[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Under-eye puffiness is an all-too-familiar affliction for many of us. It’s especially frustrating when, despite sticking with a solid skincare routine, swelling appears, causing us to look (and maybe even feel) more tired than we actually are. Beyond simply masking the under-eye area with makeup, there are some great at-home remedies you can try to help “deflate” puff and refresh your eyes for a healthier, more well-rested look.
What causes under eye puffiness?
Before getting into remedies, it can be helpful to understand what causes under-eye puffiness. Because there are so many potential contributing factors, it’s likely that everyone has experienced puffy bags under our eyes at some point in time.
Some causes include:
- Inflammation or fluid retention (from allergies, crying, certain medications, etc.)
- Lack of sleep
- Dehydration
- Unhealthy diet
- Chronic stress
- Too much sun exposure
- Aging, genetics and other health conditions
Remedies for under eye puffiness
Get enough sleep
There’s a reason it’s called “beauty sleep”! While we sleep, our bodies repair and regenerate, meaning they’re fighting swelling and inflammation. So, if you aren’t allowing your body enough time to enter a proper repair cycle, it could be causing the skin beneath your eyes to swell.
According to the National Sleep Foundation, adults should aim to get between seven to nine hours each night. Also, try propping your head up with an extra pillow to discourage fluids from accumulating beneath your eyes while you sleep.
Apply cold
Along with applying a cold compress, you might want to try applying “ice lipstick.”
This trend involves filling an empty lipstick container with distilled water and freezing it. The next day, after removing and letting it warm up a bit, “twist” the ice out and apply it to your under-eye skin. Not only does ice lipstick offer an easy application method, but it also allows you to repurpose and upcycle an old lipstick tube. You can also try gently rolling the under-eye area with a pre-chilled
beauty roller.
Protect your skin
Along with applying a high SPF
sunscreen to your face – including to the skin around your eyes – you should cleanse and moisturize every evening before you sleep. Too much sun can damage skin cells, specifically skin-firming collagen, and, leaving the day’s grime (dirt, oil, make-up, etc.) on your face can irritate the delicate skin beneath your eyes. Once you’ve cleansed, be sure to apply an ultra-hydrating
eye cream that’s right for your skin.
Adjust your diet
Cutting down on fluids before bedtime, along with limiting your salt intake, can help to reduce fluid retention – which can help to decrease puffiness around the eyes. It also can help you to achieve better sleep, as you’ll decrease your chances of having to
get up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom. Just remember to start drinking fluids (water, especially) first thing in the morning to stay hydrated throughout the day.
Reducing salt intake also can be helpful. Many of us
consume too much sodium in general, so reducing salt intake will benefit not just your skin’s appearance but also your overall health. You might also increase your consumption of potassium-rich foods, as that may help reduce excess fluids in your body.
Potassium-rich foods include leafy greens, beans, bananas, yogurt and more.
Note: Be sure to talk with your healthcare provider about your potassium levels to make sure this is the right option for you.
Ask about allergens
Also consider talking to your healthcare provider about
allergies, as they may be contributing to your under-eye puffiness. You may be suffering from seasonal or year-round allergies – or unknowingly using a product (such as soaps and other detergents) that contains allergens or irritants for your skin. When you determine the cause, you can take the appropriate action to address and alleviate symptoms such as under-eye puffiness.
Avoid smoking and alcohol
Smoke and alcohol are inflammatory to the body – especially to the skin. Tobacco not only disrupts natural sleep patterns (which can cause fluid to collect beneath the eyes), but it also contributes to the breakdown of skin’s natural elasticity, including around the eyes. And, since alcohol can cause dehydration, it can affect skin flexibility and elasticity too.
When to see a professional about under eye puffiness
Sometimes it’s best to see a professional sooner rather than later, and you should seek a doctor’s advice if you’re experiencing:
- Chronic and long-lasting puffiness beneath your eyes
- Severe swelling, pain or irritation around your eyes
- Symptoms in other areas of your body
A dermatologist or doctor will likely be able to determine the root of your under-eye puffiness and can prescribe medications (such as an allergy medication), or recommend other therapies or treatments to help restore your eyes for a brighter, healthier look.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_text_separator title="Featured Products" border_width="2"][vc_row_inner equal_height="yes" content_placement="middle" gap="35"][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="159279" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=".vc_custom_1649975078252{padding-right: 7% !important;padding-left: 7% !important;}" link="https://www.vitacost.com/pacifica-eye-bright-undereye-vitamin-c-spot-serum-mask"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="159278" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=".vc_custom_1649975101667{padding-right: 7% !important;padding-left: 7% !important;}" link="https://www.vitacost.com/cocoroo-beauty-roller-jade"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="159277" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=".vc_custom_1649975128148{padding-right: 7% !important;padding-left: 7% !important;}" link="https://www.vitacost.com/cocoroo-beauty-roller-jade"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
