What can cause puffy eyes?
Generally, puffiness around the eyes means you have excess accumulation of fluids, known as oedema, in the surrounding skin tissue. Given that the skin around the eyes is very thin, swelling and discoloration can be more prominent.
Puffy eyes can be a result of ageing. As we mature, we retain more fluids, resulting in puffy under eyes. Also, the tissue structures and muscles supporting your eyelids weaken. The skin can start to sag, and fat that is normally confined to the area around the eye can move into the area below your eyes.
Puffy eyes can also be caused by allergies. When you’re allergic to something, you release histamine into your system. This is known to trigger inflammation and hive-like reactions, especially around the eye area.
Harsh chemicals, such as drying agents and citrus extracts, can be brutal on the eye area. When the skin is aggravated, it can become inflamed and appear puffy.
If you’re stressed, fatigued or not sleeping enough, then you’re also likely to get puffy eyes. Crying definitely doesn’t help the eye area either! Dehydration can cause puffiness. Overconsumption of salt can too.
Last but not least, you should also never underplay genetics; your genetic makeup can be the reason why you have puffy eyes or don’t.
What can cause dark circles?
Hyperpigmentation is one of the main reasons for dark circles, which can be caused by things such as environmental factors or genetics.
Seasonal allergies and nasal congestion can also contribute to poor circulation in the under eye area, leading to dilated veins. When veins and capillaries under the eye dilate they will appear bigger and darker.
Loss of volume (collagen) under the eyes is a big contributor to dark circles. Given that over time, skin naturally loses collagen and gets thinner, you get more of a sunken look. This magnifies dark circles.
Dehydration, stress, fatigue, as well as puffiness under the eye area, all increase dullness and darkness under the eye.
How can you check if dark circles are caused by hyperpigmentation?
There is a very simple ‘pinch test’. Simply pinch and lift the skin under the eye. If it’s hyperpigmentation, the skin will stay brown. If the discoloration is caused by dilated capillaries, puffiness or age, the colour will change to white/pink before turning back to a darker shade again.
SKINCARE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PUFFY EYES
- Gentle Cleansing: Use a mild cleanser, such as our Almond Cleansing Milk, which contains hydrating and soothing ingredients.
- Hydrating Eye Cream: For dehydration, choose products with Hyaluronic Acid, Pro-Vitamin B5, Aloe Leaf Juice, Cucumber, Green Tea extracts, and Caffeine. Our Olive Eye Cream is clinically proven to improve hydration and reduce puffiness with its unique blend of ingredients.
- Sunscreen: Protect the delicate eye area from sun exposure to prevent collagen breakdown.
- Extra Hydration: Use our Triple Level Hyaluronic Serum under the eye cream for added hydration and wrinkle reduction.
AT-HOME TIPS FOR REDUCING PUFFINESS AND DARK CIRCLES
If dark circles are caused by puffiness or ageing, you should use the same skincare mentioned above. We also recommend looking out for products with Vitamin C, along with other Vitamins such as A and E. These antioxidants help to lighten dark circles under the eye.
If it’s caused by hyperpigmentation, you can try skincare with topical Retinol, Hydroquinone, Kojic Acid, Glutathione or Azelaic Acid. Again,
It’s also very important to wear sunscreen and sunglasses.
Can diet or lifestyle contribute to puffy eyes and dark circles?
Det and lifestyle contribute to the overall appearance of the face and skin, not just the eye area.
To improve puffiness and dark circles around the eye area, we recommend some of the following changes:
- Reduce your salt intake, it will help to prevent fluid buildup around the eye area;
- Get enough sleep. If puffiness persists try lifting your head slightly when sleeping, and invest in a good pillow;
- Make sure you drink plenty of water- hydration is important for both preventing puffiness and dark circles, as well as keeping your skin youthful;
- Increase intake of foods rich in collagen, such as: orange, red pepper, kale, Brussels sprouts, broccoli and strawberries;
- Increase intake of foods rich in iron, such as: red meat, pork, poultry, seafood, beans, leafy green veggies (like kale and spinach), raisins, apricots, other dried fruits and iron-fortified foods (like cereals, breads and pastas);
- Increase intake of foods rich in potassium, such as: bananas, beans, yogurt and leafy greens.
- Smoking and alcohol also have major impact on eye appearance, so try and limit your intake of both;
- Make sure you address any seasonal allergies- over the counter anti-histamines can do wonders.
