It turns out that strawberries are good for you on the outside, too.

In the summertime, it’s easy to remember to take care of our skin. The hot weather reminds us to use sunscreen and moisturizer, and to keep hydrated with plenty of water. But autumn brings a double whammy of dry air that can also run cold, and as we tend to go outside less, we are less likely to keep up a good skincare regimen during the colder months. Strawberries can provide great health support in the summer and during cooler seasons, too.

As one of nature’s best super-foods, strawberries are well known for delivering powerful antioxidants and folic acids that repair cells and keep body tissues healthy. Eating berries regularly is a great way to keep our organs disease-free. But we sometimes forget that that body’s largest organ is the skin. Here again, berries are terrific health-boosters – and not just on the inside. While research shows that people who consume vitamin C-rich foods like strawberries have fewer wrinkles and age-related skin problems, you can actually use them topically to brighten and freshen the skin from the outside in.

A homemade “skin lotion” from strawberries can:
-Cleanse and tone
-Help prevent acne
-Improve complexion
-Treat puffy eyes
-Help protect skin from UV damage
-Soothe dry or irritated skin
-Lessen appearance of wrinkles

Many commercial skin preparations use the very same extracts found in strawberries, so why not get them straight from the berry? The next time you buy strawberries (Well•Pict Berries are available year-round), pick up an extra container so you can try this easy face mask. The alpha hydroxy and salicylic acids help exfoliate skin cells, prevent blackheads and even-out discolored, blotchy areas. The Vitamin C and ellagic acid in strawberries actually helps to protect from further sun damage, too. And afterward your skin will feel better and more refreshed, without resorting to a product that may be laden with chemicals that you don’t necessarily want to use (or pay for).

Ingredients:
¼ to ½ cup of ripe Well•Pict Strawberries
¼ cup of plain yogurt
1-2 tablespoons of honey

Directions:
Wash the strawberries, cut off stems and leaves; place in medium-sized bowl and mash them to a soft texture.
Fold in the honey and yogurt until you get a smooth paste. The smoother you mash the berries, the better they will stick. If the mixture seems too runny, add more berries.
Apply mixture to your face and neck, massaging gently for about 3 minutes.
-Lie down with a cloth towel under your head and leave the mask in place for 15 minutes or so; afterward, wipe off the mixture with a paper towel, then wash the residue away with warm water. Follow with a cold-water rinse to close the pores.For an extra-bracing finish, add ice cubes to the water. It feels tingly and soothing!

Use the mask every other day, and you should start to see and feel a difference within weeks.

This mask works best when you use it right before bed so you and your skin can ‘rest,’ but it’s also effective after a morning bath. (Avoid using a night cream after the mask so you don’t get any unwanted interactions.) Note: You can freeze any leftover mixture to use later in the week. Also, if you have delicate skin and feel the mixture is too strong, use it only twice a week.

Don’t forget, to enjoy the most health benefits from strawberries, you should eat plenty of them, too! Learn more about our healthy Well•Pict Berries here.