Picture the age-old stock images and/or movie scenes of a blissed-out woman with cucumber slices over her eyes
(usually wearing some variation of a robe, a mud mask, and perhaps a
towel around her head, too). Is the aforementioned woman actually doing anything for her sleep-deprived peepers, or do the slimy slices of gourd simply provide... dramatic flair?
[post_ads_2]
According
to Erin Larson, Esthetician and Director of Brand Management &
Education at HydroPeptide, there's a method to the madness. "Applying
cucumber slices to the eye area can help to reduce puffiness", she
explains, "because the coolness of cucumber slices acts as a
vasoconstrictor, slowing blood flow." Dermatologist Dr. Robert Anolik
agrees, noting that "[eye] puffiness can occur with vessel dilation and
swelling; the cool temperature of the cucumber assists in constructing
those blood vessels, relieving puffiness". In other words, cucumbers can
come in handy next time you consume an entire bottle of wine while
watching This Is Us.
Dry under-eyes? The crunchy crudité can also give skin a major
hydration boost. Research conducted by dermatologist Howard Murad notes
that, when applied topically, cucumbers can "fortify cells so they may
retain hydrated and work at the highest levels". Larson adds that they
can provide "immensely beneficial hydration to the eye area". Her
hydration hack: Apply a cooling eye gel containing hyaluronic acid
(which "draws hydration from the environment into the skin"), and place
cukes as an applicator on top.
[post_ads]But wait — there's more! According
to Murad, cucumber slices can combat undereye darkness, thanks to their
high levels of vitamin K, which has been proven to improve blood
circulation. Seems like sleep-deprived spa-goers are actually onto
something.
Bottom line: cucumber slices have more potential than being vehicles
for hummus (though they're fab at that, too). So next time you practice
#SelfCareSunday, consider adding cucumbers to the mix. We promise you'll
emerge with a brighter, dewier eye region.
Putting veggies on your face not your thing? Try these products which harness the superfood's depuffing, hydrating properties:
1. K Aesthetics Earth Therapeutics Recover-E Cucumber Eye Pads
These K-beauty under-eye patches are a quick fix for worn-out
peepers. Vitamin E plays a key role in reducing darkness while our hero
ingredient, cucumber, works its cooling magic to depuff.
[post_ads_2]2. Yes To Cucumbers Soothing Eye Gel
This cooling eye cream is so gentle, making it a treat for sensitive skin. With cucumber, green tea, and spirulina extracts, it doesn't compromise on efficacy.
[post_ads_2]3. Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber De-Tox Hydra-Gel Eye Patches
Aside from cucumber extract, these squishy patches contain a bevy of
natural ingredients including arnica, hyaluronic acid, and caffeine. The
result: a plump—not puffy—undereye area.
