TikTok’s frozen cucumber on face hack—skincare expert reveals whether the bargain trick *really* works

TikTok has come through once again with a trick that’s either complete nonsense or just what you’ve been waiting for to upgrade your beauty regime.

If you’ve been following your best skincare routine but you’re always looking for something to give your skin that added boost, TikTok might have the solution. And it involves a frozen cucumber.

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The trick is simple—you freeze a cucumber overnight and then roll it over your face.

Bruce Green, Chartered Scientist and founder of the SOS Serum Skincare range, spoke to woman&home to break down whether the frozen cucumber trick could really work on skin, the potential effects and benefits, and his tips on the best ways to use the trick.

Does it work? Frozen cucumber on face benefits

The frozen cucumber trick could have some tangible benefits, especially for anyone struggling with puffy eyes and general puffiness.

Bruce explains, "Using ice in general as part of your skincare routine, whether it's as an ice facial wash, or an ice roller, can tone the skin, close pores, and reduce puffiness. It also helps to rejuvenate the skin and make you feel and look more energised.”

He goes on to explain that the ice meeting the “hydrating cucumber can be a match made in skincare heaven.”

Listing the benefits, he explains,

• Cucumbers contain Vitamin C and folic acid, which fight against any swelling and inflation. Freezing them heightens this benefit.
• Cucumbers also contain key components like vitamin K which stimulate cell growth and improve elasticity in the skin and can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
• Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, studies show that cucumbers can nourish and calm any irritated areas like irritated, acne-prone skin, sunburns, and redness.
• Cucumber is made of 95% water, talk about a moisture booster.

How to use frozen cucumber in your skincare routine

Bruce says, "First, make sure you always cleanse your skin properly with a gentle yet effective cleanser. (Here are some of our favorite cleansers to explore). Ice water closes pores, so will tap any grime or makeup that's not cleansed out the skin properly - not what you want."

He adds as a top, expert tip to make sure you cleanse at room temperature as your pores are more open.

He continues, "Next make sure the cucumber you're using is cleaned properly too. Cut off the end and put it in your freezer for 30 minutes.

You should only keep the frozen cucumber moving and on your face for no more than 5 to 10 minutes each time. Make sure that you’re paying close attention to how your skin reacts and note any changes because this hack may not work for everyone.

Once the immediate benefits of feeling cool on your skin have gone away, wash your face again to get rid of any residual stickiness, and then complete your skincare routine.

Make sure to cut off the portion that has come into contact with your skin and discard it before refreezing the remaining cucumber."

If you want the cool effect without the cucumber, Bruce recommends keeping your moisturizer in the fridge to help soothe the skin.