With the impending hot weather of Arizona approaching I have begun to crave the coolness of cucumbers. Initially I hoped to write about homemade cucumber masks, but I could not find one that was satisfactory. One recipe I tried attempted to be a “peel off” mask by combining cucumber juice, aloe vera gel, tea and gelatin. It became a cold glob that couldn’t be applied to my face. Another one was to mix equal parts aloe vera gel and pureed cucumber this mixture was too watery. It would be great for sunburned areas, but difficult as a facial mask.
I thought of scrapping this topic, but as I continued to look at the benefits of cucumbers I had to write about them. Cucumbers are just too beneficial to ignore.
Cucumbers are anywhere from 90% to 96% water and; vitamin B complex, vitamin C, vitamin A, magnesium, potassium, silica, calcium, phosphorus and zinc. With its high percentage of water cucumbers are a natural diuretic that produces a cleansing action within the body. The high level of vitamin C coupled with vitamin A gives it antioxidant qualities. Not only are cucumbers refreshing they are low in calories. Skin care products often incorporate cucumbers for its soothing properties.
Applied topically cucumbers help to cool down a sunburn and reduce puffiness in the eye area. Peel and puree cucumber to make a paste for sunburned area and slice cucumber rounds for the eye area. When cucumber paste is mixed with aloe vera gel it can aid in soothing eczema. As with all natural ingredients be aware of any possible allergies and do a test patch.
Eating cucumbers will help to; regulate blood pressure, remove toxins, reduce heartburn and stomach acids, strengthen connective tissues, reduce inflammation associated with arthritis (gout and rheumatoid) and asthma, and supply electrolytes to hydrate the body and reduce water retention. The nourishing vitamins and trace minerals are great for hair, skin and nails, including treating eczema.
The only homemade cucumber skin care recipe I have found that I like is for a cool refreshing toner. Peel and seed a cucumber, roughly chop it and place in a blender. Add 1 cup of distilled water and blend. Strain mixture (I used a coffee filter). Proceed with only the juice add 1/4 cup witch hazel and mix. Pour into a spray bottle. Use as a refresher throughout the day. Keep in the fridge and discard any unused mixture after two weeks. According to Aubrey Organics Natural Ingredients Dictionary cucumber is an astringent so this mixture is best for normal, combination and oily skin. For dry to normal skin omit the witch hazel.
I found a site with a great collection of cucumber recipes here. I am drawn to the cucumber granita using mint or tarragon and freezing the mixture in ice cube trays to serve in our cucumber water (cold filtered water with fresh cucumber slices) to our clients for a refreshing beverage after a facial. For another great drink designed to reduce uric acid in the body mix cucumber juice with carrot juice.
I will continue my quest for a homemade cucumber mask, until then I recommend Tasha & Co Cucumber Mask found at our online store http://cwaskincare.com.
