Simple Recipe No. 3 - It's All About The Cucumber

Cucumbers have a high water content that can aid in keeping your body hydrated. There is also a large amount of ascorbic acid in cucumbers which help decrease water retention and puffiness around the eyes.Cucumbers have natural coolant properties which help sooth the skin. Cucumbers can be used to reduce lines and wrinkles, treat sunburn, and even lose weight.

Cucumber-Honey Toner

Ingredients:

1 medium cucumber, peeled and cut into pieces
2 teaspoons honey

Instructions:
Puree cucumber in a blender. Line a sieve with cheesecloth and set the sieve over a glass bowl or measuring cup. Pour the cucumber puree through the sieve and let it stand for 15 minutes for the juices to drip into the bowl. Pour the clear juice into a clean bottle and add honey. To use, shake the bottle and saturate a cotton pad with the lotion. Sweep over face, neck and chest morning and night, and let it air dry (about 3 to 4 minutes). Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Makes about 1/2 cup.

Cucumber Astringent
An easy way to reduce oily shine:

Ingredient: Coarsely chop 1/2 a cucumber, peeled, and place in a blender; blend until smooth.

Instructions: Apply liberally to face and allow to stay on for 15 minutes. Rinse with cool water and pat face dry.

Nourishing Cucumber-Avocado Facial Mask
This magic formula does it all: nourishes, tightens pores, and helps slough off dead skin cells to reveal fresher skin.

Ingredients: Place the following ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth:
1/2 cup coarsely chopped peeled cucumber
1/2 cup coarsely chopped peeled avocado
1 egg white
2 teaspoons powdered milk

Instructions: Refrigerate for 30 minutes, then apply to face and neck. Leave the mask in place for 30 minutes, then rinse with warm water. Splash cool water on after that, then gently pat dry.

Clear Skin Mask
If you are occasionally troubled by blemishes, this easy mask will help to prevent them.

Ingredients: Place the following in a blender and blend until smooth:
1/2 cucumber, peeled
1 tablespoon instant nonfat dry milk
1 teaspoon plain yogurt

Instructions: Apply to face and leave on for 20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

Radiant Facial Treatment
If your complexion is dull and oily, this easy formula will help you look glowing and radiant:

Ingredients:
1 teaspoon grated cucumber
splash of rosewater

Instructions: Apply to face and allow to stay for 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water.


Quick Fix for Puffy Eyes
Time-honored because it works:

Ingredients & Instructions: Slice two thin rounds of cucumber, lie down, and place the cucumber slices over your eyes. Rest for 15 minutes, then remove cucumber.

Two Ways to Reduce Dark Circles Under Eyes
These are great for tightening sagging under-eye skin, too:

1. Apply grated cucumber, either alone or mixed with an equal measure of carrot juice, to area beneath eyes. Allow to stay on for 20 minutes, then rinse with cool water.

2. Mix grated cucumber with milk and refrigerate 30 minutes, then apply to under-eye skin and allow to stay on for 20 minutes. Rinse with cool water.

Have fun playing around with the recipes and come up with other ingredients to add.

Enjoy!

Be well, Dannette