Even the young ladies know that two slices of fresh cucumber over the eyes refresh the appearance instantly. But this favorite vegetable has much more beauty benefits. If you think that its nutritional properties are not complete in the winter, for cosmetic application the season definitely doesn’t matter. A cream with cucumber will make wonders with your skin at any time of year.
For the first time the cucumber was cultured as a vegetable in India about 3,000 years ago. In Europe it was brought by the Romans and Greeks in the 9th century. People began to cultivate cucumbers in France, then in England in the 14th century and finally in North America in the middle of the 16th century. There is even a theory that the inhabitants of ancient Thrace were among its first manufacturers, which is why it has become part of the modern cuisine of Bulgaria and Turkey.
Today the entire world consumes cucumber as a favorite healthy garnish of salads and sandwiches, while the cosmetic manufacturers use it as an beauty ingredient. Its many benefits are due to the abundance of valuable substances in its composition.
Although 90% of its content is water, the vegetable contains also vitamins, folic acid, calcium, potassium, iron, zinc, magnesium, phosphorus, carbohydrates, fats, proteins, sugars and fibers. Thus, the consumption of one cucumber daily will provide the necessary dose of nutrients in your menu moreover you don’t have to worry about excess calories (15 kcal per 100 grams).
At the same time it helps in problems with the digestive tract (including acid reflux, gastritis, ulcers, constipation, intestinal worms), clears the body from toxins, strengthens the connective tissue, which increases the flexibility of the limbs, regulates the blood pressure, gives more energy, neutralizes the acidity in the oral cavity and removes bad breath, protects and soothes the teeth and the gums, assists the treatment of diabetes, Alzheimer, kidney disease and relieves the symptoms of hangover.
Thanks to its high water content, the vitamins A, E, B, C, the silicon and several important acids, the cucumber has established itself as an essential ingredient in the skin care. It has moisturizing, cleansing and cooling effect, whitens and brightens the complexion, promotes the regenerative processes, absorbs the retained fluids, keeps the moisture on the skin surface, reducing the overall puffiness and swelling.
The phytochemicals in its content make the collagen to tighten and thus to stretch the outer skin layers – an ideal solution against cellulite and wrinkles.
What are the other cosmetic benefits of the cucumber?
- Revitalizes and refreshes the skin
- Hydrates and keeps the moisture
- Tightens the pores and tones the skin
- Removes dark circles around the eyes
- Reduces puffiness
- Makes the freckles less visible
- Relieves and cools burns and sunburns
- Cures acne
- Gives smoothness and shine to the hair
- Stimulates the hair growth
- Prevents the splitting and the brittleness of the nails
The cucumber is one of the favorite food products in the refrigerator of every household. To take full advantage of its beautifying properties, you can use it not only in the form of salad and homemade face masks, but you can also include some cosmetic products with cucumber extract in your daily skin care, which will quickly and efficiently moisturize, tone and refresh your body.
