We all know the phrase ‘cool as a cucumber’. The question is, are cucumbers really as cool as they seem? It appears so. Cucumbers are a very cooling fruit (yes, a fruit!) that, at just above 90% water, is incredibly hydrating to the skin. Those of us into skincare have undoubtedly come across the familiar image of a person lying down with a face mask on and a cucumber slice on each eye. Though portrayed as a bit of a gimmick, cucumber is actually a lot more valuable for the skin than you might have first thought.
Cucumbers are home to vitamins B1, B5, B12 and K, potassium, manganese, silica and copper, all of which help the skin to maintain its youthful looks. If you’re an avid skincare fan, you’ve probably come across copper as an ingredient in anti-aging skincare products. Copper actually plays a vital role in the production of collagen. Various studies have detailed that, when a skin cell’s copper content increases, so does collagen production. This is due to lysyl oxidase, an enzyme that’s activated by copper, and is essential for the maturation of collagen.
Aside from copper, cucumber also provides a dose of the potent antioxidant quercetin, which combats damage from free radicals and therefore helps to give your skin, heart and immune system a health boost. Free radical damage is one of the leading causes of premature dermal aging, which is not something any of us want to experience. Due to its anti-inflammatory nature, quercetin is useful in helping to tackle dermal irritation, redness and the visibility of scars as well as acne. With a high content of vitamin A, cucumbers have been outlined as being useful in softening facial wrinkles by boosting collagen production. It’s also known for being a warrior against acne flare-ups as well as taking an active role in healing wounds. Thiamine, otherwise known as vitamin B1, is found to be plentiful in cucumber too. Also classed as an antioxidant, thiamine packs quite a punch. Easily collaborating with its fellow B vitamins, it is essential in the collagen regeneration process – something which ultimately helps the skin to maintain its strength and elasticity.
Who knew cucumbers could be your skin’s best friend? Not so much of a gimmick now! If you’d like to learn more about specific vitamins and other skin-friendly ingredients, please refer to our Dermal Vitamins and Diet pages respectively to get started.