Is Cucumber The Skincare Hero We Didn’t Know We Needed?

Is it us, or is cucumber everywhere right now? The humble fruit has been making waves (again) in the foodie space – cucumber sushi salad, we’re looking at you – and now it’s coming for the beauty industry. Not convinced? Hayley Waler, a beauty expert at Justmylook, tells us five surprising skincare benefits associated with cucumber.

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5 Surprising Skincare Benefits Of Cucumber

1. Soothes Irritated Skin

‘Skincare products containing cucumber have several health and beauty qualities that benefit different skin types, including sensitive, inflamed skin,’ notes Hayley. ‘The skincare ingredient’s soothing properties, partly thanks to its high water content, aid those with sensitive skin. Cucumbers also contain antioxidants and are anti-inflammatory, soothing redness or irritation.’

2. Hydration

Hayley also tells us that cucumber has hydrating properties that provide dry skin with a moisture boost. ‘Cucumber extract soothes the skin and strengthens its natural moisture barrier for smooth, soft, and hydrated skin,’ she says. ‘You can incorporate skincare products which contain cucumber extract into your routine to prevent dry, dehydrated skin, or treat existing skin conditions.’

3. Calms Acne

The fruit’s soothing characteristics can similarly help calm down the symptoms of acne. ‘Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, cucumber has a soothing effect that reduces inflammation, redness, and irritation caused by acne,’ confirms Hayley. ‘The skincare ingredient also acts as a natural cleanser to prevent clogged pores by removing dead skin cells and oil buildup. This replenishes the skin and prevents future acne breakouts.’

4. Brightens Skin

Cucumber over the eyes? Turns out this classic beauty look comes with a load of skin benefits too. ‘Cucumbers on the eyes is a pamper staple, and rightly so, as the ingredient helps reduce the appearance of dark circles and brightens the skin,’ Hayley tells us. ‘The Vitamin K found in cucumber improves blood circulation to reduce puffiness, while Vitamins C and E brighten the skin and tackle the discolouration of dark circles. Opting for skincare products containing cucumber is a surefire way to achieve a fresh, awakened appearance.’

5. Combats Free Radicals

‘And finally, a cucumber’s antioxidant properties make it the ideal ingredient to combat free radicals, which are unstable oxygen molecules that can cause stress on the skin, leading to issues including fine lines and wrinkles, dark spots and uneven skin tone,’ says Hayley. ‘Using products that contain cucumber can help alleviate these skin conditions, resulting in a brighter, more youthful complexion. This makes cucumber a sought-after skincare ingredient to reduce signs of ageing, as it tackles wrinkles and decelerates collagen depletion.’

Featured image: cottonbro studio, Pexels