Does Putting Cucumber Slices on Your Eyes Really Reduce Puffiness?

As much as we always enjoy the refreshing feel of cucumbers on our eyelids, we’ve been wondering if this spa-like beauty tradition is truly effective. Aside from the calming and soothing effect, are there any other benefits? For answers, we reached out to Dr. Dhaval Bhanusali, an NYC-based board-certified dermatologist and Skincare.com expert.  

What Role Do Cucumbers Play in Skincare?

According to a study on the potential skincare benefits of cucumbers, the beloved crudité can soothe skin and help reduce the appearance of swelling. Cucumber also has the ability to help replenish dry skin. That’s certainly enough to make us want cucumbers in our routines, but it doesn’t quite answer the real question of whether they can help our eye area.

Do Cucumber Slices Benefit the Eye Area?

According to Dr. Bhanusali, the answer is yes. “There is certainly some benefit,” he says. “When cooled, cucumbers can reduce inflammation and vasoconstrict vessels around the eye.” He adds that cucumber slices could be a trick for addressing under-eye bags and puffiness because vasoconstriction can help to drive fluid away from the under-eye area and reduce the appearance of bags.

How Can You Add Cucumber Into Your Routine? 

To reap the benefits of cucumber in your routine, you won’t have to travel to the spa. Simply head to the grocery store to pick up a cucumber or two and you can easily recreate this spa tradition in your own home.

STEP 1: Place Your Cucumber in the Refrigerator

Place your cucumber in the fridge for a few minutes to maximize the cooling effect. (Pro tip: Use this hack with your eye creams as well.).

STEP 2: Choose a Face Mask

While your cucumber is chilling in the fridge, pick a face mask to apply. If you’re targeting multiple problem areas, consider multi-masking to better address your concerns.

STEP 3: Slice Your Cucumber and Apply Your Mask

Once chilled, begin to slice your cucumber. You’ll only need a few for your eyes, but there’s no harm in cutting a few extras to munch on while you relax. Next, apply your face mask, or masks if you’re using more than one. (We love the Kiehls Avocado Nourishing Hydration Face Mask or the Inn Beauty Project Green Machine Mask.) Now’s also a good time to light some candles to really play up the spa ambiance.

STEP 4: Place the Cucumber Slices on Your Eyelids and Relax

To help ensure the cucumber slices don’t slide off your eyelids, you’ll want to lay back or recline in your chair. Take this time to truly relax, or even take a quick nap. Keep the slices on your eyes for about 15 minutes — or however long your face mask(s) need to be on your skin — and then discard. If any residue remains, blot it away gently with a washcloth. Follow by rinsing off or removing your face mask.