Periorbital puffiness commonly known as puffy eyes can affect anyone. It can have several causes: excess screen time, burning the candle at both ends, salty foods, stressed skin, lack of or disrupted sleep, swollen under eye, premature skin ageing, UV exposure, sun damage, environmental aggressors.
Today we discuss several reasons why we get puffy eyes but also remedies to help treat and prevent them. This season is exceptionally busy and can be stressful so we're sharing a few tips and tricks with you to say goodbye to puffy eyes!
The top 10 reasons for puffy eyes:
1. Lack of sleep:
A lack of sufficient sleep can lead to fluid retention and swelling around the eyes.
2. Allergies:
Allergic reactions to irritants like pollen, dust, or pet dander can cause the eyes to become puffy and swollen.
3. Sinus problems:
Sinus congestion or inflammation can cause fluid buildup and result in puffy eyes.
4. Dehydration:
Not drinking enough water can lead to water retention, which can cause puffiness around the eyes.
5. Aging:
As we age, the skin around the eyes can become thinner and lose its elasticity, resulting in puffiness.
6. Crying:
Tears contain a high salt content, which can cause the eyes and surrounding tissues to swell.
7. Certain foods and drinks:
Consuming salty foods, alcohol, or foods high in sodium can cause fluid retention and result in puffy eyes.
8. Hormonal changes:
Hormonal fluctuations during menstruation or pregnancy can lead to fluid retention and puffy eyes.
9. Genetic factors:
Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to puffy eyes and may experience them without any underlying cause.
10. Eye strain:
Excessive screen time or straining the eyes can cause blood vessels around the eyes to dilate, leading to puffiness.
It's important to note that if you have persistent or severe puffiness, accompanying symptoms, or if your vision is affected, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
The good news is that you can look more well rested in 10 minutes! Quickly reduce the appearance of puffiness and wrinkles, while significantly diminishing their appearance over time.
There are several treatments and remedies available to help reduce the appearance of puffy eyes.
Our top six remedies:
1. Cooling eye masks or patches:
These are typically infused with ingredients like cucumber, aloe vera, or chamomile, which have soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. They can help reduce puffiness by constricting blood vessels and reducing swelling.
I've also tried some Japanese steam masques which help to soothe and hydrate if you prefer warmth over cool treatments.
2. Eye creams or serums:
Look for products formulated with ingredients like caffeine, retinol, hyaluronic acid, or peptides. These can help improve circulation, reduce fluid retention, and tighten the skin around the eyes.
Two of our favourite are the awaken peptide eye gel for the daytime and stress positive eye lift at night.
3. Gentle massage:
Using a gentle tapping or massaging motion with your fingertips, starting from the inner corner of your eye and moving outwards, can help stimulate lymphatic drainage, reducing swelling and puffiness.
In the image above there's a little stainless steel tool with olive type rollers on top. This is great to use around the eye area, so is a gua sha stone.
4. Cold compresses:
Applying a cold compress, such as chilled spoons, cucumber slices, or refrigerated eye masks, can temporarily constrict blood vessels and reduce fluid accumulation.
I have these little cold compress packs that I keep permanently in the fridge. They're great after a night out, if you're suffering with a cold/flu or if you've had a bad night sleep. They warm up quickly but are a great way to calm and soothe the eyes for a couple minutes in the morning.
Ice globes work a treat as well and help reduce puffiness all over the face. Dermalogica have written a great blog about skin icing and how to add cold therapy to your regime. A little demonstration by Maddy on how to use is also included in the article.
5. Eye contour patches or gels:
These are specialized patches or gels specifically designed to target puffiness, dark circles, and under-eye bags.
They often contain ingredients like peptides, antioxidants, or plant extracts known for their firming and brightening properties. Peptides are fast becoming best known for anti-ageing properties and give skin a youthful glow.
These are a must have in my kit! I have one in my sos handbag kit, in my bedside table, in my makeup bag & it's a travel essential. These little patches are a game changer! Great for a daily boost but awesome before an event!
6. Makeup techniques:
The strategic use of color correctors, concealers, and highlighters can help camouflage and minimize the appearance of puffiness. Consult a makeup artist or beauty professional for specific techniques and product recommendations.
Stress Positive Eye Lift
Benefits:
Reduces the appearance of puffiness around the eye area
Minimises the appearance of fine lines
Visibly firms and smooths skin texture
Ingredients explained:
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide, Diosmin and Forskolin create a highly active blend of peptides that help to reduce the appearance of puffy eyes. to create micro circulation that promotes lymph drainage and reduce the fatty acid build up this complex is deformable which travels through the lipid layer to penetrate deeper.
Rosemary Leaf Extract, Chrysin and Peptide are combined to create another highly active blend that soothes the skin, helping to reduce the appearance of puffy eyes. Minimise inflammation and calm skin
Diosmin, like caffeine’s antioxidant properties, can help minimise the appearance of puffiness around the eyes.
Bioengineered Succinic Acid is inspired by a beneficial bacterium discovered beneath a Swiss glacier; this active helps minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while supporting more radiant, healthy-looking skin.
Voandzeia Subterranea Seed Extract derived from Bambara Pea minimises the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while leaving skin smoother and more luminous.
Jojoba Ester presents a very similar structure to skin’s natural lipids. This provides greater substantivity to the skin, which promotes hydration, barrier recovery and overall skin resilience.
It's important to note that while these treatments may provide temporary relief, addressing underlying causes, such as getting enough sleep, managing allergies, or reducing salt intake, can help prevent puffy eyes in the long term.
Thank you for reading, if this was useful please 🩵 and if it could help someone in your network, please share.
Thank you ~ Diana x
Comments