Cucumber is one the most cultivated vegetables around the world. It is composed of 95 percent water, but also contains ascorbic acid; caffeic acid; vitamins B1, B2, B3, and B12; and folic acid. These vitamins help to soothe skin irritations, reduce swelling, and prevent water retention. Its high water content helps to hydrate the tender skin in the eye region, as well as contract blood vessels in that area. Cucumbers also contain polysaccharides, which are also found in aloe vera, and play a role in hydrating the skin.
SKIN AND HEALTH BENEFITS
The skin of the cucumber is rich in fiber and contains different beneficial minerals, including potassium, magnesium, and silica. These minerals are beneficial for connective tissue, tendons, muscles, the complexion, and the health of the skin. Furthermore, there are numerous polyphenols in cucumbers in the form of gallic acid and caffeic acid that are capable of being distributed within the skin.
Cucumbers are effective at treating puffiness and swelling of the skin due to internal and external factors. It is very low in calories and rich in fiber. Furthermore, its high vitamin K content helps with blood coagulation. Cucumber is a very effective anti-aging ingredient and is great for reducing freckles. Because cucumbers and the skin share the same level of hydrogen, it is easier for cucumbers to mask problem areas.
Cucumbers help to treat Alzheimer’s; strengthen bones; detoxify the body; alleviate hangovers; prevent cancer, diabetes, constipation, and intestinal worms; aid in digestion; promote renal system and dental health; lower blood pressure; fight cellulite; and soothe sunburns. In China, cucumber root is used to aid coughs, fever, swelling, tumors, and headaches. It is extremely powerful in properties that penetrate and restore cells in any internal organ. Cucumbers replenish yin and fluids, making them excellent for summer heat and other dry, hot conditions.
SKIN CARE USES
Pulp – The pulp of the cucumber helps to rejuvenate the skin, regenerate elasticity, and provide smooth skin. Using cucumber as part of a daily skin care routine will help to not only restore new cells, but also fight the aging process.
Extract – Cucumber extract has a cooling effect, balances the pH of the skin, and provides anti-itching properties that are good for cuts and bug bites. The lutein component of cucumber can help suppress melanogenesis, the process that leads to skin discoloration. It also helps to plump the skin and release retained water. The extract is concentrated with acids that help to exfoliate dead cells. It is used in creams and serums for anti-aging purposes because it is absorbed by the skin and has the capability to regenerate new cells within 24 hours. It will also be absorbed by the lymphatic system, helping to release accumulated toxins.
Skin – The cucumber’s skin is a powerful enzyme that helps to remove dead cells at the stratum corneum, even out the skin tone, and lighten the skin.
Juice – Cucumber juice can penetrate and soothe any irritation caused by external and internal factors such as sun, pollution, makeup, and harsh products. It is powerful in antioxidants and, if it is used daily as a toner, it cools down the skin and closes open pores.
Acne – Its application in different products and treatments can be used for acne-prone skin because it helps to close the pores, suppress sebum, and kill bacteria. It acts as an antibacterial and antifungal, removing the impurities and unclogging the pores.
Eczema – Because of its high water content, cucumbers help to moisturize excessively dry skin. Therefore, it helps to eliminate eczema rashes, flush out toxins, and improve the overall skin condition. The extract of fresh cucumber will release and heal the pain and burning sensation that eczema produces.
Psoriasis – Cucumber helps with psoriasis by eliminating dead cells, restoring new cells, and providing water through the skin. Once the skin is moist, cucumber’s cooling benefits will help eliminate the pain that
psoriasis causes.
Burns – Cucumber helps promote wound healing by producing new cells; this production is due to vitamin A and collagen synthesis. It can contribute to healthy recovery from burns as it is an excellent source of silica, which helps cells and other tissues to regrow.
USE IN HOMEMADE AND HOMECARE PRODUCTS
Cucumber as part of a natural homemade product will maintain its properties and its cooling benefits. If the cucumber is processed through moxibustion, it automatically loses its properties and water content. Raw cucumber is ideal for soothing and calming the skin. Furthermore, it does not contain fragrant components that can cause irritation.
Cucumber skin treatments help with the gradual loss of elasticity that leads to the skin sagging. It slows down the epidermal turnover rate and cell cycle, leading to effective desquamation. Many different cucumber skin treatments, such as serums and cucumber peptides, will target the accelerating of cells bondings in the epidermis. When using cucumber as a beneficiary for skin health, cellular metabolism will regenerate with time.
With more than 20 years of experience in the beauty field, Anabel De La Vega is a certified licensed specialist, reflexologist, herbologist, crystal healer, instructor, and presenter. She has training and experience in Japanese and Chinese facials, Indian treatments, morpho-lymphatic drainage, and more. De La Vega has received education in China, Thailand, India, and the United States. In 2013, she received an aesthetician of the year award. De La Vega is the published author of Tao The Art of Relaxation and is also a guest speaker at the International Congress of Esthetics and Spa.
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