According to a beauty expert, cucumbers could be the secret to looking better.
For healthier skin, hair and nails, women should look for skin care products that contain extracts of the plant.
skin
Hayley Walker of Justmylook said that cucumbers – which are botanically a fruit but are usually considered a vegetable – “soothe sensitive and inflamed skin”.
She explained: “Cucumber skin care products have several health and cosmetic properties that benefit different skin types, including sensitive, inflamed skin.
“Skin care products containing cucumber have several health and cosmetic properties”
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“The skincare ingredient’s soothing properties, partly due to its high water content, help those with sensitive skin. Cucumbers also contain antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties, which help soothe any redness or irritation.”
It’s also ideal for those who suffer from dry skin. Hayley explained: ‘Cucumber has moisturising properties that give dry skin a hydration boost.
“Cucumber extract soothes the skin and strengthens its natural moisture barrier for smooth, soft and hydrated skin.”
For those struggling with acne, cucumber can also be a helpful ingredient. Hayley said: “Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, cucumber has a soothing effect that reduces inflammation, redness and irritation caused by acne.
“The skin care ingredient also acts as a natural cleanser to prevent clogged pores by removing dead skin cells and oil buildup. This regenerates the skin and prevents future acne breakouts.”
As the UK gets warmer and many of us fly to hot destinations in the summer, it’s important that we protect our skin.
Hayley said: “This skincare ingredient is also useful for treating sunburn. Not only does its cooling effect soothe sunburn, but its anti-inflammatory properties also help reduce swelling and irritation and are great for relieving the pain of sun exposure.”
Cucumbers are also rich in antioxidants. The expert said, “The antioxidant properties of cucumber make it the ideal ingredient in the fight against free radicals, unstable oxygen molecules that can stress the skin and lead to problems such as fine lines and wrinkles, dark spots and uneven skin tone.”
“Using products containing cucumber can help alleviate these skin concerns, resulting in a brighter, more youthful complexion. This makes cucumber a sought-after ingredient in skin care products to reduce signs of aging as it fights wrinkles and slows collagen breakdown.”
Eyes
The expert also claimed that the skin-strengthening ingredient could eliminate under-eye problems.
Hayley said: “Cucumber on the eyes is a must-have – and rightly so – as the ingredient helps reduce dark circles and brighten the skin.
“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.”
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Include cucumbers in your diet for stronger, healthier nails
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hair
It is also worth incorporating cucumber into your hair care routine. The beauty expert said: “Cucumbers are not only good for the skin but also nourish the hair. This ingredient has several benefits for hair that lead to 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 and retain the hair’s moisture. Aside from hair health, cucumber can also add a silky and glossy shine to the hair, giving it a radiant finish.”
Nails
Finally, the expert recommends eating cucumbers for strong, healthy nails. She advises: “If you have problems with nail growth and are prone to breakage, adding cucumbers to your diet or using cucumber cuticle oil can help.”
“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.”
