We all do it. Spa day with our BFFs or our kids. We have the polishes, the clay masks, the aroma therapy candle, the fancy water and fun food, and the cucumber slices for our eyes.
Contrary to popular belief, cucumbers do not reduce dark circles or puffy eyes significantly.
Here is why: Though vitamin K is fat soluble, which means it can be absorbed through the skin, not all vitamin K is useful this way, and for good circulation, it needs to be broken down properly in the small intestine.
Most vitamin K creams that are hyped up are made of a synthetic form(s) of vitamin K in order to "perhaps" help the structure of the vitamin absorb properly through the skin. Think about stuffing a soccer ball into a golf hole.
Dark circles could indicate a vitamin K deficiency, there are other causes and it may not even be circulatory related (vitamin K is an antioxidant that aids in circulation.)
It could simply be hereditary. Some of us have very translucent skin under our eyes, and that skin is delicate and thin. We're looking at our blood vessels. When it isn't chronic, it's most likely due to needing some really good sleep, which improves our overall health and circulation.
1 cup of cucumbers do not have a significant amount of vitamin K that our bodies need daily, at 22%. However, they aren't bad for you, so munch away, or sip as a juice or in your infused super water.
You're better off munching on cooked spinach or raw or cooked kale for significant benefits of vitamin K.
The mass amount of vitamin K in cucumber is in the peel.
They do not reduce puffiness significantly because they do not contain anti inflammatory properties.
Cucumbers are cool, which contracts blood vessels that cause swelling. This is temporary, and even more so since cucumbers tend to warm up rather quickly from our own body heat.
What is a better alternative to cucumbers? Green Tea Bags!
Green tea contains significant amounts of ECGC, which wakes up a gene called Interleukin-8, or I8, which is the body's inflammatory response. It can aid in eye puffiness, and congestion.
Green tea also contains tons of anti oxidants that fight free radicals and is anti bacterial. So after you make a cup of tea, COOL DOWN THE TEA BAG, rest it on your eyes, and/or gently exfoliate your skin.
Even though cucumbers for our eyes are pretty useless, at least they're cheap. So if they are a part of your beauty ritual on girl's night, go ahead, and use the cucumbers. Just soak them in a little green tea and chill in the fridge first! ;D
No comments:
Post a Comment