Cucumber Benefits For Skin & Best Ways To Use It

Did you know cucumber can do much more than lightening dark circles? It is packed with nutrients, vitamins and minerals that can cure a variety of skin woes.

Here’s how you can use cucumber in your regular skincare routine to obtain the maximum amount of benefit.

What Expert Says

“Cucumber has high water content that soothes your skin and keeps it hydrated. It acts as an anti-inflammatory agent and helps in reducing the puffiness of your skin. Also, cucumber toner helps oily skin. The toner helps with shrinking the pores, resulting in lesser oil secretion.”

Prajkta Sapre (PG, Cosmetic Technology), Product Development Executive, SkinKraft

Highlights:

• What Does Cucumber Do For Your Skin?
• What Are The Benefits Of Cucumber For Skin?
• What Are The Best Ways To Use Cucumber For Skin?

What Does Cucumber Do For Your Skin?

Cucumber is a highly refreshing and nutrient-rich vegetable to add to your regular diet. However, the relatively lesser-known fact is that cucumber can be highly beneficial for your skin as well. The cooling and refreshing nature of cucumber helps treat a lot of skin concerns like hydration, redness, skin ageing, inflammation, irritation etc.

Cucumber has 96% water[1] content that makes it an extremely hydrating ingredient for your skin. In fact, SkinKraft Product Development Executive, Prajkta Sapre says, “Cucumber has high water content that soothes your skin and keeps it hydrated. It acts as an anti-inflammatory agent and helps in reducing puffiness of the skin. Also, cucumber toner helps oily skin. The toner helps with shrinking the pores, resulting in lesser oil secretion.”

What Are The Benefits Of Cucumber For Skin?

1. Hydrates Your Skin

Skin hydration is the key to keeping your skin healthy and happy. Lack of hydration will lead to dry and flaky skin. It will make a visible difference in your skin’s texture and condition. Naturally, the chances of fine lines and wrinkles increase when your skin is not properly hydrated. As the major component of cucumber is water, using cucumber can retain maximum hydration and lock the moisture in your skin.[2]

SkinKraft Tip:

Cucumber alone may not be able to help keep your skin hydrated. We suggest using moisturizer every day at least twice to achieve soft and glowing skin.

2. Reduces Skin Inflammation

Cucumber has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce skin inflammation effectively. The cooling aspect of cucumber soothes the skin and provides relief from skin irritation. Applying cucumber toner or gel can take away the morning puffiness from the skin and provide a refreshing feeling. [3]

3. Treats Sunburn

Cucumber can be used to soothe sunburnt skin. In case you have spent long hours under the scorching sun, cucumber can put an end to the burning sensation in your skin. Even though aloe vera is popular for soothing skin, cucumber does the job just as well.

4. Prevents Acne

Cucumber can control the oil production of your skin. It works like an astringent that tightens your skin pores and decreases your pore size. When your oil production is under control and pores are tightened, there is very little chance of an acne breakout. [4]

5. Fights Against Free Radicals

Cucumber is antioxidant-rich and antioxidants are the one strong component that can interfere in the oxidation process by different means. It fights against oxidative damage to your skin caused by free radicals. [5]

6. Promotes Skin Brightness

Vitamin C is a prominent element in cucumber. It brightens the skin tone and lightens all the pigmentation of your skin. Cucumber helps with dark spots and blemish marks too.

7. Prevents Premature Ageing

Cucumber contains folic acid[6] and caffeic acid. These two components can boost collagen production in your skin. Collagen keeps your skin youthful by preventing all the ageing signs like fine lines, age spots and wrinkles. [7]

What Are The Best Ways To Use Cucumber For Skin?

1. Cucumber Toner For Oily Skin

Step 1: Peel some freshly bought cucumber after washing it properly.

Step 2: Slice the cucumber into tiny pieces.

Step 3: Heat the pieces in a bowl for 5 to 7 minutes.

Step 4: Blend the boiled cucumber in a food processor or blender.

Step 5: Filter out the liquid with a clean cloth to remove the pulp.

Step 6: Keep the remaining cucumber liquid in a clean container, and use it as a toner.

Note:

You can mix rose water with the toner for better results. But do not keep the toner for more than 4 days. Keep it in a cool area.

2. Cucumber Mask

There are many ways in which you can use cucumber to make a perfect facial mask for your skin. You can add a few more natural ingredients and you will have an inexpensive yet effective face mask. Here are a few ways to make a cucumber mask:

A. Basic Mask

• Wash the unpeeled cucumber and blend it.
• Remove the solid bits of the blended cucumber with a strainer.
• Wash your face with a cleanser and pat it dry.
• Apply the thick paste on your face and let it stay for 10 minutes.
• Rinse it off with lukewarm water.

B. Cucumber, Oatmeal & Honey Mask

• Blend an unpeeled cucumber and remove the solid bits with a strainer.
• Put the cucumber puree in a bowl.
• Add one tablespoon of oatmeal and one tablespoon of honey to it.
• Mix it well till it is all blended properly.
• Apply it on your face and leave it for a minimum of 15 minutes.
• Wash it off your face.

C. Cucumber & Aloe Vera Mask

• Take cucumber puree in a bowl.
• Mix 2 spoons of aloe vera gel into the puree.
• Massage your face with the mixture for a few minutes.
• Then let it stay for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Wash it off.

3. Cucumber Infused Water

Step 1: Cut an unpeeled cucumber into slices.

Step 2: Pour some water into a container and add the sliced cucumber.

Step 3: Let the cucumber soak for 2 to 4 hours.

Step 4: Use the water to rinse your face in the morning. It is proven to be effectively refreshing.

4. Adding In Your Diet

Cucumber is high in vitamins, minerals and other important nutrients. Also, it is surprisingly low in calories. It helps to control your blood sugar and promotes weight loss. Regular intake of cucumber may decrease the cholesterol level as well. [8] Consuming a basic cucumber salad or drinking cucumber juice can help.

5. Over The Counter Products

While the DIY masks and toners are great, you can also lay your hands on over the counter products that contain cucumber. Mask, toner, gel, soaps, deodorants and almost every skincare item can be found containing natural ingredients like cucumber. These are also easily available in the market.

Word of Caution

Always check the label while buying over the counter products. Check if you are allergic to any of the ingredients used in the product. In case you are not sure, then do a small patch test and wait for 24 hours. If your skin still looks and feels fine, go ahead with the product.

6. Other Uses

A. For Puffy Eyes & Dark Circles

• Cut two round slices of fresh cucumber.
• Close your eyes and place the two slices on each eye.
• Rest with your eyes closed for 10 to 20 minutes.
• Remove the slices and wash your face with water.

B. Cucumber For Skin Whitening

• Extract the juice of a cucumber.
• Mix it with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
• Add a few drops of rose water to it.
• Massage your skin with the mixture and let it dry.
• Rinse off your face with water.

Wrapping Up

Cucumber is antioxidant-rich and anti-inflammatory. These properties make it your skin’s BFF. It can reduce skin pigmentation, prevent acne and most importantly promote healthy skin by providing a high amount of useful nutrients.

You can make DIY face masks or toners for your regular usage or you can always get a readymade product from your nearest store. But always remember knowing your skin is the first step to begin any kind of skincare. Understand your skin needs and then settle for a solution.

Begin By Knowing Your Skin