It’s the month of love and we can’t stop talking about red and pink, be it for eating or wearing. Why not extend the colours to applying something on the face? Why not think strawberries for skin?

It’s a wonderful source of salicylic acid, a key ingredient used in anti-acne skin creams, peels or serums. Also rich in Vitamin C and AHAs, these ingredients work amazingly well to boost skin radiance.

Let’s dig into some of its benefits:

1.Reduces UV damages

Strawberries contain antioxidants and ellagic acid, which reduce and treat UV damages and help to fade sunspots.

2. Treats puffiness

Make a natural toner by extracting strawberry juice. Dip a cotton ball into it and place it on your eyes for 20 minutes. Wash it off and apply an undereye cream. See the difference.

3. AHAs and BHAs in strawberries help to brighten the skin and treat pigmentation.

4. Delays ageing

Strawberry delays ageing and boosts collagen in the skin.

5. Anti-acne

It has salicylic acid which helps to control acne, and tightens pores to keep out the dirt and bacteria that could cause future breakouts.

Strawberry face packs:

1. For acne-prone skin

Mix gram flour or besan with strawberry pulp. Add rose water. Mix well, apply it on your face and leave it on for 20 minutes. Wash off and apply your moisturising cream.

2. Exfoliating face mask

Mix 1 teaspoon yogurt, 1 tablespoon of strawberry pulp and 1 teaspoon of honey. Apply on your face and leave it on for 20 minutes. Wash off to get that glow on your skin.

But don’t forget to eat strawberries too!

The columnist manages Ishrat’s Hair & Skin Studio, Lord Sinha Road, Calcutta. Contact: @ishratansar