When it comes to skincare and beauty products, you don’t have to look far to find one made from cucumbers. Their crisp, spongy flesh is 96% water—hello, hydration! They also contain plenty of vitamin C and caffeic acid, both of which help soothe irritation, clear imperfections and reduce puffiness. Whip up your own cucumber face mask at home for a refreshing, cooling treat.
How to Make a Cucumber Face Mask
What You’ll Need:
- 1 cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
Step 1: Mix
Place the cucumber slices and yogurt in a blender. Blend for about 15 seconds, or until a purée is formed. The mask should have a smooth, creamy consistency. Pour the mixture into a small container with a lid for storage.
Keep the mask cool in your fridge until you’re ready to relax.
Step 2: Apply and rinse
Apply a thin layer of the mask to your face and leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse with cool water and pat dry.
You can keep any leftover cucumber mask in your refrigerator, where it should last for up to one week. Use as often as necessary.
How Do You Use Cucumbers on Your Eyes?
When some people envision the ideal “spa day,” they picture the cucumber slice eye mask. It’s no wonder this is one of the oldest beauty tricks in the book. When gently placed over closed eyes, cucumber slices have the power to brighten dark circles and reduce puffiness and tension.
To experience this at-home spa treatment, cut off two cool, thin slices of cucumber (about 1/4-inch thick). Then, find a comfy couch or bed. In a reclined position, place one cool cucumber slice over each eye. Relax for about 15 minutes while the water and cucumber’s natural acids soak into your skin. Remove and toss the cucumbers. Follow with your normal skincare regimen, ending with moisturizer.
For an invigorating cucumber mask that you can buy instead of DIY, we recommend:
More DIY Face Masks for At-Home Pampering
Eat These to Hydrate from the Inside Out
Shutterstock / Carol Mellema
Watermelon
Watermelon is a summer staple! It's sweet and refreshing with every bite. It's also 92% water, so your body will stay hydrated as you snack.
You can serve up watermelon by the wedge—or use it as the main ingredient in
these extra-refreshing recipes.
Shutterstock / Ewa Studio
Tomatoes
Fresh tomatoes on a salad or in a sandwich can help maintain hydration levels. They're 94.5% water! Cherry tomatoes make an excellent snack because they're bite-sized, and you can stay hydrated while on the go.
Psst... Here are 50+ more fresh tomato recipes, inspired by Grandma's garden.
Shutterstock / Dionisvera
Spinach
Spinach has an impressive water content (91.4% water) and it also packs a significant amount of nutrients. You'll be reaping the hydration benefits and feeding your body with lutein, potassium, fiber and vitamin E.
No wonder it's a superfood!
Svetlana Lukienko/Shutterstock
Strawberries
Out of all the bright and delicious berries, strawberries contain the most amount of water—92%. They're so easy to snack on and are nutritious, too; they contain vitamin C, potassium and fiber.
Keep cool in the afternoon with
a fresh strawberry dish or two.
Shutterstock/AlexeiLogvinovich
Bell Peppers
Containing 93.9% water, bell peppers can be cut into slices for an on-the-go snack or added to your next meal. Bell peppers aren't just a water-rich food, they're high in vitamins C, E, and B6, too.
Get the ball rolling with our favorite bell pepper recipes.
Shutterstock / Hirundo
Radishes
Radishes are often forgotten, but they shouldn't be—because they contain 95% water! They will also give your immune system a boost with vitamin C and zinc. Consider turning radishes into
a salad that has a bit of a bite.
love_studio/Shutterstock
Pineapple
Pineapple 87% water, which is on the lower side with water content compared to the rest of our top 10. However, one cup of this tropical fruit contains more than 100% of the recommended daily value of vitamin C. Sounds like a good enough reason to make pineapple for dinner and dessert—take a look through
our best pineapple recipes!
HandmadePictures/Shutterstock
Cucumber
At 96% water and a high nutrient content, cucumbers can help detox the body and provide anti-inflammatory benefits. They are also low in calories; one cup contains just 16 calories. Turn a basic cucumber into a
cucumber salad or something even cooler:
a smoothie.
Andrii Zhezhera/Shutterstock
Grapefruit
Eat grapefruit like an orange and you'll be well-hydrated with its 91% water content. Grapefruits are thought to help burn fat and boost the immune system, too. If you're not a fan of the tangy-sour flavor, drizzle honey on the grapefruit to make it sweeter.
Shutterstock / SvedOliver
Iceberg Lettuce
Iceberg lettuce doesn't contain a significant amount of nutrients, but it is made of 96% water. This vegetable also offers versatility; it can be added to sandwiches, salads or can be used as a wrap to replace bread,
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