Sweet jam. Refreshing sorbet. Whipped cream. Decadent chocolate. These are just a few of the ways strawberries are enjoyed and the things we often pair with them. Aside from being a popular and tasty snack, dessert, and even topping, there are many beauty benefits of strawberries. From brightening complexions to boosting immunity, this juicy, red fruit can do a lot for skin and overall health. Keep scrolling to learn why we love it berry much!
Benefits of Strawberries for Skin
Brighten + Tighten
One of the benefits of strawberries is its ability to brighten skin and provide that dewy glow many of us crave. Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, a water-soluble antioxidant, which helps to neutralize free radicals, promote collagen production, and fight the signs of aging. They also contain two exfoliative acids: alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) and ellagic acid, which help to further reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, eliminate unwanted debris, and exfoliate dead skin cells (more on that later). Oh, and it gets even better! Strawberries also contain salicylic acid, a BHA that works to tighten and tone, as well as reduce inflammation and redness and loosen dead skin.
De-Puff Under-Eye Bags
No one likes puffy, under-eye bags, especially Squidward.
Unfortunately, our eyes are the first place aging occurs on our face. The skin around our eyes is naturally thin, making them prone to laxity. The result? Looser and even thinner skin. Not fair, we know. But it’s not just aging that contributes to this. A poor diet and lack of sleep can also play a role in the development of hollow, dark, and puffy under-eyes. But have no fear, strawberries are here! The presence of AHA can help drain the lymphatic nodes around our eyes, leaving smoother and more radiant skin in its place. Strawberries also contain astringent properties, helping the skin to contract and essentially depuff those fatigued peepers of yours!
Exfoliate + Soften Dry Lips
We know Valentine’s Day passed, but who doesn’t want luscious, kissable lips all year round?
Say hello to rosy, flushed lips and goodbye to dull, flaky ones! When we mentioned that the presence of salicylic acid in strawberries helps to exfoliate and remove dead skin cells, we were including lips in that, too! And that boosted collagen production we talked about? It can provide natural plumping effects (which is never a bad thing) to your lips. Expensive fillers? Nope! We’re heading to the grocery store. Digging the sounds of softening up your pout? Check out this DIY strawberry lip scrub here!
Improve the Appearance of Dark Spots + Blemishes
By now, you must know that almost every acne-fighting product contains salicylic acid. And as mentioned above, strawberries contain this skin-saving ingredient. This BHA works to soften and break down layers of skin and loosen dead skin cells, encouraging exfoliation. It also targets excess sebum production and can help minimize the appearance of large pores. Oh, and we can’t forget that salicylic acid also provides anti-inflammatory effects to the skin! Irritation and inflammation are often associated with breakouts, so applying a product with salicylic acid can help calm any redness related to inflammatory acne. And if dark spots and acne scars are a concern, the presence of ellagic acid in strawberries can help lighten any areas with hyperpigmentation. If slathering your face in a lil’ DIY strawberry mask sounds like yo thang, have a look at a few of these recipes.
Benefits of Strawberries for Overall Health
Now that we’ve covered the benefits of strawberries for skin, let’s dive into what they can do for your overall health!
Boost Immunity
Did you know that strawberries contain slightly more vitamin C than a single orange?! Their high content of this vital antioxidant helps boost immunity (perfect for cold and flu season) by signaling to your body to produce more immune-boosting antibodies to fight against infections. But do keep in mind that consuming a whole bunch of strawberries won’t guarantee anything. If you do, however, happen to fall ill, strawberries can help lessen the duration you’re stuck in bed!
Fight Cholesterol
Consuming strawberries can help lessen the chance of you landing into the same situation as Bob…
Strawberries are naturally free of cholesterol (and free of sodium and fat) and contain a soluble fiber known as pectin that helps to lower the levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) in the body which blocks your blood vessels and puts you at risk for developing heart disease. And if you’re looking for a quick and easy strawberry smoothie recipe to get your daily intake of this yummy cholesterol-fighting fruit, click here!
Whiten Discolored Teeth
Sorry Crest, but we’re going to try rubbing some strawberries on our teeth to whiten them before we try your strips.
Strawberries contain malic acid, an AHA commonly used in skincare, which acts as an astringent when applied to your teeth, helping to remove any yellowing or stains. To create your own DIY whitening solution, all you’ll need is one strawberry! Purée it in a blender and add some baking soda. You’ll want the mixture to be like a paste. Spread it on a toothpaste and voilà! But do be careful not to overdo it, as the acid in the strawberries can damage the enamel on your teeth.
Improve Brain Function
Strawberries can help protect the brain from any damage thanks to their high content of antioxidants (which help to promote a healthy blood flow) that work to deter free radicals. Studies have also shown that the frequent consumption of strawberries can prevent neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, which can develop when there is an increase of a harmful protein (beta-amyloid 42) in the brain. And even more amazingly, these ruby red gems can help change the way neurons in the brain communicate with one another. How cool!
Whether they’re blended and combined with other ingredients for a DIY face mask or a part of your weekly quick snacks, sweet treats, and/or tasty meals, it’s easy to reap the benefits of strawberries. We hope you enjoyed learning about what this fruit fave can do for your skin and overall health and that you look forward to joining us again when we dive into blueberries next! Until then, stay giddy and golden!