Cucumber

The cucumber has been in use for over 3,000 years. The Indians, Egyptians, Greeks and Romans also used it and the Jews ate cucumbers at the Exodus from Egypt as it has great water content. The use and cultivation of cucumber was limited until the 16th century. The cucumber was already known to be beneficial for urinary tract

problems, and its soothing and cleansing properties for the skin.

The cucumber has triangular leaves and yellow flowers. It needs relatively comfortable weather or growing in a greenhouse. It is important that the soil be drained but moist.

As mentioned, The cucumber helps in digestion regarding its dietary fiber, it is laxative and diuretic. The seeds contain a large amount of potassium, necessary mineral in functioning of body’s cells. Potassium is essential in the nerve conduction, digestion, heart function and it also balances the fluids in the body.

According to Indian tradition, drinking juice from the cucumber leaves along with coconut milk will help balance the electrolytes in the body as a result of dehydration.

Cucumber contains a small amount of vitamin C, B complex, folic acid, calcium, and phosphorus which can be found near or inside the cucumber peel

Main benefits of cucumber for the skin:

1. The cucumber gently removes dead skin cells and will help shrink pores to prevent blackheads and pimples.
2. Studies show that cucumber has the ability to reduce puffiness and dark circles around the eye area especially if caused by lack of sleep.
3. Vitamin C content in cucumber can stimulate new cell growth (study), while folic acid helps fight environmental toxins that can make your skin look tired or prematurely aging. Together, these ingredients may help your skin look firmer and healthier.
4. Cucumber contains about 96% water, but water alone is not enough to provide enough moisture for our adolescent skin. But it can be easily combined with other humectants like honey and aloe vera to provide moisture to the skin.

 

Hydrating, soothing and strengthening Cucumber DIY mask

Juice from one cucumber

Aloe vera gel

Vitamin E (if you have, it is always a nice boost of antioxidant)

 

The cucumber should be grated. If the shell is covered with wax, it should be peeled, if not, enjoy a variety of wonderful features.

The aloe vera leaf should be rinsed with water, peeled and the gel inside removed. Rinse the gel with running water and put it in the blender together with the cucumber.

We will transfer the resulting juice through a sieve and apply it on the skin of the pearl even every evening.

Apply on clean skin for about 20 minutes and rinse.

Can be refrigerated for up to 4 days.

 

Soothing and moisturizing Cucumber DIY Mask

1/2 cucumber

1 tablespoon honey

1 tablespoon rose water

1 tablespoon almond flour or oatmeal

 

Crush the ingredients in a blender, apply on a clean face for about 15-20 minutes and rinse.

 

Enjoy your skin😊