In this article:
A cooling facial mist might be the one thing you need for a soothing break from the summer heat. It not only refreshes but also imparts richness and glow to your face. It provides various other benefits to your skin.
Moreover, the use of facial mists is not limited to the summer season only. Spraying facial mists helps keep your skin healthy through the winter season, too. (1) Although the health benefits of facial mists haven’t been properly researched yet, they do hydrate and refresh the skin, giving it a rejuvenated feel.
Recently, facial mists have gained popularity for their soothing and healing effects. They have been adopted by many as part of their skin care routine to achieve clean, fresh, and clear skin.
Cosmetics and beauty companies have released a wide range of mists on the market. However, they are often overpriced and laden with chemicals. These commercial mists may contain alcohol, artificial fragrances, and other constituents that can cause dryness and irritation, especially in sensitive skin.
Hence, the use of homemade mists may be a better option. DIY homemade mists are typically skin-friendly. They also give you the liberty to experiment with different ingredients and formulate a mist that best suits your skin type.
Homemade mists can be produced using coconut water, rose water, essential oils, plant and fruit extracts, etc.
Ingredients You May Use
Here are some common ingredients that you can use to make your facial mist.
1. Cucumber
Cucumber helps clean out the accumulated waste in your skin and detoxifies it. The freshly extracted juice of cucumber can also provide nourishment to the skin. This fruit helps alleviate the swelling, irritation, and symptoms of sunburn. (2)
Cucumber also aids in the strengthening of connective tissue for increased elasticity, thus rejuvenating the skin. (3) It has also been demonstrated that cucumber can be safely used to improve the skin barrier. These properties of cucumber have been long exploited in the production of cosmetics. (4)(5)
Cucumber is commonly used in beauty regimens due to its calming effects, leaving the skin smooth and soft. (6)
Note: While the topical application of cucumber is generally safe, it is best to avoid its use if you have an allergic reaction to cucumber or experience irritation when using it.
2. Aloe vera
Aloe vera application can help in locking in skin moisture, maintaining skin integrity, and preventing ulcers. (7) The plant is rich in about 75 active constituents, including vitamins, enzymes, minerals, lignin, sugar, saponin, amino acids, and salicylic acid.
Applying the gel to sunburned skin promotes healing. It is also known to help increase cell regeneration and skin rejuvenation. Additionally, it helps fade spots. Moreover, aloe vera acts on the fibroblast to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin fibers, thus enhancing skin elasticity and reversing the signs of aging, such as wrinkles. (8)
While generally safe, the application of aloe vera can cause stinging, burning, and redness in some individuals. In rare cases, it can cause mild localized dermatitis. The allergic reaction to aloe vera is commonly due to the anthraquinone aloin (also known as barbaloin). Therefore, it is suggested to perform a patch test before application.
3. Rose water
Rose water is good for moisturizing, rejuvenating, and boosting skin health. (9) While it has been used anecdotally for long, scientific research to establish its role in promoting skin health is still needed.
Disclaimer: As your facial skin is extremely thin and delicate, it can get easily irritated by any new topical ingredient. To rule out any adverse skin reactions such as burns and rashes, first, perform a patch test of the facial mist on the underside of your arm. If irritation occurs, avoid its use.
Needless to say, people who are allergic to any of the ingredients in the remedy should not use it. People with sensitive skin are advised to take special precautions before trying out any topical remedy.
DIY Cucumber Facial Mist Recipe
Here is a customizable recipe for a quick, simple, homemade, refreshing facial mist.
Ingredients:
- 1 cucumber
- 1 tsp aloe vera gel
- 1 tbsp rose water
- Few drops of any essential oil (optional)
Directions:
- Chop the cucumber in large chunks and put it in a blender.
- Blend until you get a smooth puree, devoid of chunks.
- Strain the pulp through a cheesecloth and squeeze the juice out into a clean bowl.
- Add the rose water, aloe vera gel, and essential oil to the bowl.
- Mix the ingredients properly.
- Pour the prepared facial mist into a plastic spray bottle.
- Use the mist up to thrice a day.
Additional Tips
- The homemade mist can be stored in the refrigerator for a week.
- Make sure to shake the liquid before using it.
- You may use a juicer instead of a blender to extract the juice from the cucumber.
- Instead of discarding the cucumber pulp, you can use it as a face mask.
- Rose water can be made at home as well.
- Regular exfoliation is essential for smooth skin as it helps to prevent the buildup of dead skin cells.
- Consume ample amounts of water daily for healthy, glowing skin.
- Refrain from storing the mist in a metal container, as it may react with the essential oils.
Final Word
A skin care routine often includes a wide range of products, and a facial mist is an important component. It helps soothe your skin and can also impart certain health benefits, depending on the ingredients you use.
While there is an array of commercially produced mists available, a homemade cucumber aloe mist is an excellent choice. It is chemical-free, easy to handle, and cost-effective, as opposed to commercial products. Using this homemade mist will leave your skin rejuvenated and refreshed.
- Was this article helpful?
- YES, THANKS!NOT REALLY
