Dating back nearly 5,000 years, Watermelons originally had a pale green flesh that was firm and seedy and not at all like the sweet red flesh the fruit is known for today. The Greeks and Romans both considered watermelon to have medicinal properties and it was also considered a cooling food. While the fruit has changed a bit since it was first discovered, it is still used today for its health and beauty benefits. The rind can be used to soothe inflammation and calm the skin, while the seeds are known to boost collagen and are high in linoleic acid, a fatty acid important in maintaining skin health. What’s more, the juice can be used in skincare products, such as toners and moisturizers. The high levels of vitamins and versatility make this fruit a perfect choice to add to a skincare routine and treatment.
Discover the benefits that watermelon products have on the skin.
“Glowing skin is a trend that is not going away. Watermelon in skincare provides the ability to give the skin what it needs to be supple, smooth, and hydrated. It is exfoliating, hydrating, anti-aging, and reduces redness and inflammation. It is rich in malic acid, which removes dead skin cells and is a humectant that naturally draws in moisture for a steady supply of hydration. Watermelon is also loaded with vitamins, antioxidants, and anti-aging agents such as lycopene, vitamin A, and vitamin C, which help delay skin’s aging process. It helps repair damaged skin cells, regenerate new ones, fight free radicals, and slow the breakdown of collagen to improve firmness and elasticity.”
—Trisha Grimes, trainer and esthetician, FarmHouse Fresh
“Watermelon is rich in vitamins C and B complex, and the red color of its pulp is due to the presence of lycopene. Lycopene is an antioxidant component, and it is able to neutralize free radicals especially responsible for skin aging. Lycopene, through its ability to decrease inflammation, is also shown to promote cell renewal and inhibit DNA damage following UVB injury. Furthermore, it has been shown to strengthen the natural defenses of human skin by preventing DNA damage in skin cells in two ways: by preventing direct damage from UV light and by inhibiting the release of free radicals induced by UV light. Watermelon extract has a very powerful effect on the appearance of dark spots, sallowness, and hyperpigmentation. Watermelon is perfect in treatments to brighten the appearance of the skin.”
—Lydia Sarfati, CEO and founder, Repêchage
Learn about some of the watermelon treatments being offered at spas today.
The Spa at The Hotel Hershey (PA) offers a FarmHouse Fresh Watermelon Basil Vodkatini Manicure & Pedicure (starting at $170, 1 hour 50 minutes). The treatment begins with a sparkling citrus-cilantro soak, followed by an application of FarmHouse Fresh’s Watermelon Basil Vodkatini Sugar Scrub infused with Square One Organic Vodka. The treatment concludes with a vitamin-rich whipped shea butter massage swirled with live strawberry fruit cells.
The Alluvian Spa at The Alluvian Hotel (Greenwood, MS) offers a variety of treatments with watermelon throughout the summer months. The Magic Melon CBD Renewing Manicure ($45) and Pedicure ($65) start with a CBD-infused soak with a watermelon-based scrub. Next, a lycopene-extract gelée serum replenishes skin, ending with soft notes of lemongrass and green melon and a shea butter seals in skin’s silky softness. The Sweet Peach & Melon Vitamin E Manicure ($45) and Pedicure ($65) start with a buttery coconut oil soak with notes of freshly sliced watermelon and basil. Next, a cane sugar and coconut water scrub works to smooth away dry, rough soles. The treatments conclude with an application of a shea butter with notes of white ginger, peach, and sweet tea.