DIY Cooling Cucumber Mask

Gail Lewis1 comment
DIY Cooling Cucumber Mask #beauty via @agirlsgottaspa During my two month stay in Bali, a significant amount of time was spent at Amo Spa in Seminyak.  I enjoyed the most amazing spa treatments that I've every experienced and though I have only been back in the US for a week, I am going through serious Amo Spa treatments withdrawal.  I figured the best cure for my withdrawal symptoms was to try to recreate one of my favorite Amo Spa moments at home. One of the many things I loved about Amo Spa was the little luxuries that they took the time to incorporate into their treatments.  One such luxury was the cucumber mask that was always applied to my face during a facial, massage and body scrub.  The cucumber mask consisted of thinly sliced cucumbers sliced lengthwise (not rounds) and left in the refrigerator to cool, then applied directly to the face.  In hot and humid Bali, this cucumber mask was an absolute dream. Cucumbers just so happen to be amazing for the skin.   Cucumbers contain vitamin C, an antioxidant, as well as plenty of vitamin K, also an antioxidant, which fights dark circles under the eyes.  Pantothenic acid, or vitamin B-5, is another compound found in cucumbers that helps your skin retain moisture.  The vitamin A, or retinol, in cucumbers fights dark spots and freckles because it helps control your skin's production of melanin.  Cucumbers are a source of silica, which, as a precursor to collagen, can help fight wrinkles, in addition they have high water content and a cooling quality, making them appropriate to help soothe mild burns, particularly sunburn. They can also reduce swelling and relieve minor skin irritations. Now back in LA where summer is in full swing, the cucumber mask feels just as amazing especially after a day at the beach.  To recreate the Amo Spa mask, I bought some organic cucumbers from Whole Foods, sliced them thinly, placed them in a bowl and left the slices in the fridge overnight.  I then applied the very cool slices to my face the following evening.  I plan on adding some face serum or lemon juice to the slices at some point to mix it up a bit.  This mask is super easy, has amazing benefits and is perfect for your skin during summer.

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