"You Look Tired" - Causes and Quick Fixes For Under-Eye Inflammation

Eyes are the window to the soul. We’re not sure about the soul part but our eyes are definitely the window to our diet, sleep habits, vices, our social life, and our current emotional state. Our eyes are constantly outing us for all manner of lifestyle choices, emotional states and deficiencies. 

Pack your bags

Under eye puffiness (fluid build-up) is one of the most common sources of eye grief. Aside from a recent bout of crying, the most common causes of eye puffiness include sleep, diet, dehydration, allergies, alcohol, smoking, sun, aging and genetics. Beyond the genetic element, there are several things we can do to de-puff. 

 40 Winks

Lack of sleep is a huge culprit, and if it’s a common occurrence, you may have to prioritize your zzz’s. The National Sleep Foundation recommends that adults aim to get seven to nine hours of sleep every night.

Additionally, sleeping on your back or with an extra pillow or elevating the top of your bed a couple of inches can help counter the gravitational pull and reduce fluid build-up.

Eat Clean and Hydrate

This is said about essentially every skin issue because diet plays a huge role in your skin health. Eat a rainbow of produce (kale, cucumbers, carrots, tomatoes) to help circulate unwanted bloat and toxins and add some potassium to your cart (bananas, beans, yogurt and broccoli) which is known to help eliminate excess fluids).

Added baggage

Foods that make inflammation worse include white bread, fried foods, soda, deli meats, processed foods, canned soups and anything high in sodium. You can count on that Friday night sushi showing up on your face on Saturday morning. As will that extra cocktail - alcohol is a major culprit in triggering inflammation. 

It’s not to say you should live a monk’s life but moderation and diligence about hydrating will go a long way in keeping you bright-eyed. 

DIYeye quick fixes

There are a few quick and easy things you can do to help ensure you’re looking perky for brunch. A few minutes under these common kitchen items will help constrict the vessels and reduce inflammation in the area. 

• chilled spoons (kept in the freezer and wet prior to use),
• cucumber slices
• tea bags

Cucumbers have natural ascorbic and caffeic acids that reduce water retention as well as  natural antioxidants, and flavonoids that ease inflammation. If they’re cold, they’re even more effective. And Tea bags - wet and chilled - have antioxidants, tannins, and caffeine that help to constrict the blood vessels and tighten the skin. 

Quicker fixes

Of course, you could also save yourself the time (and cucumbers and tea bags) and leave your topical anti-inflammatory to us. Our targeted Anti-Puff Eye Cream uses a caffeine-infused cocktail of vitamins and peptides to nourish, depuff and awaken your eyes.

• Hyaluronic acid helps hydrate skin.
• Hexapeptide-11 helps smooth skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines.
• Caffeine extract helps awaken the eye area and diminish the appearance of puffiness.
• Vitamins C & E help moisturize and protect against free radicals.
• Jasmine helps to soothe and rebalance skin.

Application is key because rubbing your eye cream into the sensitive under eye area can inflame it. Instead, lightly tap the area with the tip of your ring fingers, which are the most naturally gentle of your fingers. And keeping your Anti-Puff Eye Cream chilled will increase its anti-inflammatory properties.

Cheers to you, bright eyes!

Sources: 

Healthline, Web MD