A DAY at the spa doesn’t have to break the bank, as there are many economical ways to look well-rested and pampered.
One self care essential is in many kitchens, but most people only know one use for it.
Cucumber slices are not only good for de-puffing the eye area, it has many more benefits.
According to beauty expert Hayley Walker of JustMyLook, there are seven more ways to use cucumbers for a spa day besides placing them on your eyes.
One way she recommends using them is to soothe irritated skin.
“Skincare products containing cucumber have several health and beauty qualities that benefit different skin types, including sensitive, inflamed skin,” Walker said.
“The skincare ingredient’s soothing properties, partly thanks to its high water content, aid those with sensitive skin.
“Cucumbers also contain antioxidants and are anti-inflammatory, soothing redness or irritation.”
Walker also touted cucumbers for their high water content and ability to add moisture to skin.
“Cucumber has hydrating properties that provide dry skin with a moisture boost,” she said.
“Cucumber extract soothes the skin and strengthens its natural moisture barrier for smooth, soft, and hydrated skin.
“Incorporate skincare products which contain cucumber extract into your routine, such as the Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream, to prevent dry, dehydrated skin, or treat the existing skin condition.”
The Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream Moisturizer is sold for $48 at Sephora.
Cucumbers can even help with fixing acne breakouts.
“Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, cucumber has a soothing effect that reduces inflammation, redness, and irritation caused by acne,” she said.
“The skincare ingredient also acts as a natural cleanser to prevent clogged pores by removing dead skin cells and oil buildup.
“This replenishes the skin and prevents future acne breakouts.”
Walker explained why cucumbers are excellent an excellent skincare choice for de-puffing the eye area.
“Cucumbers on the eyes is a pamper staple, and rightly so, as the ingredient helps reduce the appearance of dark circles and brightens the skin,” she said.
“The vitamin K found in cucumber improves blood circulation to reduce puffiness, while vitamins C and E brighten the skin and tackle the discoloration of dark circles.”
They can also combat sunburns and other skin issues caused by free radicals.
“This skincare ingredient is also useful to treat sunburn,” she said.
“Not only does its cooling effect help soothe a sunburn, but its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce swelling and irritation and is great for relieving the pain from sun exposure.
“A cucumber’s antioxidant properties make it the ideal ingredient to combat free radicals.”
This ingredient has several hair benefits which lead to healthier and shinier locks.
Hayley Walker
Finally, Walker explained how the plant extract can benefit hair and nails.
“If you struggle to grow your nails and are prone to breakage, incorporating cucumber into your diet or applying cucumber cuticle oil could resolve this,” she said.
“Cucumbers are high in Vitamin H, which improves nail thickness and encourages faster nail growth. This results in longer, stronger nails less prone to breaking.
“Cucumber doesn’t just benefit the skin, but it also nourishes the hair. This ingredient has several hair benefits which lead to healthier and shinier locks.
“Its vitamin K properties promote hair growth by improving scalp health and blood circulation and nourishing hair follicles.
“This can also help control sebum production, allowing the scalp’s natural oils to nourish strands to maintain the hair’s moisture.”
