7 Cucumber-Based DIY Remedies for Calm, Hydrated Skin

Isn’t it amazing how many remedies for skin concerns can be found in the kitchen? Take the humble cucumber. It is gentle on the skin, cooling, and rich in antioxidants. It also contains more than 90% water, so you best believe that this fruit–yes, fruit–is hydrating and your key to reducing inflammation and puffiness. There are quite a few cucumber-based home remedies you can try for your skin. Why don’t you give these a try?

Classic Slice-on-Eyes

This has always been one of the most popular cucumber remedies for puffy eyes, not only because it is easy to use but also because it is effective. Research has shown that cucumber juice can help reduce skin swelling. Moreover, it is rich in antioxidants, including folic acid and vitamin C, which possess anti-inflammatory properties.

To try this remedy at home, simply peel the cucumber, chop off one end, and slice it. Make sure not to make the slices too thin. Now, refrigerate these slices. After a couple of hours, lie down or sit in a reclining position, close your eyes, and place two slices on your eyelids. Let them sit for 15 minutes. It’s a truly refreshing remedy, and a pretty safe one. So, you can try it as many times as you’d like.

DIY Face Rub

For times when you’re in a hurry, there’s an even simpler DIY skincare technique that you can try with a cucumber. A couple of steps in this technique are the same as those in the previous method. Wash and peel a cucumber, then cut it in half and place both halves in the freezer. Let them chill overnight. The day after, take one of the halves and gently rub the chopped side under your eyes. Make sure to rub it in an upward and outward motion with gentle pressure. You can also rub the cucumber on the rest of your face or areas where you usually experience puffiness, such as under the eyes or jaw.

This remedy has a similar effect to the previous one, with the antioxidants in the cucumber helping to calm the skin, while the icy chill aids in reducing puffiness.

Raw Cucumber Mask

If your goal is to refresh and rejuvenate your tired skin, you can consider making a DIY cucumber-based face mask. It’s not too complicated.

Wash a cucumber, and without peeling it, put it in a food processor or blender. Puree the cucumber until its consistency resembles that of a watery paste. Then, strain this puree to separate the solid bits from the juice. Wash your face, gently wipe it dry, and apply the juice evenly to your entire face. To reap all the benefits of this cucumber face mask, let it sit for at least 15 minutes. Rinse your face with lukewarm water and gently pat it dry.

Mask for Dry Skin

If you have dry skin, you can make a minor adjustment to the cucumber mask recipe to increase the hydration your skin receives.

The first three steps are the same as the basic cucumber mask: wash, blend, and strain. The addition comes now. To the cucumber juice that you’ve just strained out, add two tablespoons of pure aloe vera gel. Blend the mixture until it reaches a smooth consistency. Apply this mask to your face, let it sit for 15 minutes, and rinse it off with lukewarm water.

Mask for Acne-Prone Skin

There’s another mask variation for you if you are one of those who experienced late-onset acne. For this mask as well, the first three steps remain the same: wash, blend, strain. To the juice, add oatmeal and stir until the two mix properly. Once mixed, add some honey, and blend the mixture until smooth.

Apply this to your face and neck. Let it sit for 15 minutes, and then rinse off with lukewarm water.

Cucumber Water

This refreshing drink, perfect for hot summer days, can even serve as a gentle face wash that benefits your skin. It’s one of the most effective natural ways to refresh tired skin. To make this concoction, start by washing, peeling, and slicing a cucumber. Add these slices to filtered water, and put the jar in your refrigerator for a couple of hours. This will allow the cucumber juice to infuse in the water. Mix this water with aloe vera or castile soap. Splash water on your face whenever you feel like it. The cucumber water will effectively refresh and hydrate your skin.

Cucumber Toner

When the skin is sunburnt, stressed, or feels dull, a cucumber toner can step in as a gentle remedy. To make it at home, slice up a peeled cucumber and simmer it in just enough water to cover the pieces. After about five minutes, remove the vessel from the flame and blend everything into a smooth mixture. Strain the mixture through a fine sieve or cloth to separate the liquid. Pour this liquid into a clean spray bottle, and you’ve got a fresh, soothing toner.