Thursday, September 19, 2013

Cucumber for Skin Health


The timeless trend in skin care is to go for natural remedies free from artificial colors and fragrances. Whether it is for attaining natural clear skin or treating skin conditions like acne, there are endless natural and homemade remedies. Cucumber can provide the much-sought skin care or acne solutions you are looking for. Let's learn more!

Cucumber, the fruit of a creeping vine, has its roots in India. It has been used in Asia and the Middle East as a natural agent to bring a cooling effect on the skin. With its mild flavor and extremely high water content - more than 90 percent water - cucumber is one of the best natural acne remedies that can hydrate and moisturize your skin, reducing inflammation and redness. Other healthful nutrients of cucumber include vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, potassium and amino acids. We all know that antioxidant vitamins, particularly vitamin E, have a crucial role in preventing free-radical damage to your skin.

In what form is cucumber most beneficial? Well, cucumber works both internally and externally. It can be consumed as a salad every day. You can also consume cucumber juice, blending it with other delectable ingredients like yoghurt and strawberries. Cucumber slices when placed on your eyes can diminish dark circles and puffiness, rendering a soothing effect. It can form effective masks as well.

The use of cucumber mask dates back to Cleopatra of Egypt. To make an all-natural mask, simply, slice a medium-sized cucumber, puree it in a blender and add other natural ingredients depending on whatever benefits you intend to derive from the mask. For instance, yoghurt imparts moisturizing properties, while oatmeal imparts exfoliating properties. Similarly, honey is antimicrobial, lemon juice is an astringent and brewer's yeast provides deep cleansing. Blend the ingredients, adding them gradually, until the mask reaches the right consistency, i.e. thick enough to smooth on to your skin. Apply on the face, avoiding your eyes, leave on for fifteen minutes, rinse with warm water, and pat-dry. Unused portions can be refrigerated for a day or two and used again.

Many frustrated acne sufferers have found relief in this wonder vegetable, one of the many effective home remedies for acne. Regular application of cucumber juice on acne-infested skin helps open up pores, allowing deep cleansing to remove dirt, oil and bacteria. The soothing acne treatment not only reduces inflammation but also softens rough and irritated skin to provide an even texture. The amino acids and minerals present in cucumber help firm and regenerate your skin, thereby reducing wrinkle formation. Cucumber is also advisable to treat other health disorders like diabetes, high blood pressure, overweight and rheumatoid problems.

The biggest advantage of using cucumber for skin care is that it is cheap. It is amazing to note that cucumber is popularly used in expensive spa treatments. Cucumber is mild and can be a part of your daily diet and external skin care regimen. The additional benefits are overwhelming. For example, an afternoon snack of cucumber-salad will rid-off hunger, facilitate weight loss and promote skin health.

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