraid to use this oil if you’re prone to breakouts and shine!
How To Use Watermelon Seed Oil For Skin
Like most beauty oils, watermelon seed oil makes a great facial and hair oil for those wanting something lightweight yet nourishing for the skin and hair. Since it has so many amazing properties and benefits, it’s very versatile and can be used for those skin and hair health.
So if you’re wanting to introduce watermelon seed oil into your routine, here are a few ways you can do so.
Use As An Oil Cleanser
Watermelon seed oil makes a great oil cleanser for those with dry, normal or combination skin types. Simply massage a few drops of oil into your face and neck in upward motions to help break up makeup and dirt. Then follow up with a regular cleanser to cleanse the skin and remove any excess oil.
Use As A Facial Oil
Watermelon seed oil can be used as a facial oil to help nourish and moisturize the skin. If you’ve never used a facial oil before, there are a few ways you can add them into your skincare routine.
You can add a few drops of oil to your regular moisturizer and apply it as you would normally. Or you can dispense a few drops of oil into the palm of your hand and massage it into your skin before or after applying your regular moisturizer.
Watermelon seed oil can be used day or night (or both) to help hydrate, nourish and protect the skin. Since it’s so lightweight, it makes a great daytime facial oil that doesn’t feel too heavy or greasy.
How To Use Watermelon Seed Oil For Hair
Wondering how do you use watermelon seed oil for hair? There are a few ways you can use watermelon seed oil in your hair routine to help nourish and moisturize the hair.
Use Watermelon Seed Oil As A Pre-Shampoo Treatment
Watermelon seed oil makes a great pre-shampoo treatment for those with dry or damaged hair. A pre-shampoo oil treatment is great for those wanting to nourish and hydrate dry strands. Simply massage a generous amount of oil into your scalp and hair and let sit for at least 20 minutes (the longer the better). I personally always do my oil treatments overnight to give the oil plenty of time to soak in and nourish my hair as much as possible.
Then, when you’re ready, shampoo as normal! I always shampoo twice when using an oil treatment and you can also use a detoxifying or clarifying shampoo to ensure you get all the extra oil out.
Use As A Scalp Treatment
Watermelon seed oil makes a great scalp treatment as it can help to soothe and nourish the scalp. Simply massage a few drops of oil into your scalp and let sit for at least 15 minutes. Then shampoo as normal.
Use As A Styling Oil
Watermelon seed oil can be used as a styling oil to help tame frizz, add shine and protect the hair from environmental damage. Simply apply a few drops of oil to your hands and then run through your hair. You can use watermelon seed oil on damp or dry hair
Watermelon Seed Oil Benefits: FAQs
Does watermelon seed oil clog pores?
No, watermelon seed oil is non-comodogenic so it won’t clog pores, which means it’s a great choice for those who are acne-prone or those with oily skin.
Is watermelon seed oil good for acne?
Yes, watermelon seed oil is good for acne as it’s non-comedogenic and can help to soothe the skin and also balance sebum production which can help to prevent acne.
Is watermelon seed oil good for face?
Yes, watermelon seed oil is good for the face as it’s very light and non-greasy yet still packed with nutrients that are great for the skin.
Is watermelon good for hair growth?
Yes, watermelon is good for hair growth as it’s high in vitamins A and C which are essential for healthy hair growth. Watermelon seed oil also has omega-6 fatty acids which can help to nourish the scalp and promote healthy hair growth.
Watermelon Seed Oil Benefits: Wrap Up
Watermelon seed oil is a great natural oil to use for not only your health, but your skin and hair! It’s packed with nutrients that are essential for healthy skin and hair, and it can help to reduce breakage and keep the hair moisturized and strong. For the skin, it can regulate sebum production which can help with acne and fight against free radical damage. Watermelon seed oil makes a great pre-shampoo treatment, scalp treatment, styling oil or facial oil! It’s a great mutli-tasking beauty product that can do many different things in your beauty routine!
If you’re looking for a natural and affordable facial oil or hair oil, watermelon seed oil may be a good option for you. It’s rich in fatty acids, vitamins and nutrients, and it has a range of health, skin and hair benefits.
Did you know about these watermelon seed oil benefits? Who know this little known oil could be so beneficial!
