Did you know that strawberry has amazing benefits for the skin? Applying strawberries topically or eating them can help the skin in many different ways. In this post I look at all the beauty benefits of this wonderful fruit!
When it comes to choosing the right skin care, you can’t go wrong with a product rich in strawberry! Strawberries contain high amounts of vitamin C which is well known for its beauty benefits both when it’s applied to the skin, or consumed in the diet.
When applied topically Vitamin C helps to improve the texture of the skin, reduce acne, fade dark spots and make the skin more elastic. Since vitamin C stimulates the production of collagen, it also helps to keep the skin firm and tight and minimises the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
Strawberries also have high amounts of potassium, folate and manganese and other nutrients which helps to make your skin look clear and bright. In post I explore the top 10 benefits of strawberries for the skin, as well as the best strawberry skincare products.
Strawberry Benefits for Skin
Top 10 Beauty Benefits of Strawberry for the Skin
1. Treats Acne
The high amount of salicylic acid in strawberries makes them perfect for treating blemishes and acne. Salicylic acid helps to exfoliate dead skin cells and control oil production. It is able to penetrate the skin at a deeper level than other acids, and clear out the impurities that can lead to acne.
Strawberries contain enough salicylic acid to be used as a natural acne treatment. They gently remove the top layer of dead cells without being too harsh on the skin.
To create a strawberry mask for acne, fine mash some strawberries in a bowl and mix with them a tablespoon of Manuka honey. Apply the mixture to your face and leave on for 20 minutes before rinsing off.
Honey is a great ingredient to mix with your strawberries since it helps to balance the bacteria on your skin and speed up the healing process of any current acne lesions.
2. Treats Wrinkles and Fine Lines
Strawberries contain high amounts of antioxidants which help protect our skin against free radical damage, and reduce the signs of ageing. Free radicals break down the skin’s collagen which results in saggy skin, wrinkles, fine lines and dark marks.
By either applying strawberry products to your skin, or regularly eating a bowl of strawberries, you can benefit from powerful antioxidants including anthocyanins, ellagic acid, quercetin, and kaempferol.
Strawberries are also rich in folic acid. Folic acid promotes the development of healthy skin cells and helps to prevent fine lines and wrinkles from forming. Folic acid also plays a role in collagen production, so helps to give you firmer skin.
3. Prevents and Treats Sun Damage
The Vitamin C in strawberries protects the skin against sun damage caused by exposure to UV rays. This is because it’s able to neutralise any free radicals on your skin before they have a chance to do any harm! Vitamin C also brightens and lightens the skin and is able to reduce the appearance of current sun spots.
Strawberries are also a good source of ellagic acid. Ellagic acid is able to minimise the appearance of dark marks caused by UV damage. This is because it inhibits the enzyme tyrosinase which produces melanin in the skin. Ellagic acid can have a whitening effect on the skin and make the skin tone appear more even.
One study showed that strawberries can actually stop the skin from being damaged by UV rays. The team of Italian and Spanish researchers couldn’t tell exactly what it was within the strawberries that was protecting the skin, but believe it may be the pigment that makes the berries red. Read the full study here.
4. Reduces Dark Circles and Puffy Eyes
Strawberries are a great source of bioflavonoids. Bioflavonoids help improve the strength and structure of capillaries, which can help to reduce dark circles and eye puffiness. This is because they strengthen the connective tissue around the eyes, making it firmer and less likely to sag or bulge.
Eating strawberries can also help to reduce the appearance of eye bags. This is because the salicylic acid they contain can help to break down fatty deposits under the eyes. Strawberries also have natural astringent properties so they can help to tighten the tissue around the eye area.
5. Lightens Age Spots
The antioxidants vitamin C, ellagic acid and quercetin within strawberries can help to lighten age spots. Vitamin C helps to fade the appearance of these pigmented marks while ellagic acid and quercetin inhibit melanin production, preventing further skin damage and marks.
Strawberries are also able to brighten the skin overall. This is because they contain natural alpha hydroxy acids (AHA), which can promote exfoliation of the skin and help to fade pigmentation on the surface of the skin. The AHA’s in strawberries work by helping to break down melanin found lower down in the layers of the skin, which is where age spots start to develop.
To use strawberries as a treatment for dark spots and pigmentation, mash two tablespoons of fresh strawberries into a puree and mix it with some yoghurt before applying it all over your face. Leave on for 20 minutes then rinse off with warm water. Yoghurt is a great option to add to your strawberry face mask since it helps to lighten the skin and reduce hyperpigmentation.
6. Heals Old and New Scars
The natural alpha hydroxy acids in strawberries also helps to fade any scars on the skin, which can be caused by acne or sun damage. These acids work by exfoliating the skin and removing dead cells. Over time, scars will become lighter and less visible.
Eating strawberries regularly can also help to reduce scars since the vitamin C in the fruit helps to speed up the healing process. Since vitamin C promotes collagen production this can help to minimise scar tissue.
7. Keeps the Skin Hydrated
Strawberries are a natural source of omega 3 fatty acids which help the skin to retain moisture. Omega-3s are also good for softening dry or rough skin and soothing any irritation.
Strawberries are also a water rich food that will help your body to stay hydrated. Since strawberries have a high water content of over 90%, they help to make the skin look plump and glowing.
8. Cleanses and Tones the Skin
Strawberries are a natural source of the alpha-hydroxy acid, malic acid. Malic acid is a chemical exfoliant that helps to cleanse and tone the skin. It smooths the skin’s texture and leaves it brighter and clearer.
The mixture of chemical exfoliants in strawberry including both salicylic and malic acid make is a great natural cleanser for all skin types. It effectively treats blackheads and whiteheads without leaving any residue on the skin.
You can buy toners or skin cleansers that contain strawberry extract or make your own. To make a strawberry toner, grind some strawberries and drain the juice. Mix the strawberry juice with some rose water and then sweep the solution over your face with a cotton pad.
9. Balances Oil Production
Strawberries are great for oily skin! The salicylic acid found in strawberries can help regulate sebum production as well as clear out excess oil.
By controlling oil production, strawberries help to prevent blackheads and whiteheads from forming and give the skin a more matte appearance.
10. Soothes Irritation
The antioxidants and nutrients in strawberries can help to calm irritation after the skin is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays. Strawberries also contain vitamin C, which helps to boost collagen production and decrease inflammation.
Strawberries are great for soothing sunburn since they contain chemicals that can reduce pain and swelling. They also contain salicylic acid, which is a natural anti-inflammatory that can help to reduce sunburn itchiness. To treat sunburn with strawberries, mash up some strawberries into a paste and apply directly to the affected area.
DIY Strawberry Beauty Products
Strawberry Face Mask for Acne
This deep cleaning face mask can be used to treat acne by removing excess oil and dirt from the pores.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup strawberries
- 1 tablespoon of honey
Mix the honey and strawberries together, leave on for around 15 minutes. Rinse off with lukewarm water.
Related: 20 Homemade Face Masks for Acne
Strawberry Brightening Face Mask
This mask is great for anyone who wants a quick and easy way to enhance the tone and texture of their skin.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup strawberries
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Put the strawberries in a blender until smooth, add in lemon juice. Apply evenly to face in a circular motion. Leave on for 20 minutes, rinse off with cold water. Dry excess moisture by gently patting your face with a soft towel.
Strawberry Face Mask for Dry Skin
This mask is perfect for people with dry skin, the hydrating properties of the strawberries help to moisturise and soothe the skin.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup ripe strawberries
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Egg yolk
Put the egg yolk in with the strawberries and puree, then slowly add in olive oil. Apply to face for 30 minutes, rinse off with lukewarm water.
Strawberry Face Mask for Dull Skin
This mask helps brighten dull or tired looking skin.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup strawberries
- 1 tablespoon of yoghurt
- 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
Put the strawberries and lemon juice in a blender until smooth, then add in yoghurt. Apply evenly to face and leave on for 15 minutes, rinse off with lukewarm water.
Strawberry Delight for Puffy Eyes
This soothing eye mask is perfect for combating under-eye puffiness and fatigue.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup strawberries
- 1/4 cup cucumber slices
- 1 teaspoon aloe vera gel
Instructions: Blend the strawberries and cucumber slices until smooth. Mix in the aloe vera gel. Apply a generous layer to the under-eye area and relax for 15 minutes. Rinse with cool water and enjoy refreshed, revitalized eyes.
Strawberry Lip Scrub
Give your lips the royal treatment with this exfoliating and moisturizing lip scrub.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup strawberries
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Instructions: Blend the strawberries and combine with coconut oil and brown sugar. Gently massage the mixture onto your lips in a circular motion for a minute. Rinse off and relish your smooth, kissable lips.
Strawberry and Oatmeal Body Scrub
Pamper your entire body with this luxurious exfoliating scrub.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup strawberries
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
- 2 tablespoons honey
Instructions: Blend strawberries and mix with rolled oats and honey. Apply the scrub in the shower, gently massaging it onto your damp skin. Rinse off to reveal silky-smooth, refreshed skin.
Strawberry Hair Mask for Shine
Strawberries aren’t just for your skin; they can add shine to your hair too!
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup strawberries
- 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions: Blend strawberries and combine with yogurt and honey. Apply the mixture to your hair, focusing on the ends. Leave it on for 20 minutes, then shampoo and condition as usual for lustrous, glossy locks.
Strawberry and Green Tea Face Mask
This mask combines the antioxidant power of strawberries with the soothing benefits of green tea.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup strawberries
- 1 tablespoon green tea leaves (or green tea bag contents)
- 1 teaspoon honey
Instructions: Blend strawberries and mix with green tea leaves and honey. Apply to your face and let it sit for 15 minutes. Rinse with cool water for a rejuvenated and refreshed complexion.
Strawberry Foot Soak
Treat your tired feet to a relaxing strawberry foot soak.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup strawberries
- 1/4 cup Epsom salt
- Warm water
Instructions: Blend strawberries and mix with Epsom salt. Add this mixture to a basin of warm water. Soak your feet for 15-20 minutes, and experience the soothing and invigorating effects.
Strawberry and Yogurt Body Mask
Indulge your skin with this creamy and nourishing full-body treatment.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup strawberry puree
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons oat flour (or finely ground oats)
Instructions: Mix strawberry puree, yogurt, honey, and oat flour to form a smooth paste. Apply this delightful concoction to your entire body, gently massaging it in. Allow it to sit for 20 minutes, then rinse off with warm water. Revel in the softness and radiance of your skin, courtesy of the essential nutrients and alpha-hydroxy acids in strawberries, and the soothing properties of yogurt and honey. This luxurious treatment is a great addition to your skincare routine, providing nourishment, hydration, and a natural glow.
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This post was all about the benefits of Strawberry for Skin
Thank you for reading my post about the benefits of strawberry for the skin. If you have any experience with the health benefits of strawberries in skin care, please leave me a comment below! Strawberry is a popular fruit, not only because it’s delicious, but also because it helps to strengthen the immune system, reduce chronic inflammation and prevent collagen destruction.