Puffy eyes are annoying. Especially right before a wedding, presentation at work, job interview, or first date.
How can you reduce the appearance of tired, puffy eyes?
Causes of puffy eyes
The eye area has the thinnest and most sensitive skin. Water retention under this skin causes the eye area to swell. This water retention is caused by various things.
HOW DOES IT HAPPEN?
When we sleep, we're horizontal for several hours, and excess water settles under the eyelids.
Insufficient sleep is another reason for puffy eyes, as well as sinus problems, dust, allergies, and pollution. Other causes include too much heat or air conditioning, smoke, and eye strain (staring at a computer all day, reading in the dark, and being in extremely bright light.
DEHYDRATION
Certain medications cause eye puffiness because they upset the natural balance of water in the body. When our bodies are dehydrated, they hold on to the water that we have. The eye sockets are one place where the body stores extra water.
SYSTEM IMBALANCES
Fluctuations in blood sugar, hormones, or hemoglobin can all cause puffy eyes. Variations in our body systems affects our kidneys, which in turn affect the water balance and may cause puffy eyes.
As we grow older, our eyes strain to adjust to all these conditions, meaning we experience puffy eyes more often. The skin around the eyes weakens and thins with age, making puffiness more visible.
Handy tips to de-puff
Here are our top tips for reducing puffiness.
1. Drink up!
Lemon water first thing in the morning should do the trick. Sip some throughout the day too. It's refreshing and rehydrating for the body. One of the leading causes of puffy eyes is dehydration, especially first thing in the morning.
2. Thyroid checks
If you suffer from consistently puffy eyes, maybe your thyroid isn't performing as it should. This can be confirmed through a simple blood test.
3. Cucumber
Cucumbers have a cooling effect, caffeic acid, and vitamin C, which soothe the skin and reduce the appearance of puffiness. Cut the cucumber and lay the slices over your eyes for 5-10 minutes while lying on your back. Another option is chilled tea bags, or sliced, chilled strawberries. Strawberries contain natural alpha-hydroxy acids that help smoothen the skin and reduce puffiness.
4. Egg whites
Beat some egg whites stiffly, then add a drop or two of witch hazel. Apply around your eyes with a brush. Leave on 5-10 minutes. You should experience your skin getting tighter, and your eyes should look much better after rinsing.
5. Anti-aging eye cream
Regular use of this product should reduce the appearance of puffy eyes over time. Use the cream of your choice on the skin around your eyes twice a day.
6. Avoid artificial sweeteners
Processed food contains synthetic sweeteners like aspartame and saccharin, which potentially cause fluid retention in the body. Reduce your intake of soda drinks and other overly sweet substances.
7. Sunglasses
Glasses aren't only for the cool factor. They protect your eyes from UV damage and guard against wind, the glare of the sun, dust, and other elements that trigger puffy eyes.
8. Rose water
Rose water is naturally soothing. To relieve puffy eyes, soak two cotton balls in the rose water, wrap them in plastic and refrigerate for 20 minutes. Remove the plastic and put the cotton balls on your eyes for 5-10 minutes. You can also directly dip the cotton balls in chilled rose water.
9. Iron
Iron deficiency anemia also causes fluid retention. If you haven't yet reached menopause, you may not need extra iron. However, if you're pre-menopausal, do a medical check for iron shortage.
10. Avoid salty snacks
Sodium promotes water retention, so you might want to go easy on the salt, especially in processed food.
With love,
The Sole Toscana Beauty Team
