Need Dry Skin Care? Cucumbers to the rescue!
Cucumbers and their magical powers have been around for a long time. We all know the cliché photo of a woman relaxing with two fresh slices of cucumber on her eyes as the epitome of skin invigoration and anti-aging skin care. And rightly so! We’re not smearing vegetables on our face as a fashion fad. There are good reasons why cucumbers have practically become the symbol of healthy skin. If you’re after dry skin care, cucumbers might just be what your skin needs to look and feel its best!
The Magic of Cucumbers
Yes, cucumber is great in your G&T but it’s even better on your skin! Cucumber reduces puffiness and dark circles around the eyes and helps hydrate dry skin, soothe irritation, helps acne-prone skin and fights premature aging. It delivers vitamins, antioxidants and nutrients to your skin.1,2 Cucumber water mixed with natural ingredients like honey, bentonite clay or aloe vera can bring many benefits to your skin’s health.
Not only does cucumber reduce puffiness and dark circles around the eyes, it can help hydrate dry skin, help acne-prone skin, fight premature aging, soothe irritation, provide anti-inflammatory properties all while delivering vitamins, antioxidants and nutrients to your skin.1,2 Cucumber is proving to be so useful that I’m almost tempted to carry around a cucumber in my purse instead of my mini-sized hand lotion! Almost.
We’ve already shared some good DIY recipes for using cucumber at home but because we just love the goodness a cucumber provides for our skin so much, we thought we can’t have too much of a good thing! Not only will these fun recipes vamp up your at-home beauty routine, you’ll save a pretty penny on skin care products too!
Cucumber water
You’ll need to make cucumber water for the recipe below but it’s also extremely healthy to drink. Don’t forget that in order to fight dry skin, you need to be hydrated from the inside too!
Making cucumber water couldn’t be simpler. Simply take a cucumber and wash it well to get rid of any dirt or impurities. Slice the cucumber into thin slices – you can either scoop out the middle to de-seed it or leave it all in. Put the slices in a jug and cover with about 4 cups of water. (Obviously, the more water you add, the less concentrated your cucumber water will be.) For best results, let the water infuse with the cucumbers for an hour or two before you use it.
Bentonite Clay Mask - for soothing irritated skin
For an instant face mask that will soothe your irritated skin, infuse 1 part cucumber water with 1 part bentonite clay and mix it to make a paste. Smooth it onto the face (avoiding the eyes) and leave it on for about 20 minutes. Wash it off with warm water and apply Skin MD Natural to keep all that natural hydration in your skin.
Cucumber, Oatmeal, and Honey Face Mask - for acne prone skin
In this recipe, the cucumber helps to remove the dead skin cells while the oatmeal helps to gently exfoliate the skin. The honey adds microbial properties, helping to remove unwanted bacteria from the skin’s surface. (I’m pretty sure it would make for an interesting breakfast too!)
To make it, blend half of an unpeeled cucumber in a blender until it forms a paste. You’ll then need to strain the mixture to separate the liquid. Add 1 tbsp of honey honey and 1 tbsp of oatmeal to the liquid and stir it to get it as smooth as you can. Apply this mixture directly to the face, massage it in gently (avoiding your eyes) and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes. You know the drill. Wash your face, apply your Skin MD Natural and you’re all set!
Cucumber and Yogurt Face Mask - great for dry, dehydrated skin
It may not be the yogurt flavor of choice for your next breakfast parfait, but it sure does wonders for the skin. Blend one half of a cucumber with 1 tbsp of plain yogurt to make a smooth paste. Lather it onto your face (avoiding the eyes) and leave it on for about 15 minutes. And by this point, you know what to do when your 15 minutes is up.
Cucumber and Aloe Vera Face Mask - great for dry, dehydrated skin
Aloe vera is known for its soothing and hydrating properties so it’s no surprise that this DIY recipe is a must-try. All you need to do is blend half of a cucumber in a blender and strain it to separate the juice. Add 2 tbsp of aloe vera gel to the juice and you’re ready! Spread it over your face (avoiding the eyes) and leave it on for 20 minutes. Peel off the mask carefully and wash off anything remaining with cool water. Apply your Skin MD Natural and watch your skin glow!
Choose Cucumbers for Dry Skin Care
The next time your skin feels dull or dry and you find yourself with a cucumber in the fridge, whip up one of these DIY recipes. When it comes to dry skin care, cucumbers should be your new best friend. Don’t forget to drop a slice in your next G&T too
1https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/cucumber-face-mask