Make cucumber your best friend this summer

10 DIY Ways to Add Cucumber to Your Summer Skincare Routine

From a homemade cucumber eye mask to reduce puffiness and dark circles to a DIY concoction that fights acne and skin sagging, two top dermatologists share the best ‘at-home’ cucumber recipes for calm, clear and hydrated skin.

Through the decades, our ancestors have sung the praises of cucumber—owing to its hydrating, cooling properties and low calorie value. While the argument whether the edible plant is a fruit or vegetable still stands today, there’s no dispute regarding its umpteen benefits for your health, as well as your skin!

“Cucumber is packed with antioxidants, it contains biotin and potassium, and also serves to be a nutrient-rich source of Vitamin A, C and B1. Besides, it helps maintain the water-balance of your body, and simple DIY preparations can work wonders for your skin, targeting a range of beauty woes including skin inflammations, puffiness, wrinkles, fine lines and even cellulite,” informs Dr Rinky Kapoor, Cosmetic Dermatologist, The Esthetic Clinics & Fortis Hospitals.

The sultry season calls for a cooling, calming addition to your skincare routine—and, what better ingredient to rely on than cucumber? India’s top dermatologists share sworn-by DIY hacks and magic concoctions that’ll take you a step further in bidding adieu to your skincare concerns.

1) DIY Cucumber Mist For Sunburns

There’s no guarantee that lathering large amounts of sunscreen will save you from a sunburn. In such a case, a homemade cucumber mist will come handy. “Grind a cucumber to obtain its juice and transfer the liquid into a spray bottle. Spritz on the desired areas and speed the healing of your skin,” suggests Dr Jaishree Sharad, Celebrity Dermatologist, Skinfiniti Aesthetic & Laser Clinic.

2) DIY Cucumber Cream For Dark Circles and Puffiness

A tried and tested, age-old benefit of cucumber is that it reduces under eye dark circles and puffiness. The silica and Vitamin C present in cucumber combats dark circles and refreshes your eyes, and while you may opt to follow the traditional route—placing cucumber slices over your eyes—why not go a step further and prepare a creamy blend with cucumber, coconut oil, Aloe vera gel and carrot seed essential oil?

Mix the above mentioned ingredients and place the cream in ice cube trays to freeze. Apply the cool cream around your eyes to bid adieu to dark circles, puffiness and to keep crow’s feet at bay.

3) DIY Cucumber Paste For Collagen Production

The naturally occurring chemicals in cucumber help boost the production of collagen. To promote collagen build-up and get rid of pesky cellulite, combine cucumber juice, ground coffee beans and 1 tablespoon of raw honey. Prepare a thick paste and apply generously on the affected area. Next, wrap the area with a thin muslin cloth and let it sit for 30 minutes. Following this, exfoliate gently in circular motions. Practice this procedure twice a week for best results.

4) DIY Cucumber Face Mask For Acne and Skin Inflammations

Cucumber serves anti-inflammatory properties and helps diminish the appearance of acne scars and skin inflammation. Prepare a thick paste with pureed cucumber (without the pith), cucumber juice, Aloe vera gel, full-fat milk powder and a few drops of tea tree essential oil. Apply this mixture on your face and neck and let it sit for 15 minutes. Wash with cool water after.

5) DIY Cucumber Face Mask For Skin Sagging

Cucumber juice can help tighten sagging skin, along with preventing signs of premature ageing. Begin by blending some cucumber to make a watery paste, and sieve the paste to separate the water from the solid material. Apply the concoction on your cleansed face, neck and décolletage area, and let it sit for 15 minutes. Your skin will start feeling tighter after the first use itself. Plus, don’t throw away the cucumber mash, as you can use it as a weekly face mask to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

6) DIY Cucumber Body Scrub For Exfoliation 

Cucumber makes for a great exfoliator and its antioxidant properties work to hydrate and heal your skin from within, shielding it from the day’s grime, dirt and other external pollutants. Take chopped cucumber, basil, sugar and coconut oil, and run it in a blender until you obtain a smooth texture. Store the paste in an airtight jar and refrigerate. Apply daily for cool, calm and hydrated skin.

7) DIY Cucumber Face Mask For Dry Skin 

This easy, quick-fix face mask will tighten your pores, reduce skin redness and irritation, and will tackle any inflammation. Cut and peel half a cucumber and blend it well, adding 1 tablespoon of yogurt to the mix. Wash your face with warm water and spread an even layer of the mask on your skin. Let it sit for 15 minutes and rinse with lukewarm water after. Splash some cold water on your skin, in the end.

8) DIY Cucumber Face Mask For Tanning

Take 1 teaspoon of cucumber juice and mix it with rose water and a few drops of lemon juice. Apply or spray the mixture on your face and neck, and wash with cold water after 10 minutes. While cucumber will rejuvenate and soothe burning skin, it will also cap the appearance of any red spots.

9) DIY Cucumber Face Mask For Freckles and Blemishes

Cucumber, when combined with oats, makes for an excellent anti-inflammatory mask that helps reduce the appearance of blemishes and freckles. Blend half a cucumber into a fine puree, and add 1 tablespoon of oatmeal and 1 tablespoon of honey to the mixture. Mix well and apply on your face, neck and chest area, massaging it on your skin in gentle circular motions. Let it sit for 20 minutes, wash with cold water and pat dry.

10) DIY Cucumber Slices For Tired Eyes

Dr Jaishree Sharad suggests that refrigerating two cucumber slices for at least half hour, and applying them on tired eyes, can go far in combating any puffiness after a hectic, exhausting day.

Pro Tip: If you suffer from a skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis, consult your dermatologist before using any of these DIY concoctions, to prevent allergies or skin irritation.


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