Natural Beauty with Strawberries

Strawberries contain a range of nutrients, including vitamin C. They also contain phytonutrients and antioxidants, which fight free radicals. In terms of skin care this is excellent news because free radicals may lead to cell damage which can result in premature aging. Strawberries have a purifying effect which makes the fruit versatile in its use. This week, we’ll discuss various methods of using strawberries and other all natural ingredients to enhance our beauty.

If you have acne or oily skin, try a strawberry yogurt mask. To obtain the full benefits, don’t buy strawberry yogurt, use fresh strawberries to make the mask. You will need ¼ cup of fresh sliced strawberries and ¼ of plain yogurt. Take some of the strawberries and mash them up, then fold them into the yogurt. Take the remaining strawberry slices and also fold them into the mixture. Place in the refrigerator for 2 – 3 minutes. Once cooled, pat the mixture onto your face, gently massaging as you go along and be sure to avoid the eyes. Leave on for 10-15 minutes and rinse with warm water. This will leave your skin looking bright and feeling soft.

For normal skin try a strawberry, almond and honey mask. You will need ¼ fresh strawberry slices, ¼ unsalted ground almonds, and 2 tablespoons of honey. Mash the strawberries, and then add the almonds and honey. Pat the mixture onto your face. Leave on for 10-15 minutes and rinse with warm water. This will leave your skin looking bright and feeling soft.

To tighten and tone your skin, try a strawberry, coffee, and honey mask. You will need 5 or 6 medium sized strawberries, 1 tablespoon of espresso coffee grinds, and 1 tablespoon of honey. Mash up the strawberries until they are smooth, because of the quantity of strawberries for this recipe, you can mash them up in a blender until they are smooth. Then add the coffee and honey. Place the mixture in the refrigerator for 2 – 3 minutes. Once cooled, pat the mixture onto your face, gently massaging as you go along and be sure to avoid the eyes. Leave on for 10-15 minutes and rinse with warm water.

For a brightening facial wash, try a strawberry and almond facial scrub. You will need ¼ fresh strawberry slices, ¼ unsalted ground almonds, and 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Mash the strawberries, and the baking soda creating a paste, and then add the almonds. Splash some warm water onto your face, then take the paste and gently rub onto your face as you would any other facial scrub, and rinse with warm water. This will leave your skin looking bright and feeling supple.

Strawberries can also help take care of our hands and feet. For a foot and hand scrub you will need 6-8 strawberries, 2 tablespoons of olive, and one teaspoon of sea-salt. Mash the strawberries and then add the oil and salt, making a paste. Massage the paste onto the feet your feet or hands, rubbing vigorously go along. Pay special attention to the areas where you’re prone to calluses. Leave the paste on for 10-15 minutes and rinse with warm water.

Lastly, strawberries can also be used to remove stains from your teeth. You will need 1 fresh strawberry and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. Mash the strawberry and mix-in the baking soda. Use your toothbrush or your finger to spread the mixture onto your teeth. Leave on for 5 minutes, and then brush thoroughly with toothpaste to remove the strawberry paste. This should be used once a week; if you have sensitive teeth, once every other week.

Remember, Pretty Girls’ Pantry always loves to hear your feedback about your experience with our pantry makeovers, or answer any questions, so E-mail us at prettygirlspantry@gmail.com . In the meantime, don’t forget to check back with us next week for another installment of natural beauty fixes straight from your pantry.