Quick fix puffy eyes

All of us at sometime or the other suffer from puffy eyes drawing funny comments and looks and spoiling the entire day. Some of the common reasons for eye bags is not getting enough sleep, excessive crying or stress, genetics, using desktops for too long, seasonal allergies or weather conditions, hangover, using too many or harsh chemicals, scrubbing clean with towel, consuming alcohol, etc.

But don’t fret as WTN is here with a bagful of home and instant remedies that will help you get back your beautiful appearance.

Increase blood circulation: This means gently massaging the puffy area beneath the eyes and not the eye. You can also exercise your eyes by just moving your eyes up, down, right left, circular and anti-circular motions. Even going for a brisk walk will be helpful.

Check you sleep position: When you are lying down for several hours and then stand up, the fluid resting beneath the eyes gets pulled down due to gravity. So, try using a pillow which is neither too high nor too low. Secondly, if you sleep on the stomach, get into the habit of sleeping on the back.

Potato, Cucumber: Potatoes have anti-inflammatory qualities and are very helpful in getting rid of puffy eyes. Cut two circles of raw potato and put it in the fridge for 15 minutes. Apply them on closed eyes and leave it for 15 minutes. The potato should be big enough to cover the eyes completely and you may also put an extra piece under the eyes. This will also help you get rid of the dark circles. Another method includes placing grated potato in a clean cloth and covering the eyelids with it. Rinse it with cool water. The same result can be obtained by using chilled cucumber and placing it on the eyes for 20 minutes. The enzymes and astringent properties tighten the skin and reduce inflammation.

Strawberries: Strawberries make your skin smooth and young. Place a few peeled slices of chilled strawberries on the eyes for about 30 minutes. The alpha hydroxyl acid present in it works well on puffy eyes. Make sure the juice does not enter your eyes.

Egg whites: If you have time on hand then try the egg whites. Beat stiff the whites and apply it using inside-out strokes. It tightens your skin as it tries and reduces the puffiness. Rinse your face with cold water.

Aloe vera: The antioxidants and vitamin E help get rid of fine lines. It reduces the swelling by improving the blood circulation. Take a small fresh shaft of the leaf and remove its skin to get the gel. Apply it on the eyes for 20-25 minutes. Repeat if you desire so. You may also place it in the fridge to cool it.

Vitamin E, milk: Add a few drops of vitamin E oil to a very little cold water (maybe a tablespoon) and mix it well. Take two cotton balls or pads and evenly spread it out (enough to cover the sockets). Keep the pads on the eyelids for 20 minutes and repeat if you desire. Also, you may soak the cotton pads in chilled milk to get relief.

Tea bags: For instant results try tea bags. It is a mild diuretic and has anti-irritant properties that reduce the puffiness. Moisten tea bags and place them in the refrigerator till they are really cold. Place them over the eyes for 20 minutes. Repeat if required. Once done, wash face with cool water and pat dry.

Chilled spoons: Place chilled spoons on the eye sockets for 10 minutes each. You may actually place four spoons in the fridge or in ice water and switch every 10 minutes for best result.

Hydrate well: Drinking plenty of water not only keeps the entire body hydrated, but also flushes out the toxins and high concentration of salt that accumulates around the eyes due to water retention.

Caution

It is alright to have occasional puffy eyes. But if it is a regular feature then it becomes essential to determine if there is a medical condition behind it. For example, pregnancy, hormonal variation (probably due to menstrual cycle), stress, sinus, sensitive skin, allergies, infection, water retention etc. Refrain from applying ice directly as it could harm the eyes.

Tips

· Try massaging around the eye to get fluid flowing.

· Ensure your house is dust-free, with no animal fur or other allergens.

· Clean the AC filters regularly and change linens regularly.

· Avoid foods that are high on sodium. Ex: chips, salted nuts, fried foods etc.

-windowtonews