I Swapped My Whole Routine for Watermelon Products

There are a few scents that immediately conjure the image of summer: Salty seaside air, vaguely tropical SPF, and of course, a big, juicy slice of watermelon. While the IRL pink stuff is technically only in season during the warmer months, there’s a way to hold onto those summertime vibes all year long. We’re talking, of course, about one of the buzziest ingredients in skincare — watermelon.

“Watermelon is great for skin care because it’s hydrating, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant,” says dermatologist Michele Farber of NYC’s Schweiger Dermatology. “Antioxidants like A and C are great for anti-aging and helping to mitigate signs of UV damage,” says Dr. Farber. “The stars are amino acids like citrulline, which is a natural exfoliator and hydrator, and the phytochemical lycopene which is anti-inflammatory.”

That all sounds great to me, which is why I decided to put the juicy fruit’s magical properties to the test by trying three watermelon-infused products on my skin. My new routine not only smelled wonderful, but it also gave me a glow that I have full confidence will last me all year long. Read on to see what watermelon can do for your skin.

The Test Subject

Whether my days are spent soaking up the sun or trying to avoid the harsh winter winds, it is crazy dry all year round. No matter what I put on it in the morning, by 3pm it’s begging for more moisture. Because of how dry it gets, I also tend to wake up with a coat of grease over my face, which I’ve come to learn is my body overcompensating for the fact that my skin is dehydrated. It’s a vicious cycle.

So in theory, watermelon products had the potential to be a game changer. Hydration and anti-aging? Sign me up.

For this experiment, I swapped out my regular routine for the below three picks. I still used my usual cleanser, but relegated my regular serums and tinctures to my vanity drawer for a week — a task that was harder for me, a skincare addict, than you might expect.

The Products

The Moisturizer: Watermelon Glow Pink Juice Moisturizer

Putting this on every morning made me feel like a real life Jolly Rancher — in a good way. “Irritated, red, or dry skin can benefit greatly from watermelon as it helps heal the moisture barrier,” explains Dr. Farber, three words that describe my skin perfectly after a summer spent with slightly too much time in the sun. “It is also good for acne-prone skin and aging skin because of its calming and antioxidant properties.” While using Pink Juice Moisturizer, I was shocked that my skin stayed hydrated well after the usual 3pm dryness mark — the lightweight-yet-powerful potion quenched my skin all the way through to bedtime.

The Overnight Mask: Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask

After a week of using this religiously every night, it became clear why the Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask sold out seemingly overnight (no pun intended). The gel-like texture goes on as smooth as satin — there’s no stickiness or residue left over post-application — and my skin absorbed it so quickly I was practically able to see it disappear. “The sleeping mask helps moisturize skin and also has alpha-hydroxy-acids to help gently exfoliate,” explains Dr. Farber. In the morning, my skin was so plump I felt like I could have bounced a quarter off of my cheek. While I didn’t attempt that, I did stare at my reflection in the mirror for five straight minutes marveling at how smooth my complexion looked.

The Mask: Watermelon Glow Jelly Sheet Mask

Unlike your usual sheet mask, the Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Jelly Sheet Mask is actually made from watermelons. Because of its jelly texture, the minute it hit my skin it felt immediately cooling and refreshing — a relief on a muggy summer day.

I used it before bed twice a week, leaving it on each time for the recommended 15 minutes. In masks like this one, watermelon can help with toning skin as well as smoothing texture. When I took it off, I could actually see the radiance of my complexion. In addition to the watermelon extract, the mask is packed with hyaluronic acid, which helps with water retention within the skin, for added hydration.

The Results

Seven days into my watermelon experiment, and I am glowing. Frankly, I can’t believe that just using those three products left my skin looking this good. As someone who’s morning and nighttime routine usually has a combined 17 steps, I’m totally blown away. Not only do I feel like some sort of flawless-skinned goddess all soft and dewy, but my face feels amazing, too. Watermelon Glow lived up to the hype, and I will be using it long after watermelon season is over.

Have you tried watermelon skincare? What did you think? Share your experience with us in the comments below or on our Instagram!