You don’t need to break the bank anymore for good skincare, not with the numerous benefits of cucumber for your skin.
While luxurious skin treatments and fancy facials may seem enticing, you don’t always need to spend a chunk of your money buying skincare products for glowing skin.
Sometimes, simple ingredients like plants are exactly what your skin has been craving. A perfect example is the Cucumber.
Cucumber is a highly refreshing and nutrient-rich vegetable to add to your regular diet. The cooling and refreshing nature of cucumber help treat a lot of skin concerns such as:
Hydrating the Skin
Keeping your skin hydrated helps improve elasticity and firmness. Maintain a healthy, glowing complexion by replenishing your skin with cucumber.
Similar to aloe vera, cucumbers contain polysaccharides, which help the skin attract and retain moisture. Cucumbers also consist mostly of water; they’re 96% water, to be exact. This high water content is a key benefit of cucumbers in that it allows them to provide superior hydration to the skin.
Filled With Skin-Loving Nutrients
Cucumbers contain plenty of vitamins and nutrients that give them the upper hand when it comes to skincare.
These Cucumbers are loaded with antioxidants, which are molecules that help fight oxidative damage caused by free radicals.
Fruits and vegetables, in general, are rich in antioxidants but cucumbers in particular contain vitamin C, caffeic acid, and folic acid. Vitamin C, often linked to citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits, is an antioxidant that clarifies and brightens skin.
Caffeic acid and folic acid help increase collagen production and defend against signs of premature aging. Collagen production typically declines over time, which is why it’s beneficial to incorporate ingredients like caffeic acid and folic acid into your daily skincare routine.
Soothe Inflammation
Cucumbers have soothing and cooling effects on the skin, making them particularly beneficial for those with sensitive or irritated skin, although they’re suitable for all skin types.
They also have anti-inflammatory properties in that they help reduce swelling and morning puffiness.
Alleviate Sunburn
Spend a little too much time in the sun? Or maybe you forgot to reapply your sunscreen? Cucumbers can soothe mildly burnt or damaged skin and help alleviate sunburn due to their cooling properties.
Great for Acne-Prone Skin
Cucumbers are a mild astringent, meaning that they tighten pores, help regulate oil production, as well as reduce the appearance of pore size. Excess oil and large, clogged pores often contribute to breakouts so if you have oily or acne-prone skin, cucumber will be your skin’s new BFF.
EM readers don’t forget to add cucumber to your shopping list when next you hit the market.
Written by uchechukwu
