It’s strawberry season! And who doesn’t love these juicy bites of heaven on a hot summer’s day? But did you know that there are many more things to do with them than simply pouring on the cream? Believe us- once you read these five super little ways to use strawberries, your summer will never be the same again.
Nicknamed the queen of fruits, the strawberry is very versatile and actually deserves a lot more recognition too. It’s not just ice cream and desserts that are improved by strawberries- your top to toe beauty is too! High in antioxidants, a bowl of strawberries can help improve your hair, skin and keep your digestive system in tip top shape too.
And that’s not all… read on for five more ways that you can use strawberries…
To cleanse your face
Strawberries have fantastic cleansing properties and extracts are often used as an ingredient in skin cleansers, face washes, bubble baths and rejuvenating face masks. The high levels of vitamin C, Salicylic and Ellagic acid, antioxidants and exfoliants make them an ideal ingredient. Salicylic acid works to remove dead cells from the face and tightens the pores too. Ellagic acid is an antioxidant which targets skin damage and helps to maintain a fresh complexion. A strawberry based cleanser can work wonders to remove impurities and soften the skin whilst soothing allergies too. Try this simple recipe to make your own you need:
- 4 very ripe strawberries, slice
- bowl and fork to mash
- Cheesecloth or muslin to strain
To make the cleanser, simply mash the strawberries until they are smooth. Press the mixture through the cloth to remove the pulp and catch the juice. Apply the juice to your face using your finger tips, and massage in circular motions for one minute. Rinse well with warm water.
To tone your face
Because strawberries contain Salycilic acid, they work really well as a toner for your skin. Simply rub the juice of one or two over your face with cotton wool, leave for ten minutes, then rinse with warm water. Voila!
To improve your complexion
Strawberries can fight skin conditions such as acne. Age spots and freckles. Yes, really! It’s lightening properties can reduce the appearance of freckles and age spots, and all you need to do is apply it as above.
For other skin conditions, such as acne, the strawberry really is a wonder berry! The Vitamin C, Alpha Hydroxy acids, Salicylic acid and flavanoids in strawberries help to reduce oil in the skin, thus reducing acne and promoting a clearer complexion. For a boost, mash 8 strawberries with 1 tablespoon of milk, apply to your face and leave for around 10 minutes. Rinse well with warm water, and use twice a week for best results.
To protect from UV rays and slow the effects of ageing
We’re beginning to think there’s nothing the strawberry can’t do! The Ellagic acid in strawberries means that when applied to the skin, these little berries can protect against the sun’s harmful rays. Clever, huh? This in turn helps to slow the ageing process, and again it’s the Vitamin C and other antioxidants in strawberries that help to prevent damage caused by free radicals to the skin and body. Free radicals work against us in accelerating the ageing process, while vitamin C works with us to block the damage they cause. To make a lush anti-ageing face mask you need:
- A handful of strawberries (around 6)
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 2 teaspoons milk
Simply mash the strawberries and add the milk and honey. Apply to the face and leave for 20 minutes before rinsing well with warm water.
To make your hair shiny and healthy
Want silky, shiny hair that’s free of dandruff, soft to touch and beautifully hydrated? Of course you do! Strawberries are your hair’s new best friend. Strawberries work super hard to protect the cell membranes of the scalp thanks to the anitoxidant properties. If you want super hydrated hair, mash some strawberries with on egg yolk and apply to the scalp every now and then. Works like a charm.
Strawberries are also great for giving extra shine to your hair. To make a super sweet hair mask, you need:
- 8 strawberries, mashed
- 1 tablepoon mayonnaise
Mix the ingeredients together until you have a smooth paste. Apply it to your hair then cover it with a shower cap. Leave for 20 minutes before rinsing and washing as normal.
And when you’re done making yourself look naturally beautiful, dig in!
