How to Decrease Under Eye Puffiness
Under-eye bags and puffiness instantly make you look tired and worn out, even when you are feeling great. Lack of sleep, diet and genetics can all play a role in under-eye swelling and puffiness, which tends to occur most often in the morning. The first step toward reducing under-eye puffiness is to get more rest, but there are other things you can do. Homemade remedies and beauty products decrease a certain amount of under-eye puffiness, but changing your habits, lifestyle and diet are far more effective. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Drink more water. The recommended quantity of water is eight 8-ounce glasses per day, but it doesn't hurt to drink more than that. Drinking plenty of water not only hydrates your skin but also flushes your body of the toxins and extra salt that can lead to under-eye puffiness. Invest in a reusable water bottle that you refill a certain number of times per day to keep yourself on track.
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Avoid salt, alcohol and caffeine. Yes, all three of these are fun and delicious, but they are also probably one of the major sources of your under-eye bags and puffiness. Salt, alcohol and caffeine can all increase swelling and bloating, which increases your under-eye puffiness.
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Get plenty of rest. Fatigue and lack of sleep are the primary sources of under-eye bags and puffiness. Avoid staying out late and go to bed early when you know you need to get up on time the next day. Giving your body the rest it needs will significantly decrease your under-eye puffiness in a matter of days.
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Elevate your head more when you sleep. If you are lying too flat at night, it is possible that fluid is pooling under your eyes, causing swelling and puffiness. Use a higher pillow or add a second pillow on top of the one you are already using to let the fluid drain while you sleep.
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Apply cold compresses. You can use cold tea bags, cucumber slices or potatoes to reduce the swelling under your eyes. Lie down flat, place your compress of choice gently on your eyes and leave it there for at least 10 minutes. The cold will reduce swelling and puffiness and relieve any itching.
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Use a soothing eye gel. These products usually contain a cooling element designed to reduce under-eye bags and puffiness. You can purchase soothing eye gels at your local pharmacy or makeup counter.
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Tips & Warnings
Consult a doctor about laser surgery if you make significant lifestyle changes and your under-eye bags persist. In some cases, puffiness and dark circles may be hereditary and surgery is the most effective treatment.
For women, always remove your eye makeup before going to bed. Mascara and eyeshadow can cause swelling and puffy eyes after hours of sleep.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit glass of water image by martin schmid from Fotolia.com
