Summertime, your skin is likely to be up for a little extra TLC after all that extra time in the harsh sun.

While they’re abundant, pick up some organic strawberries and a cucumber next time you’re at the market. Fruit is full of wonderful enzymes that are good when put in your body but they also work wonders when applied to your skin. The cosmetic industry is aware of the benefits of these enzymes being applied to the face. So, skip the chemicals and all the production, and go right to the source for some fresh and beneficial homemade skincare.

Strawberries have astringent and bleaching properties, which also work on your teeth.

• For a simple cleanse take 4 very ripe organic strawberries, remove the stems and slice. Then, mash them up with a fork and strain them. You can use a cheesecloth, fine metal strainer or nylon stocking. What you want is the juice. After you have that juice add a drop of essential oil, either peppermint or lavender. Apply the juice to a clean face and neck; avoid it getting in the eyes. Massage for minute or two and rinse with cool water.

Cucumbers are technically a fruit, and they are very calming and hydrating to the skin. This following treatment is considered a rejuvenator – perfect after any airline travel, when the skin’s moisture level is depleted.

• Take 1 medium cucumber, peel it, seed it and cube it. Place the cubes into a blender with 2 tablespoons of distilled or purified water. Blend until you get a nice juicy pulp then strain. Once again, you want the juice. This mix can stay in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Apply about a tablespoon of juice to your face or any other body part with an organic cotton-cleansing pad.

If you’d like to try more involved natural skin concoctions, check out Organic Body Care Recipes by Stephanie Tourles. She is to credit for the simple techniques above.