Watermelons are not only delicious and refreshing, the consumption of the fruit might also improve health-related skin maladies attributed to the aging process.
Skin and Aging
As individuals age, their skin is more susceptible to damage and disease for a variety of reasons. A number of factors have the potential to negatively affect the skin:
- Hormonal Decline – Both men and women experience a decrease in vital systemic hormones. In certain instances, such decline could be precipitous. Certain hormones play an important role in helping the skin maintain an aesthetically-pleasing quality. When systemic concentrations of these chemicals diminish, the skin can be susceptible to wrinkling, spotting and a decreased shine.
- Exposure to Environmental Toxins – As people grow older, their skin sustains greater exposure to environmental toxins like chemicals and other pollutants, as well as allergens that can make the body’s protective covering more vulnerable to damage and disease.
- Stress – Stress can have a negative impact on almost every bodily region. The skin is no exception, and routine exposure to anxiety and tension can result in premature aging.
- Obesity – Excessive body weight and the accumulation of fat can put undue strain on the skin and force it to stretch and move in awkward positions. Such abnormal occurrences can result in damage.
Watermelon’s Impact on Skin
A fact that might be surprising to some is that watermelon can have numerous positive benefits for human skin:
- Hydration – As the product’s name might indicate, water comprises a significant amount of its content. Thus, those who consume adequate quantities of watermelon ingest increased concentrations of water. Water is paramount to skin health and appearance. Dehydration can serve as a significant precursor to a host of skin problems.
- Skin Toning – Watermelon is thought to contain nutrients that are known to prevent inflammation and subsequent swelling. This occurrence can harm skin tone and lead to damage. Therefore, individuals who consume watermelon are said to enjoy better skin tone.
- Sun-Damage Prevention – Watermelon contains powerful nutrients scientifically categorized as antioxidants. These substances are noted for their ability to curtail or eliminate the systemic buildup of inflammation. Many doctors and medical researchers opine that inflammation is among the root causes of numerous health maladies, especially problems impacting the skin.
- Many aged individuals who have spent significant time exposed to the sun stand at greater risk for developing a condition called photo-aging, which is sun-related skin damage. Scientists suggest that inflammation plays a significant part in the photo-aging process. Medical professionals also believe that watermelon contains several antioxidants known for their capacity to ebb the impact of photo-aging.
- Diminished Oil Production – Glands located inside the skin produce and secrete oils designed to help promote the creation of moisture. That said, excessive oil production can precipitate skin irritation and damage. Watermelon is rife with vitamin A, a nutrient that is said to reduce the size of skin pores, which has the potential to limit the amount of oil skin is exposed to.
Methods of Consuming Watermelon
Obviously, the most direct method of consuming watermelon is by eating the fruit. However, not all people enjoy the taste. Individuals who do not like watermelon’s taste may apply creams and gels containing watermelon byproducts.