Cucumber Benefits for the Skin + Cucumber Toner Recipe

The cucumbers in the garden are ready for picking. I am so excited as they are some of my favorite vegetables to grow and to have in the kitchen.  As they have such a high water content, they are wonderful to keep the body and skin hydrated, especially when it is hot outside.  They are full of Vitamins A, B1 and C, biotin and potassium. When used topically on the skin, they are known to have anti-inflammatory effects, which helps to alleviate such skin issues as puffiness.

I have a natural cucumber toner that I like to make during the summer months.  It does not keep in the refrigerator for longer than 24 hours so if you have more than one cucumber that you want to use, you may want to invite your friends to help you use it up.  Here is the basic recipe.  You can add or eliminate ingredients as you like, but this is the recipe that I like to use.

Ingredients

1 cucumber (organic and pesticide free)

2-3 drops lavender essential oil

Rose water or distilled water (this amount is up to you as long as it does not exceed the ratio of cucumber used)

Directions

Grate or blend the cucumber;

Squeeze out the juice with your hands into a bowl.  You can use a sieve to separate the pulp and seeds from the juice, if you like;

Add the drops of lavender essential oil;

Add as much rose water or distilled water as you like, but not to exceed the ratio of cucumber;

Pour mixture into a spritzer bottle or a clean bowl.  You can either spray the formula onto the face and body or use a cotton ball to apply to the face and body, if in a bowl. Keep refrigerated.

Important note:  Do not keep this toner for longer than 24 hours as it is free from preservatives and is thus subject to natural spoilage and deterioration.  Also, always spot test before using any ingredients on the skin to ensure your skin reacts well to them.