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How Do I Choose the Best Cucumber Gel?

Kristeen Moore
Kristeen Moore

Cucumbers are known for their natural anti-inflammatory properties, which is why the extracts of the vegetable are used in a variety of skin care products. Cucumber gel comes in different forms to treat a number of skin ailments, such as inflammation, wrinkles, and sunburn. This gel can also be used on a daily basis as either a skin cleanser or moisturizer. The best cucumber gel you choose ultimately depends on for what you plan to use the beauty product. Although cucumber does not generally cause any adverse reactions, you should immediately discontinue a particular product if it causes rash or breakouts.

The cucumber is an anti-inflammatory vegetable that is often used in spas to reduce under eye circles. Certain eye products are sold in the gel form of the product that can be applied around the affected area to decrease inflammation. The moisturizing effects of cucumber extracts are also thought to help to fill in wrinkles and reduce the signs of aging. Gels are available in traditional bottles, as well as tubs and rollers.

Cucumber gel.
Cucumber gel.

Sunburn is most often treated with aloe vera gel, but cucumber versions are thought to work just as well, if not better. The anti-inflammatory effects of cucumber gel can reduce redness and soothe the skin from any pain associated with sun exposure. At the same time, the gel can help to decrease your risk of peeling from excessive sunbathing.

Gel face cleansers are a favorite for virtually all skin types because they are gentle enough for dry, sensitive skin, yet still effective enough to prevent breakouts in the most oily of skins. The type of cucumber gel cleanser you use depends on whether your skin is dry, normal, or oily. Combination and oily skin cleansers often contain other ingredients, such as alpha-hydroxy acids, that help to prevent the occurrence of pimples and blackheads.

A cucumber, which is used to make cucumber gel.
A cucumber, which is used to make cucumber gel.

This type of vegetable is typically hypoallergenic; in fact, the extracts are sometimes used in alternative medicine to help treat allergies. At the same time, every skin is different, and some individuals can react to even the safest, most natural products on the market. Although cucumber sensitivities are rare, there are cases in which the gels can cause allergic-like reactions in the form of rashes and breakouts. If you experience any adverse cucumber gel reactions, discontinue the product immediately. Some gels contain other ingredients aside from cucumber extract, so your reaction might actually be related to another feature besides the vegetable.

Discussion Comments

Ocelot60

@talentryto- Thanks for the tip! I never thought to put cucumber gel in the refrigerator, but I'm going to give it a try. I like to use it after I've been in the sun, so applying it when it is cold is a great idea.

Talentryto

@ocelot60- That is a good point because as the article states, reactions to cucumber gels are likely from ingredients other than cucumber. That is understandable when you consider that people have used sliced cucumbers for years to reduce facial puffiness. You have never heard of any side effects from using cucumbers this way.

Sliced cucumbers are usually used when they are cold. It is also refreshing to store cucumber gel in the refrigerator. I love putting it on my face on a hot day when it is nice and cold, right out of the refrigerator.

Ocelot60

If you like to use cucumber gel on your face and body, try looking for a natural product that doesn't contain chemicals, preservatives, or artificial fragrances. Various natural brands are available at health food stores and from online shops, and offer the benefit of reducing the risk of having adverse reactions to ingredients in the gels.

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      Cucumber gel.
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      A cucumber, which is used to make cucumber gel.
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      A cucumber gel can help decrease the risk of peeling from excessive sunbathing.