How to Nourish Your Skin with a Homemade Cucumber Mask

You've probably heard that nesting cool cucumber slices over your puffy morning eyes can help reduce inflammation. It's a not-so-secret beauty tip that has withstood facial wellness routines and fads over the years, and for good reason. Cucumbers are full of hydration, containing 95 percent water, and are packed with nutrients such as vitamin K and antioxidants like vitamins B and C, explains a review in The Journal of Aging Research & Clinical Practice (JARCP). Here's how to harness all the benefits of cucumbers by creating a natural face mask at home.

Benefits of Cucumbers for the Skin

According to the JARCP review, the benefits of cucumbers when used in topical creams for the face include a noticeable decrease in melanin, which can brighten the skin, as well as a decrease in sebum, which is the oily substance responsible for producing acne. The fruit has also been used to reduce wrinkles and signs of aging, as well as soothe sun-damaged skin. Although it's not entirely understood how cucumbers' amazing skin-remedying powers work, the possible benefits are enough to consider using the fruit in your own facial routine.

You don't have to buy expensive facial masks or go to a spa to enjoy the benefits of cucumbers. You can use the same cucumbers you buy at the grocery store to create a homemade cucumber mask in the comfort of your favorite lounge chair—all without the plastic waste. It takes just minutes to make and the positive effects on your skin are so worth it!

Cucumber Face Mask Recipe

When it comes to finding a good homemade cucumber mask recipe, it's good to try a few different options. You can make soothing—yet powerful—masks with ingredients right from your kitchen.

For a soothing mask, place ¼ cup plain yogurt and one sliced and peeled cucumber into a blender. Blend until smooth. Apply a thin layer to clean skin and leave the mask on for approximately fifteen minutes. To remove the mask, simply rinse with cool water. Store the leftover cucumber and yogurt mixture in the refrigerator for up to three days.

For a hydrating mask, combine half of a peeled and sliced cucumber with 2 tbsp. oats or plain oatmeal and 1 tbsp. raw honey in a blender. Blend until smooth. Adjust ingredient amounts as necessary. If the mixture is too thick, add more cucumber; if it's too thin, add more oats. Apply to a clean face and leave it on for up to fifteen minutes. Remove the mask by rinsing with warm water.

For a single-ingredient moisturizing cucumber mask, start by peeling and slicing a quarter of a large cucumber. Puree in a blender or food processor. Apply the cucumber to clean skin and leave the mask on for fifteen minutes. Rinse it off with warm water.

Show us your homemade cucumber mask by tagging @toms_of_maine on Instagram!

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