During summertime, one of my favorite activities is gardening. I enjoy growing fruits and vegetables, picking them straight from the vine, and popping them in my mouth. It’s extra nourishing to know that I helped the food to grow. Not only are seasonal fruits, herbs, and vegetables good to eat, they can also be utilized in your DIY beauty routine.

Fruits, such as blueberries and apricots, are packed full of antioxidants that help slow the signs of aging as well as vitamin C that promotes healthy skin; while herbs, like lavender and chamomile, make soothing, restorative bath soaks, facial steams, and more. Even vegetables have a part to play! A cucumber mask soothes the skin and reduces swelling, and carrot juice used in a mask helps moisturize and protect the skin from sun damage. Next time you’re at the local farmers market, make sure to grab your favorites to nibble on while exploring new beauty recipes.

Fruits
1. Avocado: moisturizes skin
2. Berries: hydrate the skin and increase collagen/elastin levels
3. Pineapple: strengthens gums and fights gingivitis
4. Apricot: heals damaged skin
5. Tomato: reduces acne and soothes sunburns

Herbs
1. Lavender: relieves dry, itchy scalp
2. Basil: reduces inflammation
3. Mint: soothes bug bites
4. Rosemary: slows effects of aging
5. Chamomile: tightens and tones skin

Vegetables
1. Carrot: reduces wrinkles
2. Cucumber: eases swelling
3. Beet: lightens dark circles and puffy eyes
4. Eggplant: promotes hair growth
5. Pea: increases collagen level

Danielle Williams is the assistant senior managing editor for Stampington & Company. She lives in Costa Mesa, California, with her husband, Casey, and opinionated cat, Holly Golightly.