A DAY at the spa doesn’t have to cost a fortune, as there are many affordable ways to look rested and pampered.
An essential personal care product can be found in many kitchens, but most people only know one use for it.
Cucumber slices not only relieve puffiness around the eyes, they have many other benefits.
Beauty expert Hayley Walker of JustMyLook shares seven other ways you can use cucumber on a spa day besides putting it on your eyes.
She recommends it, among other things, to soothe irritated skin.
“Cucumber skin care products have several health and cosmetic properties that benefit different skin types, including sensitive, inflamed skin,” Walker said.
“The skincare ingredient’s soothing properties, partly due to its high water content, help people with sensitive skin.
“Cucumbers also contain antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties, soothing redness or irritation.”
HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE
Walker also praises cucumbers for their high water content and ability to hydrate the skin.
“Cucumbers have moisturizing properties that provide a moisture boost to dry skin,” she said.
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“Cucumber extract soothes the skin and strengthens its natural moisture barrier for smooth, soft and hydrated skin.
“Incorporate skin care products containing cucumber extract into your routine, such as Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream, to prevent dry, dehydrated skin or to treat existing skin conditions.”
The Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream Moisturizer sells at Sephora for $48.
Cucumbers can even help fight acne.
“Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, cucumber has a soothing effect that reduces the inflammation, redness and irritation caused by acne,” she said.
“The skin care ingredient also acts as a natural cleanser that prevents clogged pores by removing dead skin cells and oil buildup.
“This regenerates the skin and prevents future acne breakouts.”
IN THE SHADOW
Walker explained why cucumbers are an excellent skin care product for reducing puffiness around the eyes.
“Cucumber on the eyes is a must-have skin care product, and rightly so, because the ingredient helps reduce dark circles and brighten the skin,” she said.
“The vitamin K found in cucumbers improves circulation and reduces swelling, while vitamins C and E brighten the skin and counteract the discoloration of dark circles.”
They can also fight sunburn and other skin problems caused by free radicals.
“This skin care ingredient is also useful for treating sunburn,” she said.
“Not only does its cooling effect soothe sunburn, but its anti-inflammatory properties also help reduce swelling and irritation and are excellent for relieving the pain of sun exposure.
“The antioxidant properties of cucumber make it the ideal ingredient in the fight against free radicals.”
This ingredient has several positive effects on hair and ensures healthier and shinier hair.
Hayley Walker
Finally, Walker explained how the plant extract can have a positive effect on hair and nails.
“If you have problems with nail growth and are prone to nail breakage, adding cucumber to your diet or applying cucumber cuticle oil could help,” she said.
“Cucumbers are high in vitamin H, which improves nail thickness and promotes faster nail growth. The result is longer, stronger nails that are less prone to breakage.
“Cucumber is not only good for the skin but also nourishes the hair. This ingredient has several benefits for hair that result in healthier and shinier locks.
“Its vitamin K properties promote hair growth by improving scalp health, blood circulation and nourishing hair follicles.
“This can also help control sebum production, allowing the scalp’s natural oils to nourish the hair strands, thereby preserving the hair’s moisture.”