Strawberry oil is a true gem in the world of natural skincare. Strawberries, the ruby-red miracle of the summer season, are among the most delicious fruits available. Not only does it taste and smell good, but it also has lots of antioxidants, vitamins, and gentle astringent properties.
All these properties make it unique and a great choice to consider in your daily skincare routine. But the question arises: how do you use strawberries and their powerful properties to get the best results for your skin? Here, we will help you out and give you an idea. Try using strawberry skin oil.
This comprehensive article will discuss the benefits of strawberries for the skin. How to make strawberry oil for the skin? We will also give some suggestions related to safety precautions and offer some tips on using the strawberry skin oil to its fullest.
Table of Contents
Creating Your Strawberry Skin Oil: Two Methods
Below are two main methods with which we can create strawberry skin oil. One is infusion, and the other is maceration.
Method 1: Infusion
Using this method, we use mild heat and dried strawberries to create strawberry skin oil.
Ingredients
The following ingredients are needed to develop strawberry oil this way:
- Dried strawberries (organic, if possible)
- Carrier oil of your choice (grapeseed oil, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil)
- Airtight glass jar
- Saucepan
- Cheesecloth or fine-mesh strainer
Instructions
Prepare the Strawberries Powder: First, take some dried strawberries and grind them with the help of a food processor or spice grinder till they are in powder form with a little bit of a grainy texture.
Measure and Combine: For the second step, you must take equal parts of strawberry powder and carrier oil. For example, for ½ cup of dried strawberry powder, you’ll need ½ cup of carrier oil. Combine both the powder and carrier oil in a glass jar.
Heat Gently:
- Take a saucepan and fill it with water.
- Switch on the stove.
- Gently heat the water.
- Put your glass jar with strawberry powder and carrier oil in it.
- Make sure that the water reaches halfway up the sides of the jar.
- Keep stirring and let it simmer for 2-3 hours on a light flame.
Strain and Store: After simmering, remove the jar from the water. Let it cool down completely. Once it is at an average temperature, strain the oil with the help of a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth. This way, the strawberry particles are removed. Now store the strained oil in an airtight bottle or jar and put it in a cool, dark place for better results and a longer shelf life.
Method 2: Maceration
Maceration is a cold-process method, and fresh strawberries are used in it.
Ingredients
The ingredients that are used for this process are
- Fresh, ripe strawberries (organic, if possible)
- Carrier oil of your choice (grapeseed oil, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil)
- Airtight glass jar
Instructions
Prepare the Strawberries: First, you need to wash the strawberries to ensure they are dirt-free and eliminate any unseen bacteria. Pat them dry. Then slice them or mash them slightly as per your preference.
Combine and Infuse: Fill a glass jar with an equal amount of sliced or mashed strawberries and carrier oil. For example, if you take ½ cup of mashed or sliced strawberries, take ½ cup of carrier oil.
Sun Infusion (Optional): You do have the option to do a sun infusion. You can place the airtight jar containing carrier oil and sliced or mashed strawberries in the sunlight for a few hours daily. Just remember to shake the jar occasionally.
Macerate and Strain: Other than sun infusion, you can store the jar in a cool, dark place for at least four weeks while shaking it occasionally. The longer you soak the strawberries, the stronger the essence will be.
Strain and Store: Once the period of 4 weeks is completed or after the sun infusion, open the jar and strain the oil with the help of a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. You must squeeze the strawberry pulp gently to extract all the oil.
Optional: Repeat the Maceration: You always have the option to repeat the process with a batch of fresh strawberries and some new carrier oil. This way, the infused oil will be more effective and beneficial.
Store Your Creation: Finally, when the whole process is done, store the strawberry skin oil in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
Important Note: Never use direct heat on strawberries, as this will destroy some beneficial properties.
Addition of carrier oils
Although strawberries have many benefits, their oil cannot be used without infusing it with other carrier oils.
You will always need the support of a carrier oil to create your customized strawberry oil. The oils used are almond oil, grapeseed oil, and jojoba oil.
These oils add to the already-present benefits of strawberry oil, like hydration and extra nourishment.
Safety Precautions While Using Strawberry Skin Oil
Although strawberries are safe to use, you must remember certain things.
Patch Test: Don’t forget to patch test the strawberry skin oil before using it on your face. Apply a small amount of it to your inner forearm first. You can safely use it if you don’t experience any redness or irritation for the next 24 hours.
Freshness is the key. Always use fresh strawberries for better results. Also, store the strawberry skin oil in a cool, dark place. This way, you can extend its shelf life for around three months.
Sun Sensitivity: It is always suggested that you wear sunscreen daily when using strawberry skin oil. Some studies propose that strawberries may increase skin sun sensitivity.
Consult a Dermatologist: It is always suggested that you consult a dermatologist before using strawberry skin oil if you have any other underlying skin condition.
The Hidden Benefits of Strawberries for Skin
Strawberries have some extraordinary properties that help in achieving healthy and radiant skin. Some of the main benefits of strawberries are
Antioxidant Powerhouse: Strawberries have many vitamins and minerals that make them unique. They have vitamin C and ellagic acid in them as well. These antioxidants help against free radicals and unstable molecules that are the reason behind premature aging and uneven skin tone.
Vitamin C Power: Vitamin C helps in the production of collagen. This collagen is one of the things that keeps skin firm and young while maintaining its elasticity. Vitamin C also helps brighten the skin tone.
Gentle Astringents: Mild astringents present in strawberries help tighten the pores and control the appearance of oiliness.
Soothing Properties: Strawberries also work as a gentle exfoliant. The salicylic acid in strawberries is helpful in this regard, as it helps soothe irritated skin.
Using the Magic of Your Strawberry Skin Oil
Strawberry skin oil can be a magical creation. Here are some ways to use it in your daily skincare routine for bright and smooth skin.
Facial Massage: It is always advised to cleanse the skin before applying the strawberry skin oil. Please take a few drops of this oil and massage it circularly. This not only improves the oil absorption capability but also promotes blood circulation. Hence, it gives you the perfect radiance.
Extra Moisturizing: Add a few drops of strawberry skin oil to your favorite moisturizer if you need additional moisture. This leaves your skin hydrated for a more extended period.
Soothing Mask:
- If you need a gentle and hydrating mask, take a teaspoon of plain yogurt and add a few drops of strawberry oil.
- Mix it well.
- Apply this mask to your face and leave it on for 15-20 minutes or until it dries off completely.
- Wash it and enjoy clean and smooth skin.
Spot Treatment: Strawberry skin oil is also effective in treating spots and marks. For this purpose, dab a small amount of this oil on the affected area. Be consistent, and you will see the results.
Customizing Your Strawberry Skin Oil
The best thing about any DIY mask is that you can customize it according to your needs. Here are some of the ideas with which you can customize it.
For oily skin, carrier oils like grapeseed, tea tree, and jojoba oil are lighter. They can be beneficial for oily skin. Mix it well with the strawberry skin oil and use it.
For Dry Skin: Sweet almond and apricot oils are more decadent and help hydrate dry skin. Mix it with the strawberry skin oil. You can also add a drop of vitamin E oil for extra nourishment.
For Sensitive Skin: Jojoba oil is very light and is beneficial for sensitive skin. Mix it with the strawberry skin oil and enjoy smooth skin.
A Point to Remember About Essential Oils: Essential oils have many benefits but are highly concentrated and can be an issue for sensitive skin. So be careful while using it.
The Magic of Strawberry Skin Oil: A Conclusion
Creating your strawberry skin oil at home is easy and gives you the satisfaction of making it in a clean environment.
Strawberry skin oil, along with the added benefits of the carrier oil of your choice, can give some fantastic results.
You need to ensure that you follow other skincare routines, like cleansing, and be consistent in your routine. When consistent, you can enjoy the glowing, radiant complexion and take it as a gift of nature.
Some Added Tip: Be careful about the color and scent of your strawberry skin oil. If it changes anymore, immediately stop using it. For your convenience, label your strawberry skin oil with the date it was made.
