Watermelons contain the antioxidants vitamin C, glutathione, lycopene, and beta-carotene. These nutrients can help with the health of your skin.
Vitamin C is essential for collagen production. Collagen is what gives your skin elasticity and strength, while also boosting skin cell turnover.
Glutathione combats aging by improving cell health, protecting against oxidative stress that leads to wrinkles, and fighting age spots and dark circles under your eyes.
Lycopene is probably one of the most talked about antioxidants in watermelon, mainly because it’s what gives watermelon its characteristic red hue. It is also one of the properties of this fruit that’s associated with combating cancer and diabetes. When it comes to aging, lycopene does the all-important job of protecting your skin from sun damage. It does this by reducing the redness of the skin and preventing the effects of photoaging. You may have already heard that you’re making yourself look older if you skip sunscreen. While sunscreen and a protective hat are still musts when outdoors, consuming watermelons can give you an added layer of protection.
Your body can use beta-carotene to produce vitamin A. Vitamin A’s synthetic derivatives, called “retinoids,” are what we use in the form of anti-aging products on our skin. They help repair your skin, prevent dry skin and flaking, and combat cell damage and skin aging.
Other skin-friendly nutrients in watermelon include vitamin E, vitamin B6, and L-citrulline. Vitamin E is associated with preventing moisture loss, maintaining soft skin, and protecting against cell damage, while vitamin B6 is important for combating acne. L-citrulline is converted to L-arginine and protects your skin from the harsh realities of weather and environmental pollution.
