Wimbledon might be over, but it’s still strawberry season in the UK! Besides eating them with cream – yum! – they have some beauty benefits for skin and hair too. Here are just a few ideas:
Body Scrub: This full body treatment will leave your skin soft and radiant. Strawberries contain salicylic acid, which works to destroy free radicals and prevent premature ageing. All you need is four strawberries, three tablespoons of olive oil and half a cup of sugar. Firstly, mash the strawberries in to a paste and add the sugar. Add the oil slowly, ensuring the consistency isn’t too runny – if it’s too gritty then add more oil. When you’re in the bath or shower, gently apply the mixture to your body massaging in before rinsing with warm water.
Light Cleanser: For a light morning / no-make-up-day evening cleanser, try this easy DIY! Mash four strawberries together and then press the pulp through a cheesecloth over a bowl. Add a drop of essential oil (if desired) to the juice and apply the juice to your face with your fingers. Massage for a minute or two before rinsing away with warm water.
Hair Mask: Strawberries are packed with vitamin C, which is great at nourishing your hair. They will also make your hair smell amazing! To make this sweet smelling hair mask just blend together 5-7 strawberries (depending on your hair length) with a tablespoon of coconut oil and honey forming a smooth purée. Work this mixture in to damp hair and then rinse with warm water.
Face Mask: This face mask can soothe your skin and help with acne. It will also exfoliate your skin and remove any dead skin cells. Blend together a handful of strawberries with one teaspoon of lemon juice, two tablespoons of rolled oats, half a tablespoon of honey and a quarter of a cup of plain yoghurt. Paint it on to your face using a foundation brush and allow it to dry. Leave for 5-10 minutes before washing off with warm water.
Remove Dark Circles: Cold strawberries straight out of the fridge can reduce under-eye puffiness. They contain alpha-hydroxy acids which help to smooth out the skin, while also reducing dark circles and puffiness. Simply cut up two or three strawberries into thin slices and apply to your face. Resist the temptation to eat them for five minutes – then do as you wish and rinse skin with cold water!
– Laura