Puffy eyes are often caused by fluid buildup around the thin, delicate skin of the eyes. While genetics play a role, everyday factors like diet, sleep, and skincare can influence how puffy our eyes look. Here’s a quick guide on why we get puffy eyes, how to treat them at home, and simple ways to prevent them.
Why Do We Get Puffy Eyes?
The primary reason for puffy eyes is fluid retention under the skin around the eyes, especially noticeable in the morning. Common causes include:
- Genetics and Hormones: Genetics play a role in how prone we are to puffiness. Additionally, hormonal changes, like those occurring during menopause or menstruation, can increase fluid retention and make puffiness more visible.
- Age: Skin thins with age, and fat pads around the eyes shift downward, which makes puffiness more prominent over time.
- Diet and Alcohol: High-salt and high-sugar foods, as well as alcohol (especially sugary drinks like wine), can lead to fluid retention and worsen puffiness.
- Allergens: Allergic reactions can cause inflammation around the eyes, leading to more swelling and fluid buildup. Pollen, dust, and other common allergens are often to blame.
- Skincare and Makeup Products: Ingredients like fragrances, alcohol, and preservatives in makeup and skincare can irritate the delicate skin around the eyes, increasing tear production and inflammation. Loose powders, setting sprays, and some mascaras can also worsen puffiness. To minimise irritation, look for fragrance-free or tubing mascaras to avoid flakes entering the eyes.
(Sources:Mayo Clinic,American Academy of Ophthalmology,Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
How to Treat Puffy Eyes at Home
To some degree, puffiness is natural, but it is certainly possible to reduce it. In the long term, the biggest factors influencing puffiness are internal—diet, alcohol consumption, and hormones play major roles. However, addressing environmental factors like how you sleep and taking good care of the skin around your eyes can make your eyes less prone to puffiness. Improving elasticity and collagen production around the eyes and maintaining healthy skin thickness help prevent puffiness from becoming noticeable.
If you’re looking to reduce puffiness quickly, here are some effective home treatments:
- Sleep with Your Head Elevated: Using a pillow that keeps you on your back and slightly elevates your head can reduce overnight fluid retention around the eyes. Specialty pillows like theEasy Sleeper can minimise swelling.
- Hydrate and Balance Electrolytes: Drinking water before bed and upon waking can help reduce fluid retention. Adding electrolytes or trace minerals may improve hydration in some cases.
- Exercise in the Morning: Light activities, like jogging or stretching, encourage circulation and naturally drain fluid buildup.
- Apply a Cold Compress: Splashing your face with icy water or using a chilled roller stored in the fridge can reduce swelling. A cold towel over the eyes works well, too.
- Gentle Eye Massage: Use a soothing eye balm, like ourSoothing Coconut Eye Balm, for gentle massage. Massage from the inner to outer eye to encourage fluid drainage, ensuring not to tug the skin. For an added cooling effect, tryeye rollers stored in the fridge.
- Choose Caffeine-Infused Products: Caffeine is a well-established ingredient for de-puffing under-eye areas. Our limited editionFestive Coconut Eye Balm with caffeine infusion is perfect for reducing seasonal puffiness and already receiving rave reviews!
By following these practices, you can effectively manage and reduce puffiness, leaving your eyes looking fresh and feeling comfortable all day.
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