Why watermelon is the beauty ingredient you need this summer

Watermelon is not just made of water. It’s also got plenty of health-boosting phytonutrients so smother it all over your face to tackle dull, wintry complexions

Sarah Young
Friday 04 May 2018 16:20 BST
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One in a melon: they boost blood circulation, act as an exfoliant and work as anti-inflammatory
One in a melon: they boost blood circulation, act as an exfoliant and work as anti-inflammatory

A fruit synonymous with summer, watermelon is about to make an appearance in more than just your salads.

Thanks to the genius of Korean beauty experts, the super-fruit is now having its moment in the skincare world too.

The latest in a long line of K-beauty imports, you’d be forgiven for assuming that watermelon is primarily made of water – 96 per cent in fact – but there’s actually more than meets the eye to this unassuming ingredient.

While it’s undoubtedly jam-packed with H20 to hydrate your skin, it also boasts an impressive cocktail of essential phytonutrients ideal for tackling dull, wintry complexions.

One of the most important components is citrulline – an amino acid that not only boosts blood circulation but also doubles as a mild exfoliant – while lycopene works as an anti-inflammatory.

It’s because of this unique combination of phytonutrients that watermelon is considered such an impressive ingredient in the beauty world.

Glow Recipe, Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask, £40, Cult Beauty

Not only is it suitable for all skin types but it’s especially effective for those who struggle to settle breakouts, redness and dry, flaky skin.

Even better, it’s also rich in antioxidants, meaning it works wonders for lessening the signs of ageing.

Origins, Make A Difference, Overnight Hydrating Repair Cream, £32.85, Look Fantastic

Luckily, there are plenty of products on the market that boast watermelon as a main ingredient with Korean beauty brand Glow Recipe leading the way.

Last year, it launched its debut own-brand product, the Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask, which proved so popular that it sold out within just five hours and accrued a waiting list of almost 20,000 people.

Grown Alchemist, Watermelon & Vanilla Lip Balm, £14, Net-a-Porter

But, the fanfare doesn’t stop there. Now you can get your hands on watermelon-infused everything, including thirst-quenching moisturisers, cleansers and even lip balms.

Su-Man Refining Facial Polish, £38, Look Fantastic
Murad, Hydro-Dynamic Quenching Essence, £55.25, John Lewis

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