Cucumber (Kheera) Benefits for Skin and Face Masks for Skin Whitening

Cucumbers, a nutritious and staple ingredient in salads, can also be a valuable addition to your skincare routine. Widely known for its cooling and refreshing properties, the benefits of cucumber for skin are numerous.

Cucumbers for the skin may help you get rid of those puffy eyes, slow down premature ageing, and prevent acne. As per the article published by the International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews, Cucumber contains vitamins C and E that can soothe many skin irritations and provide a skin-brightening effect.

Continue reading this article as it uncovers the cucumber benefits for skin and how it can be used in various remedies to address specific skin concerns.

Top 10 Cucumber Benefits for Skin

Cucumber with botanical name Cucumis sativus is known by many other names in India. It is called Tihu in Assamese, Sasa in Bengali, Kheera in Hindi, Soutekayi in Kannada, Laer in Kashmiri, Kakdi in Marathi. Here are some of the incredible benefits of Kheera for skin:

Skin Hydration

One of the significant cucumber benefits for skin is their hydrating nature. It is said that water in cucumbers constitutes about 96%. However, the water merely cannot provide moisturisation to the skin. So, cucumbers may be combined with other natural moisturising ingredients like honey and aloe vera for a moisturised effect.

Treats Acne

Skin pores may get clogged due to the dead skin cells and the oiliness on the face. This results in acne formation. They also curb the oil production on the skin. As the oil production is under control and the pores are tightened, there is little chance of acne formation.

Anti-Ageing

The components present in Cucumber, such as caffeic acid, folic acid and vitamin C, have anti-ageing properties on the skin. They promote cell growth and combat environmental stressors, which can, in turn, make your skin appear younger and healthier.

Anti-inflammatory

Cucumbers, which possess anti-inflammatory and cooling properties, relieve skin irritations and associated redness..

Fights Free Radicals

Free radicals that are formed in the skin owing to the exposure of the skin to UV rays and pollution can harm the skin cells. Cucumbers, abundant in antioxidants, can protect your skin from the damage caused by free radicals.

Reduces Eye Puffiness

Another significant cucumber benefits for skin is that it can help reduce the puffiness around the eyes. Cucumbers contain high amounts of vitamin C and folate, which are highly effective in reducing the puffiness around the eyes. So, cucumbers are a go-to solution for reducing dark circles around the eyes.

Skin Brightening

Vitamin C, a major nutrient in Cucumbers, can brighten the skin complexion. They are also effective in reducing dark spots and blemishes.

Tightens Skin Pores

Cucumber’s astringent nature helps in tightening the skin pores. It is also effective in closing the skin pores

Natural Exfoliator

Cucumber has gentle skin exfoliating properties. So cucumber scrub is effective in revealing a natural glow to your skin as it facilitates the removal of the dead skin cells.

Heals Sunburnt Skin

Cucumber abundant in silica is an effective remedy to heal sunburnt skin. Also, the vitamin C contained in cucumber helps in neutralizing the free radicals and can protect your skin from further sun damage.

How to Use Cucumbers for Skin?

These are the different recipes you can attempt to experience the cucumber benefits for skin.

Cucumber Toner

This refreshing toner can be stored in the fridge and used within 4 days of preparation.

Directions:

• Clean the cucumber properly and peel them.
• Then, cut them into slices and boil them in water for about 7 minutes.
• Once the liquid gets cooled, transfer it to a blender to make its paste.
• Strain the liquid using a cloth to remove the slices.
• The liquid can then be transferred to a sprayer bottle for ease of use.

Cucumber Face Rinse

Splashing this cucumber water on your face helps you feel revitalized.

Directions:

• Soak cucumber slices in water and store it in the refrigerator.
• Before washing your face, remove the cucumber slices.
• Rinse your face with this water for an instant refreshed look.

Cucumber for Puffy Eyes

Cucumbers are a widely known natural remedy for reducing eye puffiness and dark circles

Directions:

• Take a fresh cucumber and cut it into round slices.
• Place the cucumber slice on each eyes, keeping your eyelids closed.
• Allow the slices to rest for about 20 minutes.
• Remove the slices and wash the face with water.

Cucumber for Skin Brightening

Cucumbers can be used to brighten the complexion of your skin

Directions:

• To the extracted cucumber juice, add one tablespoon of lemon juice.
• Add a few drops of rose water to the paste and apply it to the face.
• Massage the face with the paste and allow it to dry.
• Once dried, wash the face with water.

Cucumber and Coffee Scrub

Cellulite, a common skin concern in women, is a skin condition that causes the flesh on the hips and thighs to appear lumpy and dimpled. Phytochemicals in cucumber can boost collagen production, improve the skin’s elasticity, and cure cellulite.

Directions:

• To the juice of one cucumber, add a teaspoon of both ground coffee and honey to make the paste.
• Massage the area with this paste and wrap a muslin cloth over it.
• After 1 hour, exfoliate the skin gently and wash off.

Cucumber Face Masks

Cucumber Masks are another effective and inexpensive method of applying cucumbers on the skin.

Basic Cucumber Face Mask

Directions:

• Blend the cleaned and unpeeled cucumbers.
• Strain the liquid to remove the cucumber residues.
• To a clean face, apply the paste, allowing it to rest for 10 minutes.
• Wash the face with lukewarm water.

Cucumber, Honey and Oats Face Mask

Directions:

• Blend the unpeeled cucumbers and strain them to extract the puree.
• To the cucumber puree, add one tablespoon of oats and one tablespoon of honey into it.
• Mix them well and apply this paste to the face.
• After 15 minutes, clean the face.

Cucumber and Aloe Vera Face Mask

Directions:

• To the cucumber puree, add two tablespoons of aloe vera gel and mix them well.
• Massage the face with this mixture for a few minutes and allow it to rest on the face.
• After 15 minutes, wash your face.

Cucumber, Tree Tea Oil and Multani Mitti Face Mask

Directions:

• To the blended and strained cucumber juice, add multani mitti and a few drops of tree tea oil.
• Mix them well and apply the mask to the face.
• After 15 minutes, wash the face with lukewarm water.

Cucumber Juice Benefits for Skin

Listed below are some of the benefits of cucumber juice that might be beneficial for your skin:

• Glowing Skin: Cucumbers rich in silica imparts an instant glow to your face. Cucumbers abundant in essential nutrients can soothe skin irritations, reduce redness and blemishes on the face.

• Soft Skin: Cucumber juice has high water content which helps your skin to stay moist and soft.

• Acts a hydrating ingredient in various face masks: Skin hydration is the major benefit of applying cucumber juice to skin. So you may add cucumber juice in some face masks that contain dehydrating ingredients to prevent your skin from losing excess moisture.

Side Effects of Cucumber on Face

Cucumbers are generally safe to use on the face. However, some minor side effects of cucumbers include allergic reactions and skin irritations in people with sensitive skin. So, a patch test should be performed before applying cucumbers to the face.

Takeaway

Cucumber, with excellent benefits for the skin, is a simple but effective natural ingredient for many skin woes. It promotes your skin’s health in many ways, from providing hydration to protecting it from the damage caused by free radicals. Try any of these amazing cucumber DIY recipes tailored to address specific skin concerns and get a refreshing glow to your skin.

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