Fruit for thought

There are Bible historians that believe that the fruit from the Tree of Good and Evil, which Eve offered to Adam, was not an apple but actually a pomegranate. If this were so, then you can hardly blame Adam for being tempted into taking it. The bright red pomegranate, bursting with plump, juicy, beady seeds that make up its meat, is one of the most beneficial fruits ever created.

More tangible historical tidbits reveal that is has been a favored fruit since ancient times: the ancient Greeks believed that it represented life, regeneration, and marriage; Babylonians believed chewing the seed before going to battle made them invincible; the prophet Mohammed valued the pomegranate as a fruit that brings physical and emotional harmony. In many cultures, this fruit has long been held as a natural means of retaining a youthful appearance and healthy condition.

In modern times, scientists have conducted studies which have proved the pomegranate to be one of the most nutritious dense fruits ever discovered. A single pomegranate can deliver an adult’s daily vitamin C requirement. Pomegranates are also high in polyphenols, particularly hydrolysable tannins, which have been proven to be antioxidants responsible for eliminating skin-damaging free radicals.

Estee Lauder has combined historical fact with contemporary scientific study to come up with a tribute to this wonder fruit. Their new Nutritious Skincare Collection contains cold-pressed (a process of extraction that includes all beneficial elements in their original concentrations) pomegranate oil, which, combined with other natural ingredients, makes for ultra-potent skincare.

Made for and inspired by the Asian woman, Estee Lauder Nutritious embraces three key actions in achieving healthy, beautiful skin: to neutralize assaults that cause skin-aging free radicals, to detoxify toxins that can negatively affect optimal skin function, and to infuse much-needed vitamins, minerals and energizing ingredients, into the skin. Six products help achieve these key principles:

•Purifying 2-in-1 Foam Cleanser – A must for both day and night, this rich foaming facial wash utilizes a negatively charged "magnetic clay" that helps draw out pollution residue. Pomegranate oil combined with creatine help restore skin’s natural energy levels, enabling skin’s natural mechanisms to work at peak potential.

•Vita-Mineral Energy Lotion – This refreshing and calming treatment lotion revives and detoxifies skin with pomegranate juice and other antioxidants such as pine bark, rice bran extract, and eukarion. It also revitalizes and gives vibrancy to the skin with carnitine and creatine, while minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and zinc instantly replenish and rehydrate skin.

•Vita-Mineral Radiance Essence – After energizing with the lotion, use this luminous, translucent essence to infuse vitamins and potent fruit extracts and renew skin’s natural glow. Apple extract boosts natural skin exfoliation while essential minerals found in pomegranate oil help increase a naturally healthy look. This lotion also restores clarity, rejuvenates skin support, and strengthens skin density to prevent the appearance of lines and wrinkles.

•Vita-Mineral Moisture Milk and Moisture Gel Crème – These two moisturizers work to enhance the skin’s overall healthy look and replenish skin moisture. The milk is a lightweight non-greasy formula perfect for oilier skin and humid climates; the moisture crème gives maximum hydration to dry skin. Both contain pomegranate oil extract and olive fruit extract that drench skin with deep hydration throughout the day. Essential fatty acids from melon and avocado help protect skin against environmental irritants and water loss.

•Restorative Night Crème – Come nighttime, hydration is assured with this rich, nourishing crème. Lemon peel extract provides specific nocturnal nutrients that work overnight to help skin reactivate its natural functions, pomegranate oil extract and olive fruit extract replenishes moisture, while creatine stimulates skin’s natural hydration.

•UV Protector SPF 50/PA++ — This lightweight protective base provides sunscreen that’s not too thick or greasy. Gentle micronized zinc oxide helps prevent free radicals that can cause photo-aging and sun spots, while other ingredients soothe and calm the skin.

Take a hint from history and indulge in the pomegranate promise of Estee Lauder’s new Nutritious Skincare Collection. Following in the footsteps of our ancestor Eve, a fruit — and beautiful, radiant skin — becomes our means of temptation.