Berries can help your skin glow
Berries are the answer to achieving an angelic glow this party season, claims facial expert Caroline Hitchcock.
With plenty of gatherings on the horizon, we all want to look our best. Ironically, this is the time when we tend to be under increased stress which, when coupled with excess food and alcohol, can leave our skin looking run-down, rather than radiant.
However, we can get our ‘glow-on’ by incorporating berries into our weekly skin plan now. With more antioxidants than almost any other fruit, berries prevent damage of healthy skin cells by free radicals.
Free radicals are often the culprit for tired skin and wrinkles, as they sabotage cell membranes, collagen and skin’s lipid barrier. Research carried out by the University of East Anglia earlier this year found that anthocyanins, which give strawberries and blueberries their rich colour, are key to removing these damaging molecules from the body.
Dubbed the perfect party ‘pretox’, raspberries and strawberries contain the potent mineral manganese, which has the ability to convert toxins within the skin cells into oxygen, reducing skin damage. It also increases the effect of vitamin E, found in blackberries, which protects and repairs skin to make it healthy and supple.
Including berries in the diet isn’t the only way of getting the glow. A DIY berry face treatment has many extra benefits; strawberries contain alpha-hydroxyl acids which exfoliate dead skin cells and brighten dull complexions, while blackberries contain polyphenols which help improve skin conditions including psoriasis.
Caroline Hitchcock, one of Britain’s leading facialists, said, “Exposure to pollution, tobacco and toxins, consumed in excess at this time of year, leaves us vulnerable to free radical attack. Berries are powerhouses for cell protection, and the perfect snack for skin health.”
“A dry mouth, familiar to every party-goer, is not the only dehydrating effect of alcohol. Before you go to bed, sipping on a small smoothie packed with berries – which have high water content – will pour the necessary hydration and vitamins back into your body, to repair it ahead of the morning so you maintain your party glow.”
A spokesperson from Seasonal Berries said: “Berries of all kinds are valuable source of vital nutrients. They help ward off infections, aid healing and are excellent for our digestion, nerves, blood cells and skin.”
Generating a radiant complexion in time for Christmas parties, means knowing the short-cuts – here goes a list of Seasonal Berriesquick fixes: -
Pre-party and post party skin radiance
a) Blend strawberries with water to a pulp and pour mixture into ice cube trays and freeze. Cut a square of muslin cloth and place ice cube in centre of cloth. Pull all four corners together and tie with elastic band.
b) As strawberry cube begins to melt, place flat edge on face and massage with small circular movements all over face for 5 minutes.
c) This will have a natural exfoliating effect, whilst releasing vitamins and fruit acids directly to the skin. The coldness of the ice cube will reduce puffiness. Leave residue on skin for a few minutes, rinse off with cold water.
Ready to Glow Mask:
This mask will have a hydrating effect on the skin, whilst brightening and energising.
a) Mash 4 strawberries, half an avocado, a dash of lemon juice in a bowl and bind to a smooth paste.
b) Apply to face with a mask brush working into skin, avoid eye area.
c) Leave for up to 20 minutes then rinse with cool water.
Mask those lines:
Skin will look and feel rejuvenated.
a) Mash a handful of blueberries with olive oil, lime juice, oats and a pinch of turmeric into a paste.
b) Brush onto skin and relax for 20 minutes. Remove with cool water.
Party Damage limitation:
a) Place a strawberry in each glass of bubbly for an antioxidant boost, and to reduce any acidity.
b) Prepare smoothie shots by blending combinations of berries with water, elderflower cordial and fresh ginger.
c) Serve to guests throughout the evening to balance excess alcohol consumption.
d) Part-freeze for slush-puppy effect. The children will love them too!
Tagged in Beauty Tips skincare