After you’re done canning pickles and cucumber-based beverages have lost their gourmet appeal, do you still have a cucumber pile remaining on the countertop? Are your feet and skin feeling rough from all that harvest work and is your overall body in need of a little TLC? If you answered “Yes” to both of these questions, we have a solution for you: a farmstead spa treatment.
Cucumbers contain a large amount of antioxidants that protect and rejuvenate our skin, such as vitamin C that boosts collagen and provides a youthful glow. Cucumber also contains natural silica, a key component in rebuilding damaged skin (i.e., fighting wrinkles). Consider it Mother Nature’s well-timed gift to gardeners that these dear green gems come hit their peak just when our skin feels like sandpaper from working outside.
Here are four ways you can use your excess cuke harvest to rejuvenate your skin and get some rest and relaxation.
1. Eye Treatment
The easiest things can be the most effective. Cut yourself four thin slices of raw, cold cucumber. Lie down, close your eyes and place one over each of eyelid and the remaining two under your eyes. While you take a little needed siesta, the ascorbic acid in the cucumbers works to reduce water retention and thereby decrease overall puffiness.
2. Facial Toner
Peel, seed and chop one cup of cucumbers and purée in a food processor until completely smooth (about two minutes). Place pulp in a sieve over a bowl, and let the cucumber juice drain. One cup cucumbers should equal about 1/2 cup liquid. (Save the pulp for the facial cleanser below).
Mix the cucumber juice with 1 tablespoon lemon juice, a natural astringent. Store in the refrigerator, and apply as a toner with a cotton ball in the morning and evening. The chilled liquid feels especially refreshing. Use within a week.
3. Facial Cleanser
Mix the pulp from the toner with 1 teaspoon raw honey (a natural exfoliate) and 1 teaspoon lemon juice. Rub small amounts of the cleanser over your face, and then rinse with cold water. Follow with your usual moisturizer.
4. Foot Soak
We especially love this spa treatment at the end of the day, as we’re sitting outside sipping on cucumber margaritas.
Peel, seed and dice 4 cups cucumber. Purée until smooth, approximately 2 minutes, and blend in 1/4 cup lemon juice and 1/4 cup coconut oil until smooth. Heat puréed cucumber mixture over the stove or in the microwave until warm to touch but not too hot.
Place purée in a large, clean tub that can fit both of your feet. Soak feet. The cucumbers revive and refresh while the lemon juice exfoliates and the coconut oil works as a moisturizer. Massage some of the mixture into dry, callused areas, like heels, for added exfoliation.
Take feet out and air dry. If you let your feet dry naturally, they absorb more of the moisture from the soak, leaving them feeling nice and smooth.
Get more cucumber uses from HobbyFarms.com:
- 5 Cool Ways to Use Your Cucumber Harvest
- Spicy Cucumber Dill Dip
- Cucumber Cups with Melon Salsa
- Cucumber and Feta Cheese Dressing
- Quinoa Cakes with Tomato-Cucumber Salsa
Savoring the good life,
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