Why do I get puffy eyes?
Periorbital puffiness, also known as “puffy eyes” is the appearance of swelling in the tissues around the eyes. It is almost exclusively caused by fluid buildup around the eyes, or periorbital edema.
Why does it happen?
There are many reasons that can contribute to eye puffiness including:
- lack of sleep
- diet such as too much sodium(salt) or alcohol
- allergies perhaps to such things as perfume, dust or pollen
- crying
- menstrual cycle or hormones
- wearing contact lenses for too long
- Ageing
Regardless of the reason the underlying cause has to do with fluid accumulation. For unknown reasons, fluid has collected around your eyes and the surrounding skin tissue. This tissue is among the thinnest in your body, so any swelling there is easy to see.
While most of the causes mentioned above are harmless it can be hard to hide. Any signs of infection or more serious issues it is advised to consult your GP.
Ways to reduce puffiness?
Avoid the Cause
Analysis your lifestyle and habits to work out if there are any links or triggers that set off puffiness around the eye. For example, does it occur in the summer months and be allergy related. When your body is faced with an allergy it releases histamine into your system which can sometimes lead to inflammation of the eye area. Taking allergy medication will help.
Use Cold Compress or Cucumber Slices
The enzymes found in cucumber help reduce inflammation and the tighten the skin around the eyes. A cold compress will also help to cool the skin and reduce the puffiness.
Use An Eye Cream
Use an eye cream that contains specific products to help reduce puffiness such as:
Osmosis Refresh Eye Serum | £62
This powerful eye serum utilizes ingredients that work with the skin to effectively reduce puffiness, lines, and dark circles. It also contains proven actives that increase collagen and elastin as well as to firm and protect the delicate layers around the eye.
The Ordinary | Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG | £5.80
This light-textured formula contains an extremely high 5% concentration of caffeine, supplemented with highly-purified Epigallocatechin Gallatyl Glucoside (EGCG) from green tea leaves. Independent studies have shown that topical use of each of caffeine and EGCG can help reduce looks of puffiness and of dark circles in the eye contour.
Get Plenty Of Sleep
When you don’t get your recommend 7-8 hours sleep a night, it can show. Ways to help ensure a restful night are:
- Stop drinking caffeine at least 6 to 12 hours before bedtime.
- Stop drinking alcohol close to bedtime.
- Finish eating dinner about 2 hours before bedtime.
- Finish exercising several hours before bedtime.
- Turn off electronics 1 hour before bedtime.
Eat A Balanced Healthy Diet
Certain diet triggers can have a huge factor on puffy eyes such as salt. Sodium plays a key role in regulating water in your cells. When you consume salt, your body holds on to water to maintain a balanced ratio. Drinking more water flushes out the extra salt, and returns your body to normal water levels. Hence, reduces the puffiness under your eyes.
Reduce alcohol and caffeine intake and drink plenty of water to keep hydrated.
For more information about puffy eyes or for any more product advice contact Medifine Clinic on 01132253938 or email info@medifine.co.uk