If puffy under eyes or bags, as commonly referred to, are your beauty concern, you have come to the right place for solid advice. From hero ingredients to simple tips - here we share how to help your eyes look brighter and more refreshed by editor Trudi Brewer.
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What causes puffiness?
Let's start with skin. Collagen and elastin fibres support our skin and give it that youthful bounce and firmness, but that declines as we age. The under-eye area is the first to show any signs of fatigue, and as this skin starts to line and hollow, puffiness often results. Why? This hollowing creates a space where fluid can gather below your eyes, making that area look puffy or swollen. Also, genetics, smoking, lack of sleep, a high salt diet, and allergies can contribute to undereye bags or puffiness.
Lifestyle
The best way to counteract puffiness and under-eye bags is by looking after yourself from the inside out. Sleep works wonders. A rough night causes blood vessels to dilate, which, in turn, shows darkness on your skin. High-sodium diets are notorious for causing water retention, and foods rich in processed sugars may also contribute. Rubbing your eyes in response to irritation can also exacerbate puffiness and lead to further fluid build-up. So, to counteract these symptoms, sleeping with your head slightly elevated and cool compresses can help reduce puffiness. Experts also agree to stay dehydrated. Drinking two litres of water a day will not only benefit your body, but your skin will thank you, too. If you are dehydrated, your body compensates by retaining water, which can cause swelling, especially around thin, delicate areas like the eyes.
Cold Compress
There’s no denying that a cold compress will help to reduce swelling. It's a brilliant, quick fix but not a long-term solution. Coolness causes the constriction of blood vessels, so it’s worth trying a chilled compress, especially when an allergy or crying causes puffiness. Also, try massaging the skin with ice tools or wrapping some ice cubes in a muslin cloth. This will stimulate the skin and the blood underneath it for a tauter, fresher-looking appearance.
Sunscreen
The skin under the eyes is thin and lacks collagen and elastin fibres, making the entire eye area more susceptible to UV damage. Sun protection protects this area from photoaging, addressing puffiness and other under-eye concerns. Today, there are loads of great eye creams for daily use that are loaded with sunscreen.
Medik8 Advanced Day Eye Protect, $104.
The combination of caffeine to help reduce puffiness and hesperidin to boost blood circulation brightens and soothes. Designed to be used during the day only, the SPF in this eye cream is a brilliant welcome bonus. It’s pricy, but a little goes a long way.
How to find the right ingredients in your skincare
Certain skincare ingredients, from vitamins to plant extracts, can elevate the symptoms of puffiness. Here are the most common.
Retinol
Retinol is the gold standard in skin rejuvenation, so look for eye creams that contain it and apply them with your ring finger. This is the gentlest way to use any product under your eyes.
Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Mask 5 per Pack, $94 or Single, $24.
Murad is an expert in eye care, especially when it comes to retinol. This brilliant single-use mask is formulated with the fast-acting cult-favourite retinol tri-active technology. Blue agave smooths the look of lines while radiance-making passionfruit extract reduces puffiness and refreshes. The clever bio-cellulose mask means the goodness absorbs fast.
Caffeine
Caffeine is a hero in helping reduce puffiness by temporarily constricting the blood vessels. It has energising or "wake up" your skin powers, similar to sipping an espresso shot first thing while improving blood circulation to help depuff under the eyes.
Tailor AWAKEN Brightening eye cream, $49.
Not only is the clean beauty buy (with 99.2 per cent natural ingredients) it’s loaded with brightening caffeine to help reduce the look of dark circles and boost blood flow to reduce puffiness, while hyaluronic acid increases hydration. But what we love most is the addition of golden mica, which blurs the look of imperfections—the perfect morning pick-me-up and a great base for concealer.
Arnica
Arnica is renowned for its anti-inflammatory abilities, which improve circulation for lasting results and long-term benefits. But here’s the best news: it stimulates blood flow in tiny capillaries to shift fluid, which can cause puffiness.
Mecca Cosmetica Hydrating Eye Cream, $50.
Weightless, this cream was created to invigorate, moisturise and replenish the eye area and to use both am and pm. The formula contains brightening, niacinamide, vitamin C, and Montana arnica flower extract.
Ideal for Christmas gifting.