If your under-eye bags are dragging you down, give them a wake-up call! Under eye puffiness can be caused by multiple ailments, but one thing remains true, they're not wanted. These simple, natural tips and recipes are very accessible and and highly effective for refreshing puffy eyes!
4 Remedies for Puffy Eyes
1. Reduce allergens
Wash and change your pillowcase frequently to reduce dirt and allergens. Doing so will also prevent build up on your skin as well, which means a clearer complexion! If you suffer from seasonal allergies, and itchy eyes try not to rub them and incorporate a natural antihistamine like nettle leaf and a homemade drinkable wellness shot
2. Work WITH gravity
Try sleeping with your head elevated at night. Doing so can help prevent excess buildup, and ensure all fluids are running in the proper direction.
3. Reduce salt
Extra salt means water retention. Cut down on salt, and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and keep your system flushed and free of excess bag-creating water retention.
4. Refresh With An Eye mask
In addition to easy lifestyle changes, erase late nights and prepare for long days with an invigorating eye mask! Eye masks can be applied at any time, but the below recipes are ideal for a morning application.
For most of us, coffee is a must-have morning pick-me-up, but it is also excellent for waking up skin. While you're sipping on a cup of coffee, you can double up and use the ground beans to attack dark circles and fine lines. The caffeine acts as a diuretic to reduce swelling and puffy eyes while coffee's antioxidants fight the free radicals that age skin.** Fresh grounds are a bit more potent in this recipe (more caffeine), but just brewed grinds are great as well!
DIY Eye Masks To Try
Wake me up! eye mask:
Ingredients:
- 1 egg white
- 2 t coffee grounds
- Cotton rounds (optional)
Directions:
- Combine egg white and coffee in a small bowl. Beat mixture until well combined.
- Using clean hands, a mask brush or soak cotton rounds in the mixture, apply the mixture to the under-eye area (being careful to avoid the eyelids).
- Let the mask set for about ten minutes - you will feel the mask working!
- Use a warm, damp towel to remove the mask.
- Finish with a moisturizer or eye cream.
- Massage the cream into the skin around your eyes. Using a very light touch, begin at the inner corners of your eyes, and move in outward circles over the brow and orbital bones - doing so also helps to reduce puffiness
Soothe + hydrate eye mask:
Ingredients:
- 1 C of antioxidant-rich green tea
- 1 T aloe vera gel
- Cotton rounds
Directions:
- In a small bowl, add the aloe vera gel, and enough green tea (~1.5T) to make the base a tad more fluid
- Soak a cotton rounds in the mixture, and apply the rounds under the eyes.
- Let the mask set for about 10-15 minutes
- Remove the cotton rounds, and massage the remainder into the skin around your eyes. Using a very light touch, begin at the inner corners of your eyes, and move in outward circles over the brow and orbital bones.
- Finish with a moisturizer or eye cream.
This particular recipe is ideal for a relaxing evening application. Puffiness and dark circles can also result from stress, and hormonal changes. After a long day, it’s important to destress and indulge in self-care!
