Cucumbers, with a water content of over 90 percent, are extremely hydrating. Cucumbers are quite effective in flushing out the toxins from our bodies, reducing inflammation, improving digestion, getting rid of tapeworms, and even curing hangovers. This summer time favourite has been used extensively in skin care as well, thanks to its cooling properties.
[Also Read: Cucumber For Weight Loss]
Here is a list of the different ways in which you can use cucumbers to solve your skin issues.
1. Use Cucumber to Soothe Tired Eyes
If you’ve been working on the computer for long hours, then your eyes tend to get tired and puffy. To soothe them, just place a couple of slices of cool cucumber on your eyes and relax for ten to fifteen minutes. Make sure the cucumber has been refrigerated for at least an hour or so to ensure that it is cool to the touch. The water content of the cucumber coupled with its cool sensation will help to reduce the puffiness and revive tired eyes.
2. Use Cucumber To Treat Sunburn
Grate a fresh cucumber and squeeze out the juice in a bowl. Soak a piece of gauze in it and apply it onto the sunburnt area. Leave it on for twenty minutes. Sunburnt skin is very delicate and sensitive, so we have to handle it with extra care. This is why we soak up the cucumber juice in gauze and apply that instead of applying the grated cucumber directly onto the affected area.
3. Use Cucumber As a Toner
Grate a cucumber and squeeze out the juice. Bottle this and keep in the fridge and use as a toner after you cleanse your face. It will keep fresh in the fridge for a week, so you will have to make a fresh batch every week, but trust me, it’s worth the effort.
4. Use Cucumber To Fade Acne Scars
The worst thing about acne is not acne itself but rather the ugly scars it leaves behind. These can take months to fade. To speed up the process, dip a cotton ball into a cup of cucumber juice mixed with the juice of one lemon. Apply this onto the scar and leave it on for fifteen minutes and wash it off. The combination of the cucumber and lemon will help to fade the scars much faster.
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5. Use Cucumber To Moisturize
Puree a big piece of cucumber and mix a tablespoon of honey to it. Apply this all over your face and neck and leave it on for fifteen minutes. The cucumber and honey are both highly hydrating and will moisturize your skin, making it soft and supple.
6. Use Cucumber As a Refreshing Face Splash
Add one sliced cucumber and a handful of fresh mint leaves to a Jug of water and keep it in the refrigerator. Splash your face with this water three to four times a day. The water, infused with the properties of the cucumber and mint, will cool and refresh your kin.
7. Use Cucumber To Remove Tan
Make cucumber puree and add a tablespoon of yogurt to it. Apply this all over your face and neck and leave it on for fifteen to twenty minutes. The yogurt will cleanse your skin and combined with the cucumber will help remove tan and lighten your skin. Click here to read more on different ways to use yogurt on skin and hair.
8. Use Cucumber As a Luxurious Face Mask
Chop up some cucumber and blend it with an avocado to make a very rich, moisturizing face mask. Apply it onto your face and leave it on for twenty minutes. Wash it off with cool water to reveal pampered skin.
9. Use Cucumber To Exfoliate
Blend a chunk of cucumber into a puree. In a bowl, add one tablespoon milk and one tablespoon brown sugar and add in the cucumber to it. Mix and apply all over your face and neck, scrubbing in a gentle circular motion. Leave it on for ten minutes and wash it off with cool water to reveal fresh, glowing skin. Read more about homemade exfoliators and scrubs here.
10. Use Cucumber As a Makeup Remover
Puree a cucumber and boil it with half a cup of milk for ten minutes. Strain this liquid and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Use a cotton ball to soak up the liquid and gently swipe to remove makeup. You can add a drop or two of coconut oil to the cotton ball to remove stubborn eye makeup. For more information on how to make makeup removers at home, click here.
11. Use Cucumber To Tighten Sagging Skin
Mix cucumber puree with tomato pulp and Aloe Vera gel to form a gooey paste. Apply this all over face and neck and leave it on for ten minutes and wash off. This face pack helps tighten sagging skin.
12. Use Cucumber To Treat Dark Circles
Unlike treating puffiness around the eyes, treating stubborn dark circles requires you to extract cucumber juice and soak to cotton balls in it. Then place the cotton balls over your eyes and leave it on for fifteen minutes.
13. Use Cucumber To Treat Open Pores
Puree a cucumber chunk and mix in two teaspoons of besan to it. Apply this onto your face and allow it to dry and then wash it off. This pack helps treat open pores, thereby reducing your chances of getting blackheads or pimples.
14. Use Cucumber To Treat Oily Skin
Mix cucumber juice with equal parts of rose water and use a cotton ball to apply this liquid all over your face. Do this twice a day to keep oiliness in check.
15. Use Cucumber To Get Rid of Blackheads
Cucumber puree mixed with the white of an egg is an effective treatment for blackheads. Just mix up the two together and apply it on the affected area. Leave it on for fifteen minutes and wash it off with lukewarm water.
Try these remedies to treat your skin issues and you will see why cucumber is such a vital ingredient in any DIY skin care routine.