Puffy Eyes
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The problems with eye bags usually start small. You may notice a barely visible "pillow" of puffiness just below the lower lid. If you leave it untreated, it can billow out further. Then, over time, it gives way to a full-blown bag. But how and why does the puffiness start? One cause, experts say, is the natural aging process. There is a certain amount of fat naturally in the under-eye area. It's held in place by ligaments. As you age, the ligaments get weaker, allowing the fat to push forward, forming that little puffy pillow under your eye. As time goes on, the puff gets bigger. Then skin loses elasticity, allowing the formation of those loose wads of skin we call "bags." A lot of it has to do with heredity.[1]
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Causes of Puffy Eyes
Factors aside from heredity include:
- Not getting enough sleep
- Fluid retention due to changes in weather (for example, hot, humid days), hormone levels or eating salty foods
- Lack of exercise
- Sometimes, a chronic sinus condition or a nasal allergy can result in under-eye puffiness. The continual swelling and deflating that goes on can contribute to loose skin and eventually bags. So, if you find yourself with a stuffy nose, pain over the brow or cheek bone, or watery, itchy eyes at the same time your eyes look the puffiest, it's important to see an allergist.
- What also may help is using an extra pillow when you sleep, or a wedge that props your head up higher. This can help create some drainage.
- Sleeping flat on your back[2]
Puffy Eyes Treatment
- Piling too much concealer around swollen eyes is like throwing a spotlight on them.
- If your skin is sallow, start by applying a tinted moisturizer; a hint of allover color can make a big difference.
- When eyes are puffy, the surrounding skin is usually irritated, so dab a lightweight concealer (one that comes in a wand) near just the inner and outer corners of your eyes to reduce the redness.
- Pick a matte shadow that's slightly darker than your skin, then sweep it across your eyelids and along your lower lashes.
- Swirl a rosy blush on the apples of your cheeks and softly fade the color up your cheekbones. Empahsizing other features draws the attention away from your eyes.
- Cold compress
- Green tea bags. They contain a natural anti-inflammatory chemical known as EGCG, which can reduce fluid build-up that contributes to puffiness.
- Preparation H can help deflate under-eye bags on a very temporary basis. Be certain to use only the cream form, not the oil form, which can make the bags look worse. Avoid contact with your eyes.
See Also
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 http://women.webmd.com/features/banish-the-bags-under-your-eyes?page=1
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bags-under-eyes/DS01151/DSECTION=causes
- ↑ "Younger Eyes." Allure. April 2010: Page76.
