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What Are the Benefits of Cucumber Oil?

Hollie Thomas
Hollie Thomas

Cucumber oil is primarily used in topical applications on the skin, and the biggest benefits include pore detoxification and general toning as well as improved moisture and wrinkle elimination. When used for prolonged periods it can also reduce inflammation on the skin, which can lower the incidences of things like acne and rashes. The oil is widely available in many places and is often sold as a natural remedy, but it doesn’t always get good results for everyone. People with very sensitive skin sometimes react badly to the oil despite its general mildness, and it’s usually recommended that prospective users test the oil on a small patch of their skin before applying it widely to the face or other areas.

Oil Basics

Cucumbers growing on the vine.
Cucumbers growing on the vine.

The cucumber, which is known scientifically as Cucumis Sativus, belongs to the cucurbitaceae family of fruits. It is related to melons, squashes, and gourds. The oil is extracted from the seeds as opposed to the fruit itself. Cucumbers typically have a number of small, fleshy seeds, usually aligned in rows passing vertically through the center of the fruit. The seeds are soft and aren’t usually removed before consumption; they don’t have a lot of independent nutritive value in such small quantities, but from a chemical perspective they can be very valuable.

A cucumber.
A cucumber.

The seeds from the cucumber plant contain a significant amount of oil and can, therefore, be cold-pressed. This form of extraction requires only minimal heat, and the resulting oil retains a high percentage of beneficial nutrients. After extraction, the product is filtered to yield a clear, golden-yellow oil.

Core Properties

The oil itself is rich in linoleic, or omega-6, fatty acids, as well as vitamins B1 and C, tocopherols, and phytopherols. These nutrients, both collectively and individually, are believed to be effective for detoxifying the skin, retaining moisture, preventing aging, and deep cleansing pores. As a result, many cosmetics companies use cucumber oil in a range of products, including soaps, cleaning lotions, toning solutions, and moisturizers.

Pore Detoxification

There are many skin care products that use cucumber oil.
There are many skin care products that use cucumber oil.

The high vitamin B1 and C content of cucumber oil is believed to help detoxify the skin's pores. It can act as a deep cleanser, unseating dirt and other toxins buried beneath the skin’s surface. Many homemade toners and mild facial cleansers contain this oil, often alongside other mild astringents like citrus juice or vinegar.

Wrinkle Elimination

Vitamin C is also known to be an antioxidant, which helps to ward off free radicals. One of the potential effects of free radical presence in the body is premature aging, particularly of the skin; the oil derived from the cucumber seed is thought to delay the onset of aging skin, particularly when it comes to wrinkles.

Cucumbers contain vitamins C and A, calcium and folic acid.
Cucumbers contain vitamins C and A, calcium and folic acid.

The oil’s high concentrations of fatty acids means that it is also a potent moisturizer, which in the case of wrinkles can mean that the wrinkles are softened and “filled in,” making them appear much less noticeable. People usually have to regularly use the oil for quite some time — often a number of months — before seeing results, but many users have reported a dramatic reduction in the appearance of fine lines with regular use.

To Promote General Moisture

In addition to filling in wrinkles, the oil also has a number of benefits as a general moisturizer. The tocopherols and phytopherols in this oil are believed to help restore the skin's moisture levels and help maintain proper balance. In addition, these compounds are thought to encourage the process of skin regeneration. The omega-6 fatty acids, also known as linoleic acid, in the oil are also effective for treating dry skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.

As an Anti-Inflammatory

Most of the acids present in the seed also have natural anti-inflammatory properties. As a result, when applied topically, cucumber oil can help reduce the inflammation caused by skin ailments like acne, rashes, and other environmental irritants. It might also be able to soothe the pain and itching associated with insect bites and minor burns.

Risks and Side Effects

Even though it is all natural, cucumber seed oil isn’t necessarily recommended or even safe for everyone. Some people do experience allergic reactions to it, particularly when it’s used as a moisturizer and not promptly removed or washed away from the skin. Manufacturers often recommend that people try the oil on a small patch of their skin, somewhere discreet like the inside of the arm, to check for reactions before using it more widely across the body. Anyone who suspects an adverse reaction is also usually encouraged to seek medical attention.

Discussion Comments

anon951581

Omega 6 fatty acids are known inflammatories, not anti-inflammatories and cause conditions ranging from arthritis and accelerated aging to cancer. They are, in fact, responsible for the link between meat and cancer; the animals are fed diets high in omega 6 fatty acids like corn and soybeans which then builds up in the meat, whereas the meat of grass fed livestock is high in omega 3 fatty acids and can actually help prevent cancer. This has been widely known for over 20 years now. They are also now known to not be essential nutrients as was once believed.

Heavanet

@spotiche5- I agree with you, and I also like to use creams with cucumber oil all over my body. Many companies make versions of creams with cucumber oil in them. Some are specifically targeted for certain parts of the body, such as facial cream and hand cream. Regardless of the type of cream or where it is used, I think that cucumber oil cream is very moisturizing and beneficial to the skin.

Spotiche5

@talentryto- I have have been using a facial moisturizer that contains cucumber oil for several years. I like the fact that the natural ingredients in it help to soothe my skin without artificial ingredients.

I also think that cucumber oil does help to make dry skin smoother. I have always had problems with dry, flaky skin, especially in the winter months. However, my skin seems to be softer and more moisturized since I started using cucumber oil cream.

Talentryto

Has anyone reading this article tried cucumber oil for skin rejuvenation? If so, what were your results and do you think it helped you skin?

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