This is the time of year when "puffy eyes" are at their most evident. A combination of too many late nights over the Christmas and New Year festivities and the cold weather (Northern Hemisphere) get together to make the skin surrounding your eyes look as though it belongs to someone 10 years older!
Puffy eyes can be caused by a number of factors, including Liquid Retention, Age, Lack of Sleep and Genetics. They can even be caused by such trivial (and easily remedied) problems such as a bad sleeping position or uncomfortable pillow.
Over the years a number of home remedies have proven themselves time and time again. Just because they are classed as "Folk Remedies" and "Old Wives Tales" doesn't mean that they don't work; here are 7 natural remedies to get rid of puffy eyes that I have collected (in no particular order) that appear to work for a large number of people:
Any illustrations
1. Classic Cucumber
Place thin slices of raw cucumber over your closed eyes and leave in place for 15 - 20 minutes to help reduce the swelling.
2. Cold (used) Teabag
Wrap a used teabag in tissue paper (once it is cold) and apple to the swollen area. The natural astringent, tannin, works wonders and can help to keep the skin around the eyes taut and reduce puffiness.
3. Mineral Water
Bathe your eyes in cool (but not ice cold) mineral water 3-4 times a day to reduce redness and add a sparkle to tired looking eyes.
4. The Cold Spoon
Place a small, rounded spoon in to the fridge for 10-15 minutes. When chilled, hold the rounded part against the swollen area under your eye for a few minutes. When the spoon starts to warm up, replace in the fridge and repeat the procedure on your other eye.
5. The Humble Potato
Similar to the Cucumber treatment above, strips of thinly sliced raw potato (rinsed in cold water before use) can be placed over the closed eyes to help reduce the swelling and discoloration around tired eyes.
6. Rose Water
Make therapeutic eye pads by dipping cotton wool into cold rose water.
7. Herb Salad Dressing - Almost
Mix some finely chopped parsley with a little sour cream and place the mixture in a cheesecloth. Apply to the puffy area for 10-15 minutes at a time.
These treatments can produce visible improvements if repeated 2-3 times a week.
One final tip to avoid puffy eyes in the first place is to ensure that you get plenty of sleep at regular intervals. Try drinking a glass of mineral water no more that one hour before you go to bed (to keep you hydrated whilst asleep) and try to sleep with your head slightly elevated - this will help prevent fluids from settling around your eyes.
留言列表
