Puffy eye syndrome & Under eye bags

Puffy eye syndrome is probable the number one irritation to all of us. You all must have experienced it some or other time. You wake up one morning, and there they are! For some it will be a temporarily problem, for others it may last a few days or weeks, but fortunately there is a cure somewhere that should work for you.


What causes puffy eyes?
There are all manner of reasons why people develop puffy eye syndrome. Here are some typical causes for the puffy eyes that you wake up to:

Everyday causes:
The good news is that puffy eyes are cause mostly by fluid retention due of any one of the following reasons:
• Fluctuating hormone levels.
• Oedema or fluid retention throughout the body. Pregnancy also causes increasing oedema.
• Certain medication.
• Allergies, which may also result in itchiness and redness of the eyes and surrounding tissue.
• Inflammation.
• Smoking.
• Diet
• Your genes can also help this along!

Under eye bags:
Please note that there is a huge difference between “puffy eyes” due to day-to-day causes and huge bags that rest on the top of your cheeks. Most bags under the eyes are the result of accumulated fat in the eye area. This happens when the septum surrounding the eyeball weakens, causing the outer layer of fat within the socket to sink forward – making it look like you have literal “bags” under your eyes.

Unfortunately, the only cure for bags under the eyes is a surgical procedure called blepharoplasty, which is designed to remove excess fat, skin and muscle around the eyes. However, there are some treatments that will reduce the appearance of under eye bags.

Sometimes a more serious medical condition can also be the problem:
• Kidney disease: In some cases, bags under the eyes are a sign of kidney problems.
• Hypothyroidism. A slow thyroid affects 2 in 100 women or 2% of the female population. Your slow thyroid may be causing those bags under your eyes too.
• Poor Diet. An excess of sodium in your diet will cause you to retain water
• Accumulation of Toxins. Sometimes a slow digestive system can add to the overall problem. When the intestines get clogged with bile and mucous, they can't function properly. Try detoxing for a couple of days with fresh fruit, vegetables and lots of water.

What to do about puffy eye syndrome and under-eye bags:
• The simplest way to reduce puffy eye syndrome that is caused by water retention, is to drink more water!
• Gently tap with your finger tips around the eye to drain the fluid
• Apply cold compresses to the eye area like a wash cloth soaked in cold water or gel filled eye pack that you can keep in the freezer*

• Reduce your salt intake
• Get enough sleep-at least 8 hours
• Wear sunglasses when outside to reduce sun light glare and protect your eyes against wind, dust etc
• Try sleeping on your back with your head elevated; this will encourage drainage.
• Apply a good eye gel, specifically formulated for puffy eyes, sparingly every morning.
• If you suspect a more serious medical condition, please see you GP.

Products that I can recommend for amazing results that the Beautique stocks:
i. Eyeslices*
ii. Skin Doctors Eyetuck
iii. Skin Doctors Instant Eyelift

Please also read the other articles in this series:
The anatomy of the skin around the eyes.
General care for the skin around your eyes.
The effects of the sun on our eyes.
Smoking and eye damage.
Under eye circles - cause and treatment.
Under eye bags - cause and treatment.
Wrinkles and fine lines around the eyes- cause and treatment.
The perfect eye brow shape.

Product reviews of the following: (I have used every one of them over the past 7 years!)
i. Anesi Soin Du Regard Serum Eclat
ii. Anesi Age Rebellion Eye Cream
iii. Phytomer Lift Contour Intensive Eye and Lip Care
iv. Phytomer Expertise Age Contour Intense Youth Eye Cream
v. Skin Doctors Eyetuck
vi. Skin Doctors Eyecircle
vii. Skin Doctors Instant Eyelift
viii. TheraVine Time Care Eye cream
ix. TheraVine Hydrating Eye Gel
x. TheraVine Anti-Aging Oil Serum
xi. Priory Smoothing Eye Serum
xii. EyeSlices Eye Care Pads