Can Cucumbers Really Fix Puffy Eyes? What TikTok Gets Right — And Wrong
What does the stereotypical image of a spa bring to mind? Perhaps a person relaxing, towel on the head, cucumbers over their eyes. This trope has been prevalent since our grandmas were young, but TikTok has recently seen a resurgence of the trend to reduce puffiness around the eyes:
But is there any truth to this old-time hack? HuffPost spoke to two dermatologists and an optometrist to find out.
What causes puffy eyes?
The skin around the eyes is very thin and sensitive. Puffy eyes can be the result of many factors, such as increased sodium and alcohol intake, genetic predisposition, thyroid disease, diabetes, allergies, hay fever and even rubbing your eyes or crying. If you suffer from a sleep disorder or lack of sleep, you may be even more prone to puffy eyes: “Both result in lower oxygen levels in the blood, which cause blood vessels to dilate and leak fluid (water), which produces puffy lids and dark circles around the eyes when waking,” explained Dr. Bruce Dornn, an optometrist at Eye Revive.
The main cause of puffy eyes is fluid accumulation, said Dr. Christine Hall, a dermatologist based in London: “Thanks to gravity, [puffiness] is often worst in the morning when we wake up. Those who suffer with this the most tend to have sluggish lymphatic drainage systems (the body’s way of clearing excess fluid and puffiness).” Alcohol and processed or salty food may make it worse, as they both encourage the retention of fluid.
Do puffy eyes worsen with age?
Generally, yes — but it may also look worse because of other factors, Hall said.
“It can look more significant because as we get older, other changes occur; the skin around the eye becomes looser, the muscle weakens and fat is able to move forwards, outside of its normal anatomical space, which can also add to the appearance of eye puffiness,” she explained.
“The appearance of lower eyelid puffiness can also be caused by lower eyelid fat bags, which can get more apparent with age,” added Dr. Kseniya Kobets, a board-certified dermatologist and director of cosmetics dermatology at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care.
Do cucumbers help reduce puffiness?
Cucumbers contain various vitamins and antioxidants such as vitamins C, K and B. They also have a high water content, which can be hydrating.
“In one study, cucumis sativus (cucumber) fruit extract (in test tubes) was shown to block enzymes that break down hyaluronic acid and elastin, which can potentially help maintain skin hydration and elasticity,” Kobets said.
But don’t start using a cucumber on your face just yet.
The main results come when cucumbers are eaten instead of applied topically, but a study shows that applying cucumber on eyes can help reduce the puffy look. Essentially, the cucumber acts as a cold compress, aiding lymphatic drainage.
“There’s no doubt that hydrating and cooling the lids is an effective way to reduce edema [swelling],” Dornn said.
But you don’t necessarily need cucumbers to achieve that.
“A cold compress is known to help with swelling, and it’s the reason why we apply a cool pack following an injury,” Hall agreed. Even spoons that have been kept in the fridge can work.
Kobets added that any type of lymphatic drainage can help with puffiness. “Whether done by gentle massage or with cold jade crystal or via gua sha; they all help to decongest the eyes by draining the fluid away from eyes to the lymph nodes.”
If you decide to use a cucumber (or even cold compresses), make sure to keep them on for around 15 to 20 minutes, the experts said, for optimal results.
Warnings
Most data for cucumbers’ effectiveness on puffy eyes is purely anecdotal, but it’s an easy and cheap solution.
Take care not to get cucumber in your eye, as it may cause eye infections. It is also better to peel them to avoid any pesticides that could be found on their skin.
“The ocular surface and the eyelid skin are unique and quite sensitive to allergic reactions, ocular irritation and infections. Cucumbers are grown in soil and usually sprayed with chemicals, and using them on the skin, especially around the eyes, can cause moderate to severe reactions in some people,” Dornn said.
Hall added that there is always the risk of irritation, allergy and infection with the use of anything around the eyes, including skin care products.
The experts warned that anything frozen isn’t a great idea, as it’s easy to cause burns and redness, especially around the delicate eye area.
Looking for something more effective than cucumbers? We’ve rounded up the best cooling products for your eyes below.
HuffPost and its publishing partners may receive a commission from some purchases made via links on this page. Every item is independently curated by the HuffPost Shopping team. Prices and availability are subject to change.
Amazon
Jack Black cooling eye balm
Jack Black is a brand beloved for it's shaving products and lip balms, but we'd argue that its unsung hero is the cooling eye balm. This lightweight gel is has a stainless-steel rollerball applicator that is a massage and hydrator in one, with chamomile extract to soothe.
Promising review: "This eye balm has the consistency closer to a gel rather than a cream. I love the cooling effect it has. After a few seconds, as it starts being absorbed into the skin there is a tightening sensation which I also appreciate." –DMM
Amazon
Physicians Formula Refreshmint de-puffer stick
The star of every at-home spa treatment? Cucumber, which Physicians Formula Refreshmint de-puffer stick harnesses in this compact product. Soothing cucumber, hydrating bamboo, and nourishing aloe tackle dark circles while peppermint leaves behind a cooling sensation that's better than a blast of AC.
Promising review: "This stuff is amazing! It cools and soothes your eyes and leaves a refreshing feeling while adding moisture. The ease of a stick makes it easy to apply without using too much so there’s no wasted product. It absorbs well and does not feel sticky. This will definitely be a repeat purchase for me." — Dawn
Amazon
Optase cooling gel eye mask
Over 5,000 reviewers adore the Optase cooling gel eye mask for its ability to soothe itchy eyes in minutes — just stick in the fridge and lay this over your peepers for instant relief. The flexible HydroCool beads conform to your eyes for a comfortable fit, too.
Promising review: "I wear contacts daily and have terrible allergies. There were summers when I didn’t think I would make it out of the house with contacts. When I say these things are life changing, it is not hyperbole. I use these at least once a day (two times a day when needed) and my contacts fit more comfortably and I can see better. You get nasty pollen and oils on your eyelids and the heat from these things turns it into tears that you can wash out of your eyes with some saline. Stop using drops and medicines and make your eyes better the natural way. You won’t regret it!" — jb3
Amazon
Esarora ice roller
Think of this as an ice cube for your eyes — except the Esarora ice roller won't melt into a pool of water in your hands within five seconds. This is an excellent tool for de-puffing and waking up your entire face, particularly the delicate skin of your under-eyes.
Promising review: "Just pop this in the freezer and use it after a jog or take it with you to the pool and keep cool! The gel-like roller keeps it’s cool for a while and works great I love it!" — Mariana
Amazon
Cetaphil deep hydration refreshing eye serum
Cetaphil's deep hydration refreshing eye serum is an excellent addition to a morning summer skincare routine because it absorbs quickly, meaning it won't pill under concealer or leave behind a greasy film. Hyaluronic acid penetrates ensures all-day hydration and a burst of freshness.
Promising review: "It’s really good, not greasy and really hydrating with no smell and I love it for daytime. Refreshing and absorbs fast." — Victoria Phillips
Sephora
Dieux Auracle peptide eye gel
We recommend storing the Auracle peptide eye gel in your fridge and combing with Dieux's reusable silicone eye masks for a morning or nighttime treat that will cool you down quickly — even if you've spent all day outside with nothing but a lukewarm bottle of water.
Promising review: "I keep coming back to Auracle, time after time. This gel leaves my under eyes feeling moisturized and refreshed and I feel like my fine lines are less noticeable when I use it regularly." — waitforthesignal
Amazon
Patchology cooling undereye patches
"Served chilled on ice" is quoted on the packaging of the Patchology cooling undereye patches, and we agree on storing them on top of ice (in other words, your freezer) for a cooling treat. Peptides, cloudberry oil and bakuchiol help firm and soften fine lines, to boot.
Promising review: "There is a noticeable difference after I use these eye patches. They get rid of the bags and dark circles under my eyes and just give me under eyes a refreshed and hydrated look. These feel amazing when you put them on. I love the cool feeling. They really make you feel refreshed!" — Misha
www.amazon.com
Saem hydrating and cooling eye stick
With Icelandic moss and niacinamide, this popular K-beauty cooling stick will be a soothing addition to your daily repertoire.
Promising review: ”I keep it in the refrigerator and it’s very refreshing under my eyes. It also brightens and helps with the puffiness. I bought it again this is now a must have for me. I use it morning and before bed.” — Robert
Sephora
Milk Makeup cooling water
The Milk Makeup cooling water is an under-eye gel stick that uses caffeine to tackle puffiness and seawater to soothe and hydrate (though reviewers swear it's great for your entire face).
Promising review: "In love with this product. Not big on skincare or makeup but this small, easy step makes a huge difference! The extra cooling boost is perfect for morning or night." — elaynanichol
Amazon
Innisfree green tea caffeine serum
Pamper your under-eyes with the Innisfree Green tea caffeine serum, designed with a rollerball applicator so you can easily make circular motions under your brown bone and lower lashes for a massage that feels professional. This contains green tea to hydrate, caffeine to de-puff, niacinamide to brighten, and hyaluronic acid to help retain moisture.
Promising review: "This literally feels like an ice cube running across your under eye.
Such a refreshing eye serum that I will definitely purchase again." — Alicia Rutigliano
Ulta
No7 HydraLuminous+ Cooling Eye Gel
72 hours of uninterrupted hydration? Sign us up with No7 HydraLuminous+ cooling eye gel, which requires only a few dots of product around your eyes for lasting moisture and a cooling boost.
Promising review: "I love using this on my under eyes or even anywhere on my face where I want to feel the cooling effect! Really loving this stuff." — Salina Kansas
Amazon
Skyn Iceland Hydro Cool firming eye gels
Whether getting ready for a night out or recovering from one, Skyn Iceland Hydro Cool firming eye gels quickly firm, tone, and de-puff the delicate skin under your eyes.
Promising review: "Absolutely LOVE this product. Great to use before a night out or start of day. Reduces swelling and give a little brightness to the eye and leaves you looking refreshed." — Chris K.
