Packed with a bevy of vitamins, minerals and nutrients, cucumber makes for one healthy addition to any diet. Cucumber is one of the ultimate cooling foods. Cucumber’s high water content helps regulate the water balance of the body, especially on hot days. Because they are so rich in water and fibre, cucumbers are also a good bet for effective weight loss.
Below are three ways the dermatologist recommends remedying your skin with cucumbers.
1. Calm puffy eyes
For an instant fix, place cool cucumber slices over your eye socket. They will act like little ice packs to relieve puffy lids. “Cucumbers contain flavonoids and antioxidants that decrease swelling, redness and irritation,” said Wechsler. “They also provide a cooling effect that helps shrink dilated blood vessels, therefore reducing the appearance of puffy eyes.”
2. Treat sunburn and irritated skin
The effects of too much sun can get real painful, especially on the butterfly region of the face (forehead, nose, cheeks and chin). Cucumbers are loaded with lots of nutrients like water, potassium, sulfate and vitamins A and C that soothe skin conditions like sunburns, according to Wechsler. Simply place thin slices of cucumber onto your face and lie down for at least 15 minutes. Then remove the slices and apply a light moisturizer.
3. Use as an anti-aging facial mask
Wechsler’s DIY mask calls for half a cucumber, barely puréed, and two tablespoons of plain yogurt. Whip into a thick mixture, apply to your skin and allow it to sit for 15 minutes before cleansing with warm water. “Cucumbers contain vitamin C and caffeic acid, two antioxidants that, when applied to skin, help fend off wrinkles, sun damage and more,” said Wechsler. “Yogurt is an exfoliating agent that works to remove dirt and dead skin cells. When combined with cucumber, which has cleansing properties, it is the perfect hydrating, soothing blend for your skin.”
