I am really excited about this article today as I love cucumber! It is amazing for so many different skincare and indeed healthcare reasons, plus it smells incredible. The aroma of cucumber always makes me feel happy, so using it in my skincare instantly lifts my mood. Today we are going to take a look at making a cucumber and aloe toner, using just two ingredients.
What is a Toner?
Toners are generally made up of deeply nourishing ingredients and they also help the skin rid itself of the dirt and muck that can build up on it after a long day or over night. It is used after cleansing the skin, and like an exfoliator helps to prepare it for the products you will apply after. Because it paves the way for better absorption of nutrients and products, it will renew and nourish the skin.
When using a toner, you should ensure to not apply it more than twice a day. This is to ensure you do not strip away the oils and nutrients that already exist in your skin.
Benefits of Cucumber
Firstly, cucumber has anti-inflammatory properties, meaning it can reduce itching and help sooth irritated or sunburnt skin. Because of this it is great for helping to prevent and ease blemishes and spots. This is turn means that the cucumber is great for calming the skin, reducing the redness and patches that we sometimes get.
Cucumber is extremely nourishing and hydrating too, making it great for adding an extra level of hydration to your skin. Not to mention that is is thoroughly refreshing, think about adding cucumber slices to tired eyes.
Benefits of Aloe Vera
Aloe again is fantastic when it comes to reducing inflammations on the skin and for years it has been used to treat burns, including sunburn. If you take a look at after sun ingredients, you will generally find Aloe Vera listed.
It also has properties that make it a great addition to your skincare regime. This includes helping fight ageing, reducing wrinkles, treating stretchmarks and battling spots.
How to Make the Cucumber and Aloe Toner
There are two ways to make this gorgeous smelling toner. One is using a fresh cucumber and an aloe leaf, the other substituting the aloe leaf for Aloe Vera Gel. Both ways are as effective as each other, the first is obviously more natural.
- Take 1 whole cucumber and using a fine grater, grate the entire thing.
- Using muslin if you have some or a thin tea towel if not, place the cucumber inside.
- Twist and squeeze all of the liquid out of the grated cucumber into a clean bowl.
- Now take your aloe leaf and slice in half length ways.
- Scoop out the gel and add to your cucumber liquid and gently mix. (If using Aloe Vera Gel, add 3 or 4 teaspoons to the cucumber instead).
- Remember this should be almost like water, so if you feel you need more cucumber feel free to add more.
- Keep in an airtight container in the fridge and use once or twice a day after cleansing, or exfoliating if you do that.
I can just smell the delectable aroma of cucumber as I am writing this and feel the cooling goodness. This toner is fantastic for making your skin feel incredible, especially as it is also cold when applied. Do you make any skincare items at home already? Let us know on TikTok, Instagram, Threads, Facebook and Twitter, perhaps we will feature your recipe! Don’t forget to look for other ideas in our Skincare section, as well as our Buildable Skincare Routine series!
