Category — Homemade Tips

I saw a commercial today touting the latest “skin care” innovation with a cucumber “essence”. Got me thinking – if an essence of cucumber is supposed to be so powerful, why not go for the source? The best organic cucumber skin care product is readily available in your local organic produce aisle. Next time you’re shopping, just pick an extra one, and experiment.

But first, here are some interesting facts about cucumbers:

• Cucumber’s official scientific name is “Cucumis sativus” and it belongs to the same family as squash.

• There are many beneficial nutrients (as well as fiber) in the tough cucumber skin. However, main-stream cucumbers you see in a regular produce isle are frequently covered in insect, animal or petroleum-based wax, which offsets the benefits in my books, especially given that you never know which one it is. (So buy organic!)

• Cucumber’s flesh is mostly water, but it also contains ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and caffeic acid – these nutrients help soothe skin irritations and reduce swelling. Which is the primary reason cucumber has been a “skin care” product since the beginning of time.

• Cucumber is a great source of silica, which is an essential component of healthy connective tissue. Cucumber juice (as a source of silica) is great for improving complexion and health of skin, plus it is naturally hydrating.

• Also, it is great at restoring your overall pH towards nicer alkalinity (for those of you interested in the pH dietary philosophy, here is a sample link http://www.snyderhealth.com/).

So, what can this green magician do for you? Here are some ideas:

• Cucumber is a natural cleanser. So next time you want to wash your face, mix half a cup of milk with one table spoon of cucumber juice and use it as a cleanser. This mixture can store for up to one day in a fridge. This will clean, tone, and refresh your skin all at once.

• Applying cucumber juice to your face can lighten the skin and minimize freckles (though I personally think that freckles are pretty… )

• If your face gets sweaty, wipe it with a cucumber slice periodically throughout the day.

• Slices of cucumber are indispensable for dark circles and especially under-eye bags (puffiness). Lie down, put couple of slices on your eyes, making sure they touch the puffy areas, and give it 10 – 15 minutes. This is a very old trick, and it still works (and always will).

• To soften tough skin, mix a table spoon of cucumber juice with a table spoon of almond butter (naturally, presuming you are not allergic to almonds). Spread the mass on your face, and then rinse it with lukewarm or cold water.

• Freeze some cucumber and then thaw it. Apply the resulting mush to deep wrinkles around the mouth, or other trouble spots.

• For a nourishing mask take one teaspoon of sour-cream, one teaspoon shredded cucumber and one egg yolk. Mix well and apply to your face for 10 – 15 minutes. Rinse with cool water.

See, you don’t always need the expensive “latest” inventions. A little ingenuity, and a simple cucumber will work wonders on your skin.

Of course, you can also eat it, and let it work the magic from the inside…