Make Your Own Moisturizer With Vegetables By Bae Ji-sook Staff Reporter Strong sun rays during a cheerful summer vacation will leave a little more than just a smile on your face ― the newly tanned skin could turn extremely dry. In the worst case scenarios, layers of skin will fall off, leaving marks on the body and face for an extended period. Experts say that the ultraviolet rays affect the skin, damaging the dermal layer. They advise people to apply moisturizers abundantly after tanning. Lee Geum-hee, a beauty shop manager in Seoul and author of skincare books, says it is a simple process to refresh skin. She recommends using grapes, tomatoes, bananas or lettuce over conventionally used cucumbers and potatoes. "Lettuce contains lots of vitamin A, vitamin B, iron, calcium as well as essential amino acids that calm your skin,"she said. It softens the skin's tone, which is usually toughened and darkened due to repeated sun exposure. Peptine in tomatoes brightens your skin, she added, while grapes have lots of vitamins and minerals that help "revitalize" your skin. The sugar, protein, fat and vitamins of bananas keep your skin moist and clear, she said. Following Lee's instructions, healthy hand-made mask packs can be created with these easy recipes. Lettuce toner: Blend 60 grams of lettuce and 30 milliliters of stilled water with a mixer. Filter the liquid twice: first with a piece of gauze, then with a coffee filter. Apply to the face as often as needed and keep stored in a refrigerator. Tomato mask pack: Blend one tomato, setting aside two spoonfuls for later use. Add flour to the mixture. Apply the mix onto a clean face and cover with a piece of gauze. Place the remaining two spoonfuls of blended tomato juice on top of the gauze. Leave the mask on for about 30-50 minutes, and then carefully remove the gauze. Use a warm towel to wipe off any excess, then a cold towel for a refreshing finish. Grape Pack: Take 10 grapes, one large spoonful of yogurt and blend them in a mixer. For dry skin, add flour or grain powder. For oily skin, add oatmeal powder. Wash your face and then apply the mixture to your face abundantly. Cover with a piece of gauze and leave the mask on for 40 minutes. Wipe off the mask with a warm towel, then a cool one. Banana shower gel: Take one banana, 40 grams of seaweed, two spoonfuls of a grain powder and 200 milliliters of milk. Dampen the seaweed in water for at least one hour and wash it until all the salt is removed. Blend the ingredients in a mixer. Apply it to the body and leave it for at least 10 minutes washing it off. bjs@koreatimes.co.kr -- But wouldn't you rather just eat the fruits and vegetables? :D