It’s easy to spend big bucks on products that promise to improve the texture, tone, and overall appearance of your skin. While some of them may deliver, you don’t necessarily have to part with a lot of cash to get a healthy, glowing complexion.
Of course, good genes help. But, sometimes it’s also a matter of using simple, nourishing ingredients that have the ability to boost the health of your skin in a variety of ways.
Packed with vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, cucumbers are one of those natural ingredients that may help benefit your skin on several fronts. Here’s a look at some of those benefits.
1. Reduces swelling and puffiness
StudiesTrusted Source have shown that cucumbers have the ability to reduce swelling and puffiness of the skin. This may be especially helpful if you’ve been running low on sleep and find you have dark, puffy circles under your eyes.
Chilled cucumber slices or cucumber juice can help lessen puffiness while at the same time “waking up” tired-looking skin.
2. Aids acne-prone skin
Oily skin and dead skin cells can clog pores and trigger acne breakouts. Cucumbers — which are mildly astringent — may help to cleanse the skin and tighten pores. This may help reduce breakouts.
3. Helps combat premature aging
According to a 2011 studyTrusted Source, the antioxidant components in cucumbers may make it a potentially helpful anti-wrinkle ingredient.
Additionally, cucumbers contain both vitamin C and folic acid. Vitamin C has the ability to stimulate new cell growth, while folic acid aids in fighting off environmental toxins that can make your skin look tired or prematurely aged. Combined, these components may help your skin look firmer and healthier.
4. Soothes irritation
The cooling and anti-inflammatory effect of cucumbers may help ease pain, redness, and irritation caused by sunburns, insect bites, and rashes.
5. Provides a base for hydration
Cucumbers are 96 percent water. While water alone isn’t enough to moisturize your skin, the juice from a cucumber can easily be mixed with other moisturizing ingredients like honey or aloe vera to hydrate and soothe your skin.
