We’ve all reached this point where we are just tired of looking tired. Does it make you cringe when someone utters “looks like you’ve had a long day,” when the day just started? It’s OK, we’ve been there too. Dark circles and eye bags are one of the most common beauty problems we all have issues with, no matter how much sleep we get. Well, ladies and gentlemen, it’s time to cancel that expensive blepharoplasty appointment, throw away your facial cream and head straight to your local farmers market, because getting rid of your puffy eyes can simply be done in the comfort of your own home.
Everything happens for a reason, with that being said, there has to be an underlying cause for dark circles and eye bags. Understanding that underlying cause could potentially help you find a solution to your sleepy-eyed blues.
What Causes Puffy Eyes?
We all have fat around our eyes and as we get older the skin around our eyes loses elasticity and is no longer able to hold it in place. The ligaments in our face break down, fat pushes its way out and the skin loosens to form bags. But under-eye bags can occur for a variety of reasons including
- Consumption of too much salt
- Sleeping face down
- Lack of sleep
- Sleeping with your makeup on
- Monthly hormonal changes
- Smoking cigarettes
- Drinking alcohol
Heredity can also play a part. One of the most common causes of eye bags is heredity. You have bags under your eyes simply because you parents have bags under their eyes. Allergies and sinus infections can be a reason also. Inflamed sinuses can affect the normal blood flood in the capillaries behind your eyes and nasal cavities, thus creating swollen blood vessels. Swollen blood vessels cause the veins behind the eyes to darken and dilate, giving the appearance of dark circles. When this sensitive area constantly swells and shrinks, the eyes can become puffy and irritated.
So, don’t cry, dry your tired looking eyes, because regardless of what the causes are there is always a solution. Read on as we give you simple tips to help firm your skin and restore your healthy-looking eyes
Natural Remedies for Puffy Eyes
Cold Compresses
Cold Compresses are one of the more conventional methods to combat under-eye bags. Simply use a cold spoon, cucumber slices, ice cubes, or even used tea bags. The cold temperature serves as a vasoconstrictor to restrict blood flow to the area, which in return helps reduce redness and swelling.
Used Green Tea or Chamomile Tea Bags
Another popular home remedy, green and black tea are perfect for reducing swelling under your eyes. With their anti-inflammatory properties, the caffeine from the tea constricts tiny blood vessels in the skin around your eyes. Caffeinated tea also contains tannins which promote blood circulation.
Although Chamomile doesn’t contain caffeine, its significant anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties revive tired looking eyes and reduce redness. Chamomile tea can also provide relief for conjunctivitis and pink eye.
How To: Go ahead relax and make you some tea as you finish reading this spectacular article
- Place two tea bags in a pot of hot water.
- Remove and let the tea bags cool to room temperature
- Place them on your eyes for 15-30 minutes.
- Do this once or twice a week. It can help tighten the skin under your eyes as well as provide soothing benefits.
Egg Whites, Potato, and Coffee Mask
Egg whites help tighten the skin and reduce inflammation around your eyes. Vitamin B present in eggs enhances blood circulation while the protein present in egg whites brightens and nourishes your skin. Coffee contains antioxidants which help combat harmful free radicals and the catecholase present in potatoes reduces water retention under your eyes which helps reduce puffiness.
How To: This would be a perfect remedy to make while you’re cooking breakfast
- Separate egg white from the yolk.
- Combine 1 egg white and 2 teaspoons of coffee grounds and 2 tablespoons of potato juice.
- Beat the mixture until thick
- Using a brush, apply a generous amount of the mixture under the eyes.
- Leave it on for 30 minutes.
- Gently wipe off the application with a wet wipe or damp cloth.
- Apply any moisturizer of your choice.
- Repeat the process daily.
As William Shakespeare once said, “your eyes are the windows to your soul.” With that being said we should take care of our eyes accordingly. Results happen within due time. Consistency and a healthy diet are imperative for combating dark circles and eye bags. Nutrition deficiency can also cause puffiness under the eyes. So, incorporate essential vitamins and minerals like protein and collagen to your daily diet. Stress can be a contributing factor as well, so try to minimize stress by practicing new yoga poses. If you’re allergic to any of these ingredients feel free to substitute with an ingredient of your choice. Enjoy your journey to rejuvenate healthier and younger looking eyes.
References
1. Why do bags form below our eyes? Scientific American. 2018. Available at: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-do-bags-form-below-ou/. Accessed February 5, 2018.
2. Rejuvenate Your Eyes: Dr. Bennett’s 13 tips to cure dark circles and puffy eyes. NYC Sinus surgery. 2018. Available at: https://www.sinussurgeryprocedure.com/rejuvenate-your-eyes-dr-bennetts-13-tips-to-cure-dark-circles-and-puffy-eyes. Accessed February 3, 2018.
3. Natural Remedies for Puffy Eyes with Egg White. Home Remedies For Life. 2018. Available at: https://homeremediesforlife.com/egg-white-for-puffy-eyes/. Accessed February 2, 2018.
