Collagen-Building Cucumber Spa Water + Calming Face Mask

By Stephanie Gerber, Hello Glow

My skin has become more sensitive over the years, and it’s especially picky during dry winter months. I have to be careful about product testing because my cheeks will turn bright red and blotchy!

Cucumbers are one of the best beauty ingredients for sensitive skin. Yes, they make a perfect snack, but they’re also beauty builders, inside and out. Famously cooling and anti-inflammatory, cucumbers have high levels of caffeic acid that reduce swelling and irritation as well as silica that helps collagen formation for strong hair and nails.

Collagen-Building Cucumber Spa Water

I’ll be honest, getting enough water is often a struggle for me. Especially in the winter when I tend to skip cold water in favor of a warm beverage (which is too often coffee). And it may sound crazy, but there is something psychological about filling up a pitcher and calling it ‘spa water.’ Your skin will drink up the extra hydration as well as the cucumber and lemon nutrients.

Cucumbers are high in silica, which is instrumental in collagen formation. But most of the silica in cucumbers is found in the skin, so to get the most out of your cucumbers, buy organic and don’t peel them.

• 1/2 organic cucumber, sliced
• 1/2 lemon, sliced
• Large pitcher of filtered water

Combine ingredients in a large pitcher. The longer it sits the more the flavors will infuse. I like to keep my water on the counter because it’s easier for me to drink it lukewarm.

DIY Calming Face Mask

Winter air can leave skin dry and parched. This calming and hydrating face mask will take the red out of those windburned cheeks. Cucumber and oatmeal are both soothing and anti-inflammatory, and yogurt is one of the easiest and most effective face masks because it soothes and gently exfoliates. Sage contains ursolic acid that naturally removes dead skin cells while providing vitamin A and calcium.

• 2 tablespoons plain, sugar-free yogurt
• 2 tablespoons pureed cucumber
• 2 tablespoons oatmeal
• 1 teaspoon chopped sage

Combine ingredients and massage into clean, damp skin. Relax with mask on for 15 minutes then rinse. Perfect for calming dry, irritated skin.

What’s your favorite way to soothe sensitive skin?