Fact Check: Does Drinking Cucumber and Celery Juice Every Day for 2 weeks Eliminate Acne?

Claim

A video shared on X by the user Mohini Of Investing claims that drinking cucumber and celery juice daily for two weeks can eliminate acne.

The post can be accessed here.

Fact Check

The claim is False. Cucumber and celery juice provide health benefits but lack evidence or consensus as a cure for acne. For effective treatment, it's best to use proven methods and consult a dermatologist.

What is Acne?

Acne is a common skin issue that happens when hair follicles under the skin get blocked. This blockage is caused by a mix of sebum (a natural oil that keeps the skin moisturized) and dead skin cells, leading to breakouts of spots, often called pimples or zits. These breakouts usually appear on the face but can also show up on the back, chest, or shoulders. The types of acne include whiteheads, blackheads, papules, pustules or pimples, nodules, and severe nodular acne, sometimes referred to as cystic acne.

Although there is no cure for acne because its primary causes—such as natural sebum production, the shedding of dead skin cells, and the presence of skin bacteria—are fundamental bodily processes that cannot be entirely eliminated, they can be treated or prevented.

To address the prevention of acne, Dr. Chinjitha T Davis, Associate Consultant Dermatology, Manipal Hospital, Goa, told Medical Dialogues, "To manage oily, acne-prone skin, cleanse with salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or foaming face wash, avoid touching or squeezing acne, and use non-comedogenic products. Remove makeup/sunscreen with micellar water and gentle cleansing, and clean tools daily. Avoid oily products like coconut oil or petroleum jelly. Maintain hygiene, hydrate, eat a balanced diet, limit sugary foods, and sleep 7–8 hours."

Health Benefits of Cucumber and Celery

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.), a member of the Cucurbitaceae family alongside melons, squash, and pumpkins, is a widely cultivated vegetable that has been a part of Indian traditional medicine for centuries. Known for its high water content and low calorie count, cucumber exhibits antidiabetic, lipid-lowering, and antioxidant properties. It aids in cleansing the body by eliminating accumulated waste and chemical toxins. Fresh cucumber juice is often used to nourish the skin, providing a soothing effect for irritations and reducing swelling. Additionally, cucumber is effective in calming and relieving the pain caused by sunburn.

Celery (Apium graveolens L.) is a plant from the Apiaceae family, and its seeds, leaves, and essential oils are commonly used. Celery contains beneficial compounds like limonene, selinene, furanocoumarin glycosides, flavonoids, and vitamins A and C, making it highly valued in traditional medicine. It is known to help prevent conditions such as heart disease, jaundice, liver and spleen disorders, urinary tract blockages, gout, and rheumatic problems. Celery also helps lower glucose levels, blood lipids, and blood pressure, which can promote heart health. Research suggests that celery has antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties, while its essential oils have antibacterial effects.

Does drinking cucumber and celery juice every day for 2 weeks eliminate acne?

Cucumber and celery juice offer several nutritional benefits. Cucumber nourishes the skin, soothes irritations, and reduces swelling, while celery helps prevent conditions like heart disease, jaundice, liver and spleen disorders, urinary tract blockages, gout, and rheumatic issues. Although studies have highlighted cucumber's role in reducing acne and celery's role in preventing hyperpigmentation, there is no scientific evidence or medical consensus supporting the claim that drinking cucumber and celery juice every day for 2 weeks eliminates acne.

A study published in the Health Research and Development Information Network reveals that applying cucumber juice with benzoyl peroxide may help reduce facial acne, but there is insufficient evidence to show that cucumber juice enhances the effectiveness of benzoyl peroxide alone in treating acne.

Another study article published in the Fetoterapia has mentioned the anti-acne effects of the topical skincare cream containing 3% hydro-alcoholic cucumber extract. However, this study does not highlight the ability of cucumber juice to eliminate acne.

Currently, no scientific evidence supports the role of celery juice in preventing or eliminating acne. However, a review published in the Congress Book of the 2nd International Congress of the Turkish Journal of Agriculture - Food Science and Technology mentions that celery has been used to prevent skin hyperpigmentation. Nonetheless, this study does not address the role of celery or celery juice in treating or eliminating acne.

All these studies highlight the role of cucumber or cucumber extract in reducing acne and celery in preventing hyperpigmentation. However, none of the studies address their role in eliminating acne. Additionally, no research has explored the combined effect of drinking cucumber and celery juice daily for two weeks in eliminating acne. There is also no consensus within the medical community supporting the claim that consuming cucumber and celery juice every day for two weeks can eliminate acne.

Medical Dialogues team talked to Dr. Rinky Kapoor, Consultant Dermatologist, Cosmetic Dermatologist & Dermato-Surgeon, The Esthetic Clinics, "Some people think that regularly drinking cucumber and celery juice for 2 weeks can help get rid of their stubborn acne. People need to understand that cucumber and celery may be temporary solutions to reduce inflammation and also hydrate your skin from within. This isn’t a long-term solution for acne that has been persistent for a longer duration. Acne is generally caused due to factors like hormonal imbalance, bacteria, and clogged pores. These juices alone cannot fix these issues. You may need to consult a dermatologist for further diagnosis. He/she may prescribe certain medications, or creams to address the root cause of your acne. Making necessary adjustments in their day-to-day lifestyle can be helpful."

Adding to this Dr. Chinjitha T Davis, Associate Consultant Dermatology, Manipal Hospital, Goa said, "Cucumber and celery are rich in antioxidants, so they may have a role in decreasing inflammation of acne. As these have rich water content, they help with the hydration of the skin. Luteolin in celery juice has a role in improving gut health, which in turn improves acne. Both are good sources of vitamins (especially Vitamin C) and minerals which overall improve skin health. Also, Natural sugars are less in both. However, there is no robust scientific evidence to recommend it. Having celery and cucumber juice (unstrained without sugar) will not harm you if taken in moderation."

Medical Dialogues Final Take

While cucumber and celery juice offer notable health and skincare benefits, including soothing the skin and supporting overall wellness, there is no evidence or consensus that drinking this combination daily for two weeks can eliminate acne. Acne treatment requires addressing its root causes, and it is best to rely on proven methods and consult a dermatologist for effective solutions.

Hence the claim that drinking cucumber and celery juice every day for 2 weeks eliminates acne is False.