Cucumber belongs to the same botanical family as melons and squashes. It is very low in calories and rich in fiber, so makes a perfect diet food. According to World Health Food “Cucumbers are a valuable source of conventional antioxidant nutrients including vitamin C, beta-carotene and manganese.” It also has a high amount of vitamin K. Cucumber peels are rich in dietary fiber that helps reduce constipation. Cucumber has lot of beauty benefits for eyes, hair and skin and is also a popular ingredient in many skincare products.
Cucumber in our diet - Cucumbers are 95% water, is a natural coolant and helps in keeping the body hydrated. Because of the high water content, they help in cleansing the system of toxins. So it is good to include them in our diet in the form of salads, cucumber buttermilk, cucumber raita etc.
Cucumber is a natural toner, has cooling properties and helps to improve a dull greasy complexion - It is used as an astringent to cleanse the skin. Grate or puree cucumber in a blender, sieve and extract the juice. Apply the juice all over your face and neck, leave it for 30 minutes and rinse well with cold water. It also helps in cleansing the pores.
Cucumber is a great ingredient for lightening the skin - It is a natural bleach. Mix 3 parts of cucumber juice with one part of lemon juice and apply this mixture all over the face and neck leaving the eyes and lips. Leave it on for 15 minutes and wash off with cold water. Use this face pack regularly for best results.
Cucumber yogurt hydrating mask for dry skin - Cucumber juice mixed with equal quantity of natural yogurt heals sunburn and also hydrates dry skin. It prevents blackheads and dryness.
Cucumber juice mixed with equal quantity of raw milk helps in soothing sun burnt skin.
Cucumber for glowing skin – Make a face pack with cucumber juice, few drops of lemon juice, pure sandalwood powder and fuller’s earth powder. Apply it on your face and neck. Rinse it off after 15 minutes for a youthful and glowing complexion. This pack helps oily skin and also lightens freckles.
If you suffer from oily skin, rubbing cucumber slices on the face helps remove extra oil from the skin.
Cucumber anti tan mask – Mix 2 tbsp of powdered oats with 2 tsp of plain yogurt and 2 tsp of cucumber juice. Apply it on your face and rinse it off after 15 minutes. It not only helps remove tan but also improves the texture of the skin.
A pack made of equal quantity of cucumber juice, lemon juice and mint juice can help to reduce pimple marks or scars. Application of fresh cucumber juice can reduce freckles.
Cucumber anti wrinkle mask– Mix together 2 tbsp of cucumber juice, little egg white and a tsp of lemon juice, apply all over your face and rinse it off after 15-20 minutes to keep wrinkles at bay.
Cucumber for eyes
If you are suffering from puffy eyes, place cucumber slice on closed eyes and relax for 15 minutes. It helps reduce water retention and puffiness of eyes. Applying cucumber juice helps to get rid of dark circles around the eyes.
Cucumber for hair
The high silicon and sulphur content in cucumber juice promotes hair growth. Apply cucumber juice to your scalp, leave it for 15-20 minutes and wash it off with a good shampoo or shikkai.
When you make your own beauty packs at home, you can be sure that you have used only natural ingredients and they are cost effective.
