Helping People Achieve Clear Skin Since 2007

Helping People Achieve Clear Skin Since 2007

24 Ways To Use Cucumber For Acne

By Dr. Jaggi Rao, MD, FRCPC, Double board-certified dermatologist

Acne is a cosmetic dilemma, especially when there’s a breakout on your face and neck. Caused primarily by the increased secretion of oil from the sebaceous glands, they trap dirt and other impurities, and block the skin pores, which leads to heightened bacterial activity and infection.

In addition, hormonal imbalance, stress factors, pregnancy, poor hygiene, and an unhealthy lifestyle can also contribute to acne outbreak.

Treating acne with natural home remedies can be an effective part of your acne management routine. If you want to try the DIY route, cucumber stands out for its effectiveness.

You can achieve healthier skin by making cucumber a part of your daily diet and even your skin’s diet.

Beneficial Properties Of Cucumber For Acne

  • The high water content of cucumber keeps the skin nourished and well hydrated.
  • The silica content of cucumber provides a rich supply of nutrients that maintains skin tone and exhibits anti-aging, anti-wrinkle and anti-acne properties, while also removing toxins, dirt and impurities.
  • The vegetable reduces the size of skin pores, thereby preventing the blocking of the pores.
  • Cucumber contains many essential minerals like calcium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, vitamins A, C and E and amino acids that keep the skin looking firm and healthy,
  • Cucumber also exhibits antioxidative properties that fight against free radicals which cause acne and scarring. It also has natural cooling effects that take care of redness and swelling.
  • The vegetable’s caustic property helps to get rid of acne.
  • The pH level of cucumber is the same as that of the skin, so it encourages skin healing.
  • Cucumber is a natural skin toner, cleanser, and moisturizer.

Using Cucumber To Treat Acne

Cucumber can be used alone as a direct application or with other household ingredients. Additionally, it can be eaten and its juice can be drunk to get rid of acne for good.

However, cucumber alone won’t magically cure your acne. There are many factors that contribute to acne, and a single vegetable isn’t the miracle cure for them all. If you really want to see results, we recommend a skincare system that has a 98% success rate and industry-leading money-back guarantee, like Exposed Skincare.

However, we do believe cucumber is a beneficial supplement to a scientifically proven skincare routine like Exposed. Here’s how to incorporate cucumber into your acne-fighting regimen.

Things To Keep In Mind When Using Cucumber For Acne

First, a few things to understand. If you are suffering from a cold or are asthmatic then it is advisable to avoid using cucumber remedies on your skin or even consuming it.

  • It is more beneficial to use fresh cucumber for the above home remedies.
  • Regular intake of cucumber or even carrot juice will help in getting rid of acne.
  • The gel of sea cucumber also works effectively against acne.
  • Cucumber supplements are another option, but you need to consult a doctor before taking them.

In addition to the above home remedies, drinking adequate water, leading an active lifestyle and maintaining proper hygiene and a balanced diet will give added benefits in getting rid of acne.

Remember: cucumber is not a magic cure for your acne. The home remedies below are supplemental ways to take care of yourself and your skin, but are most effective when used in tandem with a scientifically proven skincare routine.

Consuming Cucumber

Eating cucumber regularly offers many health benefits as it hydrates the body and removes toxins.

  • Blend a peeled and chopped cucumber and drink the juice every morning on an empty stomach.
  • Drink water after soaking a cucumber in it for about an hour.
  • Make salads with fresh cucumber.
  • Put slices of cucumber in sandwiches, rolls or burgers.
  • Simply eat cucumber slices.

Cucumber Juice

Applying the juice of fresh cucumber on the skin reduces swelling and redness around the pores.

  • Procedure 1 – Blend a peeled cucumber. Using a cheesecloth or sieve, extract the juice and add sugar to it. Apply onto the acne affected area with a cotton ball and leave to dry. Rinse with water and dry the area. Refrigerate any remaining juice.
  • Procedure 2 – Make a paste with cucumber and add powdered lentils to it. Mix thoroughly and apply onto the affected area 20 to 30 minutes before bathing.

These procedures need to be followed regularly to achieve effective results.

Tomato Juice, Sandalwood Powder & Cucumber

This combination helps to get rid of excess oil and reduce swelling.

  • Procedure 1 – Make a smooth paste with a small cucumber. Add 2 tsp of fresh tomato juice and 2 tbs of powdered sandalwood and mix thoroughly. Apply on the affected area and let it dry. Wash and dry the area and apply a non-oily moisturizer.
  • Procedure 2 – Take equal amounts of tomato juice and cucumber juice, mix thoroughly and apply onto the affected area twice a day. Fresh lemon juice can also be added to this.

These procedures need to be followed regularly.

Yogurt & Cucumber

This combination gets rid of excess oil during summer months.

  • Procedure 1 – Make a smooth paste from a small cucumber. Add 3 tsp of yogurt and mix thoroughly. Apply onto the affected area and allow to soak in and dry for 30 to 45 minutes. Wash with warm water and dry off. Applying ice cubes or spraying cold water after application makes the skin feel more invigorated.
  • Procedure 2 – Mix equal amounts of yogurt, oatmeal powder and cucumber pulp. If desired, honey can also be added. Apply onto the affected area and leave for 30 to 40 minutes and then wash with cold water and dry off. Repeat the procedure regularly.

Lemon Juice, Rosewater & Cucumber

Take rosewater, lemon juice and fresh cucumber juice in equal quantities and mix. Apply on the affected area and leave for a couple of minutes and then wash off with water. Repeat the procedure regularly.

Cucumber Toner

This homemade natural toner reduces inflammation and redness associated with acne.

Take a quarter cup of freshly extracted juice from a cucumber and add 2 tbs of distilled water, 2 tbs of either vodka or witch hazel and mix well. Transfer to a clean bottle. Refrigerate the bottled mixture for a couple of hours. Take a cotton ball and apply the mixture as a toner on the affected area. Repeat the procedure regularly.

Plain water and cucumber juice can also be used as a toner.

Cucumber Face Mask

Besides helping with acne, this face mask also reduces wrinkles, scars, spots and other skin marks.

Make a juice with some fresh mint leaves and cucumber pulp. Thoroughly whisk an egg white and add it to the juice. Apply this mask onto the affected area and leave for 15 minutes and then wash off with water and dry. Repeat the procedure regularly.

Alternatively, rosewater, honey or milk can be used in place of egg white.

Cucumber Facial

This natural homemade mask gets rid of dirt and impurities from deep within skin pores.

Take a 2 inch cucumber slice, half a cup of ground oatmeal, 2 tbs of skimmed milk and small chopped pieces of half an apple. Blend into a smooth paste. Apply this mask onto the face and neck and leave for 20 minutes. Wash off with warm water and then rinse with cold water to reduce pore size. Repeat the procedure regularly.

Honey and lemon juice can be used in place of apple and skimmed milk, if desired, to get rid of impurities in the pores.

Cucumber Mask

Take two slices of cucumber with their skin intact, half a cup of cream, 1 tbs of clay or mud, 1 tbs of olive oil and 1 tbs of honey. Blend them together into a smooth consistency. Apply onto the affected area and leave for a couple of minutes to dry and then wash off with water and dry. Repeat the procedure regularly.

Baking Soda, Honey, Apple & Cucumber

Take 2 tsp of water and 1 tsp of baking soda and mix into a smooth paste. Mash one cucumber and one apple with 1 tsp of honey and add to the paste. Mix thoroughly and refrigerate for about an hour. Apply onto the affected area as a mask and leave for 10 to 20 minutes and then wash off with water. Repeat procedure twice or three times weekly.

Cucumber Slices

This simple remedy involving cucumber slices is good for getting helping with acne and reducing scarring.

Cut thin slices of a fresh, peeled, refrigerated cucumber and put on the affected area and leave for 15 to 20 minutes. After removing, wash face with warm water and then cold water and dry off. Repeat the procedure regularly.

Honey & Cucumber as a Toner

Take a small cucumber, remove the skin and chop into small pieces. Blend and extract the juice using a sieve and transfer to a clean plastic bottle. Add 1 tbs of honey to this juice and shake well. Using a cotton ball apply the combination to the facial and neck region. Let it dry and then wash off with water. Repeat the procedure regularly.

Back Acne & Cucumber

Take a cucumber and two white onions, blend them together and extract the juice. Add either 1 tbs of fenugreek seeds or cooked oatmeal and mix well. Apply on the back as a mask and leave for 30 to 40 minutes and then wash off with water.

Aloe Vera, Essential Oils & Cucumber

Thoroughly mix 1 tbs of cucumber juice, half a tbs of aloe vera gel, 3 drops of lavender oil and 2 tbs of full fat powdered milk. Apply on the facial region and leave for 15 to 20 minutes to dry. Repeat the procedure regularly.

Alternatively, 5 drops of tea tree oil can be used in place of lavender oil.

Fuller’s Earth & Cucumber

This combination can help with cystic acne, as well as reducing the secretion of oil from the sebaceous glands.

Extract the juice from a fresh cucumber and add 3 tbs of Fuller’s earth to it. Mix thoroughly to make a smooth paste. Apply this paste on the affected area and leave for a couple of minutes to dry. Wash off with water and dry the area and apply a non-oily moisturizer. Repeat the procedure regularly.

Cucumber Oil

The oil of cucumber seeds offers many benefits, like combating bacteria and infection, reducing inflammation and exhibiting diuretic properties, among others.

The oil of cucumber seeds also exhibits cleansing and moisturizing properties and fights against free radicals.

Gently massage cucumber oil on the affected area and leave overnight. Wash off with water the next morning and dry the area. Repeat the procedure regularly.

Baking Soda & Cucumber for Cystic Acne

The inherent properties of baking soda to fight infection and reduce swelling provide an effective way to get rid of cystic acne. This action helps to clear skin pores and get rid of dead skin cells.

Make a thin paste with the juice from a fresh cucumber and 1 tsp of baking soda. Mix thoroughly. Apply this paste evenly on the affected area and leave for a couple of minutes. Wash off with warm water and dry the area. Apply a non-oily moisturizer to the region. Repeat procedure once or twice weekly.

Face Pack with Cucumber

This method provides an exfoliating effect to get rid of dust and other impurities from the skin. A face pack with cucumber also opens up the pores, as well as cooling and soothing the affected area.

  • Procedure 1 – Extract the juice from a whole cucumber after peeling off its skin. Add 1 tbs of sugar to it and apply onto the affected area and leave for 10 to 15 minutes and then wash off with water.
  • Procedure 2 – Make a consistent paste with 1 tbs of cucumber juice and 2 tbs of brown sugar. Apply paste on the face and gently scrub with wet fingers to get rid of dust and other impurities for 10 minutes. Wash off and repeat the procedure regularly.

Neem & Cucumber

This combination not only helps to stop acne outbreaks and relapses, but also fights against bacteria and infection.

Boil 4 to 6 neem leaves in half a cup of water until they turn soft. Carefully strain the water and set it aside to cool. Take half a cucumber, grind it and mix it with the neem water. Mix properly to get a consistent paste and apply onto the affected area. Leave it for 15 to 20 minutes and then wash with water, dry the area and apply a non-oily moisturizer.

Acne Spots & Cucumber

This combination helps to get rid of spots due to acne, as well as improving skin tone.

Take proportionate quantities of grated cucumber, chopped parsley, grated onion, Fuller’s earth and rose water and mix thoroughly into a consistent paste. Apply onto the affected area and leave it to dry. Wash off with warm water and then cold water and dry the area. Repeat procedure twice to thrice weekly.

Lemon & Cucumber Juice

The lemon juice ingredient in this combination helps to fight against bacteria and reduce the appearance of acne scars.

Extract the juice from a peeled and grated cucumber and take 1 tbs of this juice and mix with 1 tsp of lemon juice. Take a cotton ball and apply onto the affected area and let it dry for a couple of minutes and then wash off with water.

Alternatively, apple cider vinegar can be used in place of lemon juice.

Aloe Vera, Cucumber & Oatmeal Mask

The oatmeal component of this combination exfoliates and clears skin pores while the aloe vera component provides a soothing effect.

Procedure – Extract the juice from a small peeled cucumber. Grind 1 tbs of raw oats into a powder and mix thoroughly with the cucumber juice along with 1 tbs of pure aloe vera gel. Apply onto the affected area and leave it for 25 to 35 minutes. Wash the application off with warm water, dry the skin and then apply a non-oily moisturizer. Repeat the procedure regularly.

Face Pack With Chickpea Flour & Cucumber

The ingredients of this face pack combination help to cleanse the skin, absorb excess oil, remove acne and reduce scar visibility.

Extract the juice from a peeled and chopped cucumber. To this juice add 1 tsp of powdered turmeric, 2 tbs of chickpea flour and 1 tsp of lemon juice. Mix thoroughly to get a consistent paste. Apply this paste onto the acne affected area and leave it for 20 to 30 minutes and allow to dry. With wet fingers, gently scrub the face and wash off with water. Repeat procedure thrice weekly.

Body Acne & Cucumber

Take some orange peels and dry them properly in the sun and then grind them until they are completely powdered. Thoroughly mix this powdered orange peel with the juice of a fresh cucumber and yogurt. Apply onto the acne affected area by gentle massaging and leave for a couple of minutes. Wash the application off with water and dry the area. Apply a non-oily moisturizer to the affected area after washing off the application.

How To Boost The Effects Of Cucumber For Acne

So now you know that cucumber can help your acne…but you really need to eat it raw (which some people may not prefer) or prepare DIY masks and potions.

As we’ve said, cucumber is not a miracle cure for acne. However, using natural ingredients to fight acne will help. That’s why we love the Exposed Skincare routine. It combines natural ingredients like green tea, passion flower extract, licorice root extract and tea tree oil to soothe and calm skin.

The benefit to Exposed Skincare is that the products also contain proven acne-fighting active ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. To truly combat acne and see results, you must use active ingredients like these.

This Exposed Skincare user saw these results in just 24 days.

We recommend Exposed Skincare because they are the only product line that we’ve reviewed that achieves consistent results. Here are a couple of the pros of Exposed Skincare:

  • The brand uses lower levels of acne-fighting actives, meaning you aren’t destroying your skin while trying to fight acne.
  • The company offers a money-back guarantee. You can return your kit within a year and get your money back, which is almost unheard of in the skincare industry.
  • Exposed products are SLS- and paraben-free, use naturally-sourced ingredients and are made in North America.
  • We’ve seen the results. Click here to see some before-and-after photos of Exposed users.

So if you want to incorporate cucumber into your routine, make sure to pair it with a proven skincare regimen that will actually get you results.

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Sarah Cummings Reply

So many uses!! Must try the face mask

November 12, 2018 at 12:40 am Reply