Strawberry Beauty Treatments
June 21st marks the Summer Solstice, the official beginning of the summer season. Summer is also the prime season for many fresh fruits and vegetables. One perennial summer favorite is the sweet, pretty little strawberry. Strawberries are used in just about anything you can eat, all summer long.
Did you know that summer strawberries can be used for do it yourself home beauty treatments for anything from improving your skin to whitening your teeth? Here are a few beautifying tips for using these summer favorites in your beauty routine.
Exfoliate Your Skin
Strawberries contain a natural fruit acid, which aids in exfoliation of the skin. To make a hand and foot treatment for exfoliation, follow these simple steps.
Mash 8-10 strawberries with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Apply the mixture to hands and feet, massaging thoroughly. Rinse the mixture completely and pat dry with a soft cloth. Your skin will feel smooth and soft.
Whiten Your Teeth
You have always heard that you shouldn’t eat anything red or it can stain your teeth. Strawberries are an exception, due to the fruit acid which helps break down stains and brighten your smile. Here is the recipe for strawberry tooth whitening.
Mash 1 strawberry with ½ tablespoon of baking soda. Apply the mixture to your teeth using a soft toothbrush. Leave it all on for 5 minutes, then rinse well, brush and floss to ensure removal of any strawberry seeds.
You will notice a brighter polish to your teeth and reduction of stains. This treatment is safe to use about once per week.
Strawberry Hair Treatment
Packed with vitamins and antioxidants, strawberries can add shine and life to your hair when used often. You will need 8-10 ripe strawberries and 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise. Apply the mixture to your hair from roots to tips. Cover with a shower cap for 20 minutes, then wash as normal. The strawberry mixture leaves your hair shinier and smoother. Use this treatment regularly in order to help restore health and shine to your hair.
Strawberries are Good for Your Body
Strawberries are good for more than just beauty treatments! Everybody loves to eat them too! High in vitamins and antioxidants, strawberries are a great source of the nutrients your skin needs to stay healthy and beautiful. Eat more strawberries! Try a strawberry smoothie using yogurt, strawberries and crushed ice. Add them to your favorite salad or try them with balsamic vinaigrette for a tangy treat.
Great Places to Find Strawberries This Summer
Sometimes, picking your own strawberries is as much fun as eating them. To find a “pick your own” strawberry farm near you, visit http://www.pickyourown.org.
Health and nutrition information about strawberries can be found at Calstrawberry.com
Looking for some strawberry recipes? The California Strawberry Commission has some good ones!
The Author:
Dena M. Rathbun
Photo. Boom
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