Stinging eyes is quite common if you work for long hours on computer. Not only this, even lack of sleep or working late at night can lead to tired and swollen eyes. Although following 20-20-20 rule or blinking eyes for a few minutes or palming to soothe tired eyes during your working hours might help you relax, you should try cucumber slices to deeply relax and soothe your tired eyes.
How does it work?
Cucumber contains 95% water, which not only hydrates the skin but also helps in nullifying the excess heat in eyes caused due to straining and continuously staring at the screen. So when cucumber slices are placed on eyes, it exerts a cooling effect, thereby relaxing your eyes. The cooling properties coupled with antioxidants and silica, a mineral present in cucumber, rejuvenates the skin and reduces water retention, thereby treating puffiness under the eyes.
How should you use cucumber slices?
Cut thin, round slices of cucumber and place them on your eyes for 10 minutes to reduce puffiness and relax the eyes [1]. However, the easiest and effective way is to refrigerate cut cucumber slices for about 30 minutes and then place them on the eyes for a soothing effect. Moreover, applying cucumber juice not only softens the skin but also aids in lightening the skin tone, thereby helping you to get rid of dark circles. If you have had a sunstroke, placing few pieces of this humble fruit on the head neutralises heat [1]. But if you are on eye drops or are suffering from an eye infection, it is better to consult a doctor before using cucumber to treat tired and stinging eyes. Also read about why rose water is your eyes best friend!
Reference:
Shrivastava, A., & Roy, S. (2013). Cucurbitaceae: A Ethnomedicinally Important Vegetable Family. Journal of Medicinal Plants, 1(4).
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