Loretta Ciraldo, MD, FAAD, is a Miami-based board-certified dermatologist with over 40 years of experience and the founder of Dr. Loretta Skincare. She says fig offers two main skin benefits: It’s moisturizing and anti-aging due to its fatty acid content and antioxidant activity. First, let’s talk fatty acids. “It’s rich in essential fatty acids that give skin its vibrancy, as they retain moisture,” Ciraldo says. “Fig has been shown in human volunteer testing to significantly decrease transepidermal water loss (TEWL), which increases skin luminosity and improves skin smoothness and texture.” 

Now let’s talk antioxidants. “It has antioxidant benefits since it is rich in vitamins B and C, so it helps to prevent free radical damage—a major cause of unwanted aging changes including lines, wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and age spots,” she says. 

Board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, MD, FAAD, agrees, citing a study that found fig extract can improve eczema better than hydrocortisone cream due to its protective properties. As such, it’s well-suited to anyone who has eczema or any other dry, itchy skin conditions.