Cool Cucumbers

Where does the saying "cool as a cucumber" come from? Well, cucumbers are known for their ability to cool the body. This watery fruit is packed with a variety of health benefits. Like many other fruits and vegetables, cucumbers aren’t just good for eating. Cucumber extract and juice can help keep your skin looking healthy and beautiful. You’re in luck— cucumber is one of the ingredients in Merlot Grape Seed Cleanser!

Cucumbers hold many benefits. This fruit is made up of 96 percent water, qualifying it as extremely hydrating! According to many dermatologists cucumber has skincare benefits including Vitamin C and caffeic acid. Both of these fight to reduce inflamed or irritated skin, and add hydration thanks to its extremely high water content. The peel itself contains silica which can work to firm sagging skin!

Here are five ways cucumbers are beneficial:

Hydrate. Hydrate. Hydrate. Because cucumbers are predominately made of water, they provide a lot of hydration! A diet of salads and healthy foods is not the only way to achieve a well-toned and hydrated body. Due to the high water and antioxidant content, cucumbers work to make skin supple. In particular, cucumber juice has strong anti-hyaluronidase activity. This means cucumbers keep the enzyme hyaluronidase from degrading into hyaluronic acid, a natural substance in the body that works to draw moisture into the skin.

Firm up your skin. Cucumbers can also help keep your skin firm. Elastin works to retain your skin's youthful appearance. Cucumbers inhibit the breakdown of elastin by the enzyme elastase, thus working to build collagen, tighten skin and support cell wall renewal. Cucumbers naturally contain powerful anti-aging properties!

Protect against the sun. These fruits contain natural sunscreen capabilities. The protection is due to flavonoids, tannins, and Vitamin C! The many antioxidants work to combat cell-damaging free radicals generated by UV rays.

Relieve pain. Cucumbers are also known to hold powerful pain-relieving effects. The antioxidants that protect against the sun also work as a sunburn reliever. The high water content helps to soothe sunburns. This fruit is a natural hemostatic agent which can accelerate blood clotting, helping to heal skin scars. If you have sensitive skin, cucumber will be your best friend! It cools the body and soothes skin irritations and can reduce inflammation.

Prevent acne and heal your scars. According to several studies examining the benefits of cucumbers on human skin, cucumbers can actually lower sebum levels significantly. What causes acne is when this oily substance interacts with bacteria and dead skin cells, clogging up pores and eventually leading to breakouts. Thus, cucumbers work to reduce sebum levels, fighting against the catalyst for acne.

Fight inflammation and swelling. The ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) and caffeic acid in this fruit work together to help prevent water retention. If your eyes are swollen or puffy, cucumber juice can be applied topically to reduce symptoms. Now you finally know why sliced cucumbers are placed on your eyes in spas!

Cucumber’s refreshing effects may be just what your skin needs. Cucumber is perfect for sensitive skin as it works to hydrate skin, detoxify and gently heal scars and imperfections. Cucumbers contain powerful vitamins such as biotin, Vitamins A, B1, C and potassium — all of which are essential for healthy hair, nails and skin!

All rights reserved to image used.