Puffy Eyes: Treatments And Tips For Avoiding Puffy Eyes

A familiar at-home eye-soothing remedy that we've all seen but may not have tried out for ourselves involves laying slices of cucumber over the eyes for several minutes. But does this little trick actually work?The answer is yes, it does work.When you apply a cold compress to your eyes the cool temperature helps constrict blood vessels near your eyes.When you constrict the blood vessels you are helping to reduce swelling in the area.As an added bonus you are also helping to reduce the severity of under-eye darkness that may occur along with swelling.

If you don't have a cucumber on hand, don't worry.The cold compress does not have to be chilled cucumber slices; it can be just about anything.Wet a cold wash cloth and refrigerate it for a few minutes and then gently drape it over your eyes.Or you can use a couple of cold, wet teabags to achieve the same result.If you own a liquid- or gel-filled eye-mask throw it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before wearing it.Nearly anything safe to put over your eyes can be chilled and used as a compress to help reduce under-eyes swelling, puffiness, and discoloration.

The effects of the cold compress are limited, however, to a relatively short period of time, maybe a couple of hours at most.To permanently reduce under-eye puffiness, reduce your salt intake.Salt retains liquid that is stored in the tissue around the eyes, and excess liquid leads to increased puffiness.Drink plenty of water everyday to help flush out salt and check the sodium levels on the food you plan to eat.

Drug stores and cosmetics counters offer plenty of eyes creams and gels that are formulated to decrease swelling.The best products to use are those that contain cucumber, yeast, or caffeine.Apply the eye treatment product as directed on the label as an at-home alternative to an expensive spa treatment.

If you've already tried these tips and haven't gotten the desired result, check your facial moisturizer label.If your moisturizer contains a humectant and you are applying the product around your eyes, stop doing so at once.Humectants are great ingredients for moisturizers in that they help keep skin hydratedby binding water, but when the product is applied around the eyes it is causing the tissue in that area to retain excess water, which in turn causes eye-puffiness.Glycerin, an ingredient in many soaps, and aloe which is commonly used in moisturizers are both humectants.Opt to use skincare products around the eyes that are specifically formulated to help reduce eye puffiness.These products are formulated with ingredients that will not draw additional moisture to the eyes.