Cherries not only make delicious Valentine’s Day desserts; they also work magic on your skin. In recent years, cherries and cherry extract have exploded onto the skincare market, appearing in masks, serums, and other skin potions.

But after discovering cherries’ skin-healing powers, it’s easy to see why. Cherries contain oodles of nutrients that fight acne and aging, making them your skin’s fiercest allies.

Now, cherries might not cure acne or erase 20 years, but they do have their perks.

According to the FDA and Healthline, cherries contain potassium, fiber, copper, and manganese, which strengthen skin’s barrier, boost collagen, and speed healing time.

Better yet, cherries contain polyphenols and vitamins A, B, C, and E. Together, these nutrients protect and hydrate your skin, fight redness and wrinkles, improve skin tone, and brighten tired skin.

So learn how you can add cherries to your skincare routine, and try the two homemade cherry masks for oily and dry skin below.

Cherry: Skincare Products

Although many beauty products contain cherry, you might not see it on the labels. According to Elle Magazine, you’re more likely to see cherry listed as acerola or Prunus Serotina, another term for wild cherry extract.

Cherry isn’t only for dry skin, though; it works for all skin types. However, in her interview with Elle Magazine, Aesthetic and Dermatology Nurse Emma Coleman says the trick is to find the right products for your skin type.

Coleman recommends rich, creamy moisturizers for dry skin and lightweight serums for oily or acne-prone skin.

Farmacy’s Very Cherry Bright Serum ($62) is one product to try. Packed with acerola cherry, hyaluronic acid, and 15% vitamin C, Very Cherry Serum fights inflammation and revives your skin.

You can also pair this serum with Farmacy’s Honey Potion Plus Ceramide Hydration Mask to double your glow. (Read one helpful review here.)

However, hyaluronic acid hydrates skin and locks in moisture, and vitamin C brightens and boosts collagen.

To use, apply morning and night. Visit the website for details.

Paula’s Choice Power Berry Serum ($33) is another way to get glowing.

This nutrient-rich serum contains acerola cherry, black currant seed oil, and 11 other berry extracts to hydrate skin and restore — or preserve — skin’s radiance. In addition, this serum protects against free radical damage and fights inflammation.

To use, apply morning and night. See the website for details.

DIY Cherry Masks

A homemade cherry mask is another fun way to add this fruit to your beauty routine.

These two DIY cherry masks brighten and revive your skin and take just a minute to make. Try the banana-cherry mask for dry skin or the cherry yogurt mask for oily or acne-prone skin.

Banana-Cherry Mask for Dry Skin

To make this mask, all you need is a ripe banana, some cherries, and Manuka honey. You can use any type of cherries you like, but tart cherries do contain the most antioxidants.

However, blend all the ingredients, apply the mixture to your skin, and rinse after 20 or 30 minutes.

Cherry brightens skin and calms inflammation, banana hydrates, and honey nourishes and boosts hydration.

Cherry Yogurt Mask for Oily or Acne-Prone Skin

To make this mask, all you need is Manuka honey, a banana (optional), a few cherries, and a tablespoon of yogurt. Remove the cherry seeds, mash the cherries in a bowl, add yogurt and honey, and apply to your skin for 20 or 30 minutes.

Cherries brighten skin and fight inflammation, and yogurt contains exfoliating lactic acid and acne-fighting antibacterial agents. In addition, Manuka honey blasts bacteria, helping keep skin smooth and clear.

Final Thoughts

So whip up these homemade cherry masks to brighten and revive your skin. Use the mask twice per week for dry skin and once per week for oily skin. You’ll see continued improvement with regular use.

Now, enjoy your new skin, and check back for more beauty recipes!

Read Next

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• How to Double Your Glow: Green Tea Mask and Smoothie
• 5 Reasons Why Your Skin and Hair Need Camellia Oil Now: Geisha Beauty Secret

Note: The ideas presented here do not substitute for medical advice. Talk to your doctor before trying new products or starting a new skincare routine. Also, wild cherry can be toxic in large amounts, so use caution when consuming it as a food, drink or supplement (WebMD).

Featured image credit: Riorita / iStockPhoto

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