Experts caution against jumping on TikTok’s frozen cucumber trend for radiant skin
Cucumbers have often been seen as underrated fruits but the beauty community on TikTok has turned them into the latest skincare sensation.
Recently, influencers have been promoting cucumbers as a new kind of gua sha tool. For skincare enthusiasts, gua shas are praised for their ability to enhance skin health.
In a viral video, creator Selina Adasilvaa shared her unique approach to skincare. She explained how she uses the blunt end of a frozen cucumber to achieve a "glowy and beautiful" complexion.
“It has a ton of added benefits that normal ice or ice rollers don’t have,” she stated. According to her, these benefits include hydration, a cooling effect and reduced inflammation.
Following Adasilva’s lead, many TikTok users began posting their own videos, showcasing how they rub frozen cucumbers on their faces, dubbing it a “natural gua sha”.
The allure of this low-cost and simple hack has drawn many to try it out. However, experts caution that frozen cucumbers might not be the skincare miracle some hope for.
@selinadasilvaa Beauty hack: Natural frozen cucumber Gua Sha 🥒✨ it has so many advantages ✨ #homeremedy #facialtreatment #facial #facemassage #fyp #icefacial #skintok #diy ♬ original sound - edited audios
“Cucumbers can offer hydration, but there can be irritating side effects, too,” said Kim Chang, an aesthetician at the Baylor College of Medicine to Health.
The process for this frozen cucumber hack is straightforward: slice off one end of a cucumber, freeze it, and then rub the flat end on the face, similar to using an ice roller.
Variations exist in how long users keep the cucumber on their skin. Some opt for short bursts, while others recommend longer applications.
Are cucumbers beneficial for your skin?
According to Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital, there may be some positive effects. However, it’s essential to approach this trend with a balanced perspective.
Are cucumber gua shas really worth the hype?
Cucumbers are often praised for their high water content, which is why many people apply them to their skin for hydration and soothing effects.
Zeichner, a dermatologist, explained that when cucumbers are taken straight from the fridge, their cooling sensation helps constrict blood vessels, reducing puffiness.
While Chang noted that using something cold can calm the skin after workouts or heat exposure.
This narrowing of blood vessels, known as vasoconstriction, can also give the skin a tighter appearance, according to Dr Doris Day, a clinical associate professor of dermatology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine.
However, experts agree that much of the hype surrounding cucumbers as a skincare remedy may be exaggerated.
Zeichner pointed out that any benefits from a frozen cucumber could be achieved with an ice cube, which provides the same cooling effect.
Day added that the skin-tightening effects of a cucumber are only temporary. While cucumbers contain natural antioxidants and vitamins, Chang cautioned that the skin might not effectively absorb these nutrients.
“Products need a delivery mechanism to penetrate the skin,” she said.
Although applying cucumbers may offer some short-term benefits, experts warn against relying on this hack.
In fact, for some, using cucumbers on the face could worsen skin health. Cucumbers can cause inflammation, particularly for those with conditions like eczema, acne, or psoriasis.
Even leaving room-temperature cucumbers on the skin for too long could lead to dehydration.
For those seeking the benefits of cucumbers, the best approach is to eat them or blend them into smoothies. As Zeichner put it, the most effective way to enjoy their skin benefits is from the inside out.