At a time when dry, flakes can be prevalent and holding on to moisture in your skin is a battle, adding a rich moisturiser or one or two drops of face oil at the end of your skincare routine can be a useful move.
Gaining popularity on its own and in new skincare formulations are oils sourced from the seeds of watermelon and its relative, the wild tsamma, or Kalahari Melon. Endemic to the desert of the same that spans part of Botswana, Namibia and South Africa the Kalahari Melon is thought to have been the originator of the common watermelon we eat today.
Given its ability to survive and thrive full of moisture in the driest of climates, Kalahari Melon has traditionally been used as a moisturiser in parts of southern Africa. Now its nourishing abilities are now becoming more widespread in modern skincare releases including from the likes of Glow Recipe, Goldfaden MD, Mara, Emma Lewisham, Fenty Beauty and more.
The seeds of both varieties are rich in essential fatty acids, such as linoleic, oleic and palmitic as well as vitamins and antioxidants that help balance and repair skin’s natural barrier and increase and maintain its hydration levels – the perfect addition in colder weather.
Watermelon fruit extract, (Citrullus Lanatus) is also popular in skincare given its hydrating and antioxidant abilities.
Five of the best skincare products with watermelon extracts: Fenty Beauty Instant Reset Overnight Recovery Gel-Cream; Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Cream moisturiser; Lanolips 101 Ointment Multi-Balm Watermelon; Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask; Emma Lewisham Supernatural Collagen Boosting 72-Hour Hydration Crème Riche; Mara Algae + Moringa Universal Face Oil
