7 Amazing Benefits Of Using Watermelon On Your Skin And Hair

Watermelon, scientifically known as Citrullus lanatus, is a refreshing and delicious fruit celebrated globally for its sweet, juicy flesh and vibrant colors. Believed to have originated in Africa, watermelon has become a staple summertime treat enjoyed for its hydrating properties and nutritional benefits. This fruit belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family, which includes cucumbers, pumpkins, and squash, and is known for its characteristic large size and thick rind, which encases its juicy, red or pink flesh studded with black seeds or seedless varieties.

Watermelon is not only enjoyed for its taste but also valued for its health benefits. It is incredibly hydrating, consisting of about 92% water, making it a popular choice to beat the heat and stay refreshed. Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and lycopene, watermelon offers a range of health benefits, from supporting heart health to promoting skin hydration and even aiding in post-exercise recovery.

This versatile fruit can be enjoyed fresh, sliced, juiced, or blended into smoothies, and its popularity extends beyond its culinary uses to include skincare and beauty products due to its hydrating and antioxidant-rich properties. Whether enjoyed as a snack on a hot summer day or incorporated into various culinary and cosmetic applications, watermelon remains a beloved and beneficial fruit cherished for its taste, health benefits, and refreshing qualities.

# Hydration: Watermelon is about 92% water, which helps keep your skin hydrated and moisturized. Proper hydration is essential for maintaining healthy skin, reducing dryness, and enhancing overall skin texture.

# Antioxidants: It contains antioxidants such as vitamins A and C, which help protect your skin from damage caused by free radicals. This can help prevent signs of aging and maintain youthful-looking skin.

# Skin Brightening: Vitamin C in watermelon can help brighten your complexion and even out skin tone. It supports collagen production, which is essential for maintaining skin elasticity and firmness.

# Anti-inflammatory Properties: Watermelon contains lycopene, a powerful antioxidant known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It can help reduce redness and inflammation in the skin, making it useful for soothing conditions like acne and sunburn.

# Promotes Skin Repair: The amino acid citrulline found in watermelon helps promote cell regeneration and wound healing, which can contribute to healthier-looking skin.

# Natural Astringent: Watermelon contains natural astringent properties due to its high water and mineral content, which can help tighten and tone the skin, reducing the appearance of pores.

# Hair Benefits: Apart from skin benefits, watermelon can also benefit your hair. It contains vitamins A and C, which are important for hair growth and maintaining healthy hair.

10 DIY methods to incorporate watermelon into your skincare and haircare

# Watermelon Face Mask for Hydration

Ingredients:

1 cup fresh watermelon puree
1 tablespoon honey

Instructions:

- Mix fresh watermelon puree with honey until well blended.
- Apply the mixture to your face and neck, avoiding the eye area.
- Leave it on for 15-20 minutes.
- Rinse off with lukewarm water and pat dry.

Benefits: This mask deeply hydrates and nourishes the skin, leaving it soft and supple. Watermelon’s high water content moisturizes, while honey adds extra hydration and antimicrobial properties.

# Watermelon Toner for Refreshing Skin

Ingredients:

1/2 cup fresh watermelon juice (strained)
1/2 cup witch hazel

Instructions:

- Mix fresh watermelon juice with witch hazel in a clean bottle.
- Shake well before each use.
- Apply the toner to your face using a cotton pad after cleansing.
- Follow with your regular moisturizer.

Benefits: This toner refreshes and tones the skin, balancing its pH and tightening pores. Watermelon juice provides antioxidants, while witch hazel soothes and cleanses.

# Watermelon Hair Rinse for Shine

Ingredients:

1 cup fresh watermelon juice (strained)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions:

- Mix fresh watermelon juice with apple cider vinegar.
- After shampooing, pour the mixture over your hair and scalp.
- Massage gently and leave it on for a few minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly with cool water.

Benefits: This rinse adds natural shine to your hair, making it soft and manageable. Watermelon juice hydrates the scalp and hair, while apple cider vinegar balances pH and removes buildup.

# Watermelon Lip Scrub for Smooth Lips

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon fresh watermelon juice
1 tablespoon sugar

Instructions:

- Mix fresh watermelon juice with sugar until it forms a paste.
- Gently scrub the mixture onto your lips in circular motions.
- Leave it on for 1-2 minutes.
- Rinse off with lukewarm water and apply lip balm.

Benefits: This scrub exfoliates and softens lips, removing dead skin cells. Watermelon juice hydrates, while sugar buffs away roughness, revealing smoother lips.

# Watermelon Eye Mask for Puffiness

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon fresh watermelon juice
1 tablespoon aloe vera gel

Instructions:

- Mix fresh watermelon juice with aloe vera gel until well combined.
- Refrigerate the mixture for 10-15 minutes.
- Apply a thin layer around the eyes and leave it on for 15 minutes.
- Rinse off with cool water and pat dry.

Benefits: This eye mask reduces puffiness and soothes tired eyes. Watermelon juice’s antioxidants rejuvenate, while aloe vera gel hydrates and calms sensitive skin.

# Watermelon Body Scrub for Smooth Skin

Ingredients:

1 cup fresh watermelon cubes
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup coconut oil

Instructions:

- Blend fresh watermelon cubes until smooth.
- Mix watermelon puree with granulated sugar and coconut oil in a bowl.
- Gently scrub the mixture onto damp skin in circular motions.
- Rinse off with warm water and pat dry.

Benefits: This scrub exfoliates and moisturizes the body, leaving skin soft and glowing. Watermelon’s vitamins nourish, while coconut oil deeply hydrates and repairs skin barrier.

# Watermelon Hair Mask for Hydration

Ingredients:

1 cup fresh watermelon puree
1 tablespoon yogurt

Instructions:

- Mix fresh watermelon puree with yogurt until smooth.
- Apply the mixture to damp hair, focusing on the ends.
- Cover your hair with a shower cap and leave it on for 30 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly with cool water and shampoo as usual.

Benefits: This hair mask deeply conditions and strengthens hair, making it silky and manageable. Watermelon’s vitamins and minerals nourish the scalp, while yogurt adds protein and promotes hair growth.

# Watermelon Cooling Spray for Hot Days

Ingredients:

1/2 cup fresh watermelon juice (strained)
1/2 cup distilled water
Optional: a few drops of peppermint essential oil

Instructions:

Mix fresh watermelon juice with distilled water in a spray bottle.
Add peppermint essential oil for a cooling effect (optional).
Shake well and store in the refrigerator.
Spritz onto face and body whenever you need a refreshing boost.

Benefits: This cooling spray hydrates and revitalizes skin, providing instant refreshment. Watermelon juice’s antioxidants protect skin from environmental damage, while peppermint oil adds a cooling sensation.

# Watermelon Foot Soak for Relaxation

Ingredients:

2 cups fresh watermelon juice (strained)
1/4 cup Epsom salt

Instructions:

- Mix fresh watermelon juice with Epsom salt in a basin or foot spa.
- Soak your feet in the mixture for 15-20 minutes.
- Pat dry and apply moisturizer.

Benefits: This foot soak relaxes and soothes tired feet, relieving stress. Watermelon juice’s vitamins soften skin, while Epsom salt detoxifies and reduces swelling.

# Watermelon Sunburn Relief

Ingredients:

1 cup fresh watermelon cubes
1 tablespoon yogurt

Instructions:

- Blend fresh watermelon cubes until smooth.
- Mix watermelon puree with yogurt until well combined.
- Apply the mixture to sunburned skin as a soothing mask.
- Leave it on for 15-20 minutes.
- Rinse off with cool water and pat dry.

Benefits: This remedy cools and hydrates sunburned skin, promoting healing. Watermelon’s antioxidants reduce inflammation, while yogurt’s probiotics soothe irritation and restore skin’s pH balance.