Whether you’re obsessed with the latest and greatest in the realm of beauty or not, you’ve likely heard about the new contender that’s been making major waves in the #Self-Care game — cucumber.
Low in calories and refreshing in taste, cucumbers are naturally hydrating, rich in phytonutrients (like flavonoids, triterpenes, and lignans), and have anti-inflammatory properties. In other words, there’s no denying that this superfood is an incredible (and tasty!) source of nutrition for the body.
That said, although it’s true that cucumbers are undeniably beneficial for your body, this isn’t the reason why the water-rich fruit (yep, it’s a fruit) is currently trending all over social media — and no, it’s not because Kendall Jenner awkwardly chopped up a cucumber on a recent episode of The Kardashians, either.
So, why is cucumber having a moment, you ask? Because it does wonders for the skin. Yup, it’s true — your salad’s favorite companion has leveled up and is now a hot commodity among skincare enthusiasts and minimalists alike.
Wondering what the advantages might be to adding cucumber to your skincare routine? We’ve got you covered. Read on to discover all the amazing benefits of cucumber for skin.
What Exactly Is a Cucumber?
From a culinary and cultural perspective, one might consider the closely related squash relative a veggie, but according to science, the botanical classification that graces this particular food is “fruit.” Well, technically speaking, they’re berries, but that’s neither here nor there.
We know what you’re thinking, “A Fruit? Berry? What!? My entire life has been a lie!” We know *mind blown* — but hold your horses there, friend; when it comes to cooking (so, when it really matters), cucumbers are considered vegetables due to their savory taste.
So, if you want to keep calling a cucumber a “veggie,” go for it — you wouldn’t be wrong for doing so.
Are Cucumbers Nutritious?
Cucumbers are unbelievably refreshing and super crisp due to their super high water content — but with 95 percent water, you might be wondering whether these fruits have much to offer when it boils down to nutrition.
We could tell you that cucumbers are in fact, nutritious, but don’t just take our word for it — check out the nutritional breakdown of an average-size, raw cucumber according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) listed below:
- Calories: 45
- Water: 287 grams (g)
- Protein: 2 g
- Fat: <1 g
- Carbohydrate: 11 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
In short, cucumbers are highly nutritious and loaded with a ton of good-for-you nutrients. Plus, they are extremely rich in water, making them a great thirst-quenching snack!
What Are the Benefits of Cucumber for Skin?
Now that you’re essentially a cucumber expert (you’re welcome), it’s time we get into the meat and potatoes of this article— the benefits. Here are some of the many reasons why you may want to consider the coveted superfood for your skin:
Benefit #1: Minimizes Swelling and Puffiness
If you’re one of the 70 million Americans that struggle catching Zzzs at night, you’re probably no stranger to puffy dark circles or undereye bags. Although getting the recommended seven to nine hours of shut-eye each night can surely de-puff your face (albeit sometimes easier said than done), cucumber can help, too.
So, to reduce puffiness and rejuvenate tired-looking skin, massage your face with chilled cucumber slices before rinsing and gently patting dry with a clean towel.
Benefit #2: Supports Healthy Skin Cells
Free radicals are enemy number one when it comes to skincare. These unstable molecules are formed due to environmental causes like UV radiation and pollution. They can damage your cells and even affect your DNA, which could ultimately lead to serious illness.
Fortunately, we have antioxidants — aka, the best-known element to fight against harmful free radicals. And what contains a whole lot of antioxidants, you ask? Cucumbers.
‘Nuff said.
Benefit #3: Supports Even Skin Tone
From promoting skin brightness to reducing dark spots, vitamin C is used by many to achieve a healthy and happy complexion — hence why it’s often referred to as the holy grail of skincare!
While there are a number of products that contain this powerful nutrient, you can also find it in — drum roll, please — a cucumber.
That said, if you aren’t particularly fond of the crunchy green fruit, we recommend Good to Glow — a powerful combo of vitamin C, biotin, and organic ashwagandha that’s designed to tackle skin issues for people of all ages to enhance smoothness for brag-worthy skin.
Take two capsules a day to support brighter, clearer, and healthier skin.
Benefit #4: Soothes a Sunburn
After spending a little too much time in the sun, you may find yourself dealing with a sunburn — especially if you weren’t reapplying sunscreen every two hours.
Aloe vera is an excellent way to alleviate a nasty burn, but a chilled cucumber also does the trick! Thanks to its cooling properties, the superfood can calm mildly burnt or damaged skin — just massage it lightly onto your sunburn, and within a matter of minutes, you should feel as cool as a cucumber.
Benefit #5: Keeps Acne Flares Away
Arguably the biggest culprits behind acne flares are dead skin cells and excess sebum (aka oil). Cucumber — which, believe it or not, is mildly astringent — tightens pores and helps to keep sebum production in check.
Additionally, the vitamin E component of cucumber supports healthy hydration levels to help prevent breakouts and irritation.
In other words, if you have acne-prone or oily skin, cucumber will be your complexion’s new BFF.
Benefit #6: Hydrates Thirsty Skin
Keeping your skin adequately hydrated can help to improve elasticity and firmness. A lack of H2O is known to cause a visible difference in the appearance of skin — it can make your complexion dry, flakey, and susceptible to fine lines and wrinkles.
Maintaining a healthy glow year-round can be tough, but cucumbers can help. This nutrient-dense fruit contains polysaccharides, which help the skin attract and retain moisture to prevent dehydration for a dewy complexion that’s second to none.
Benefit #7: Combats Signs of Aging
According to researchers, the nutrients in cucumbers may make the fruit potentially helpful in the battle against premature aging.
The superfood is loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, folic acid, and caffeic acid. Together, these nutrients work to stimulate new growth and fight off environmental toxins to help your skin look firmer, healthier, and rejuvenated.
Summary
If you’re on a mission to combat premature aging, calm irritation, soothe acne or reduce inflammation, you don’t need to spend your entire life savings on expensive skincare products — which are often riddled with confusing ingredients and questionable chemicals (#JustSaying).
To nourish your skin naturally and without burning a hole in your pocket, simply head over to your local grocery store, where you can pick up a cucumber for usually only a buck or less.
Whether you munch on this refreshing fruit to heal your body from the inside out or rub it gently on your face for an oh-so dewy complexion, cucumber is, without a doubt, beneficial for the skin.
To give the superfood a boost, we recommend pairing it with Clear Skin Probiotics — a skin-lovin’ probiotic supplement that helps balance the skin’s microbiome to reduce acne flares, improve pores, and enhance hydration. Simply take one capsule a day to keep bad skin days at bay!
Here at Love Wellness, we’re on a mission to bring doctor-developed products that are clean and free of non-GMO ingredients, artificial fragrances, flavors, and dyes to women everywhere.
From vaginal and gut health to hair, skin, and nails, you can always count on us to have just what you need to feel good in the skin you're in. Check us out and start your journey to better health today!
Sources:
Sunscreen and Your Morning Routine | Johns Hopkins Medicine.
CDC - About Our Program - Sleep and Sleep Disorders | CDC
Cucumber, with peel, raw | FDA
Kendall Jenner was ridiculed for how she cut a cucumber. Is there a right way to do it? | USA TODAY