I've had about enough of sloshing through snow banks for 20 minutes to get to work. All of my boots are splotchy from the salt on the ground and keeping my hair and skin hydrated has become nearly impossible. I'm desperately seeking summer and there isn't a fruit that reminds me more of summer cocktails, block parties, and smooth skin than lychee. Recently, I whipped up a lychee face mask, and was instantly transported to a time of cutoff shorts and skin that didn't flake off my skin seconds after applying moisturizer (OK, it was mostly the latter). If you too are fed up with all these winter beauty woes, it's time to get your hands on some lychee to soften your skin and remind your complexion of warmer days.
The lychee is native to southern China, and the sweet fruit inside is just as good for your body as it is for a smooth cocktail recipe. Lychee contains vitamin C and B complexes, when applied topically these vitamins can transform complexions by healing damaged skin, reversing effects of aging, and reducing the acne. All these things and more makes the translation of lychee spot on: The Chinese word lee chee translated to pleasure of life.
After trying Fresh's Sugar Lychee eu de parfum, I set out to incorporate this summer super fruit into my beauty routine. Lychees contain polyphenols, one being oligonol, which is high in antioxidants, helps improve blood circulation, and protects skin from UVA rays. UVA rays are a common cause of premature aging, so topical application of this fruit could act as a natural defense mechanism for smoke, sun, and free radicals that age and dry out our skin.
OK, sure, lychees are not exactly plentiful at your standard grocery in the states. You should be able to find them if you live in a fairly big city; I randomly found lychees from a Chinese/West Indian grocery store in my neighborhood. I suggest the Chinatown in your nearest city or a specialty grocery store for fresh lychee instead of the canned version which is usually popular in the off-season. You can use your new lychee for these anti-aging DIY recipes, but make sure you save some for a snack, too.
Lychee Face Serum
You can make a wonderful at-home face serum to fight wrinkles and blotchy complexions by juicing up a lychee. Add a few drops of lavender essential oil and apply directly on your face. Make sure to store any leftover in your refrigerator to keep your perishable serum from spoiling on you.
2. Lychee Anti-Aging Facial
This is a popular hydrating mask that's loaded with fiber, vitamin C, and a powerhouse of antioxidants. Take one banana and one lychee (extracting the fruit from the skin of each) and blend them together. This mask feels best when you let it cool in your freezer for about 10 minutes. It brings down under eye baggage and can stop new pimples from fully developing.
Image: Sugree Phatanapherom, Emilie Hardman, Liesbeth den Toom/Flickr
