Why Derms Can’t Stop Picking Cherry Skin Products

Cherries aren’t *technically* in season, so you probably won’t find them at the farmer’s market this fall — but you can still get your fill with the month’s buzziest new beauty products. Farmacy’s Very Cherry line, Savor Beauty’s just-launched Cherry Collagen Peel, and Squish Beauty’s Cheeky Cherry Eye & Cheek Mask all bank on cherry’s skin benefits; which, according to dermatologists, include boosting collagen production, brightening hyperpigmentation, and protecting your skin from future damage. Sweet, indeed.

“Cherry juice is naturally rich in vitamins A, B, C, and D; melatonin; potassium; and flavonoids,” Dr. Neil Sadick, M.D., a dermatologist with Sadick Dermatology in New York City, tells The Zoe Report. “In this respect, it’s an ideal agent for combating cellular damage, evening tone, and promoting cellular regeneration.” Put simply: Cherry juice is jam-packed with nutrients, all of which will affect your complexion in different ways. The most impressive? Antioxidants.

“Cherry juice is loaded with 17 free-radical fighting antioxidants,” Angela Kim, the founder of Savor Beauty and a K-beauty expert, tells TZR. (As a refresher, antioxidants are substances that help neutralize free radicals caused by pollution. Free radicals accelerate aging, weaken the skin barrier, and make skin more vulnerable to damage — so neutralizing them is a non-negotiable for healthy skin.) The sweetest antioxidant of the bunch is vitamin C: Besides the aforementioned protective properties, vitamin C has the power to lift spots of hyperpigmentation (like acne scars and melasma) and stimulate collagen production.

“Cherries also contain Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, which help feed the skin with essential nutrients,” Karen Behnke, the founder of Juice Beauty, tells The Zoe Report. These fatty acids naturally occur in the skin’s barrier and help to lock in moisture. That, combined with collagen-creating vitamin C, means that “application of products containing cherry juice can keep the skin supple and clear,” Dr. Sadick says.

The cherry on top? The tart ingredient even helps soothe breakouts. “The antibacterial properties in cherries remove and fight bacteria that’s trapped under the skin for additional acne-fighting benefits,” Kim says.

“There are no risks associated with natural cherry juice, but it can be a bit on the acidic side for people with sensitive skin,” Dr. Sadick tells TZR, noting that anyone who tends towards irritation should use the ingredient in moderation “to prevent redness and flares.” He especially recommends cherry juice for treating sunspots and fine lines, but says anyone with dry, combo, or oily skin can (and should) indulge in the latest crop of cherry products.

Ahead, 10 ways to get a piece of the cherry skincare pie.

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