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 of Puffy Eyes:

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:


Skin Doctors Eyecircle



Skin Doctors Eyesmooth



Skin Doctors Eyetuck

General care for the skin around your eyes

The skin around the eyes is ten times thinner than the skin on the face, it is also more sensitive and requires very gentle handling. As we age, skin loses its elasticity and becomes thinner due to a breakdown of collagen. The desquamation* process takes longer as we age and therefore the healing process also takes longer.

Damage to our skin can be further aggravated by harsh environmental exposures. The skin of the eye contour is constantly moving, blinking alone produces 10 000 movements per day. We use our facial muscles when we talk, laugh, squint and cry which all add up to those dreaded wrinkles, lines, dark circles and puffiness. Rubbing and tugging of the delicate skin under the eye due to allergies, crying, eye makeup removal and insertion and removal of contact lenses can contribute to sagging of the this area.

One should take extra care when choosing a skincare product for this area. Products that contain gentle, non-irritating compounds that target the specific problem be it wrinkles, puffiness or dark circles, along with a wide range of vitamins, antioxidants, and skin-plumping substances are ideal choices.

There are such a large variety of ingredients that can help with whatever problem you have with the eye area, that I would rather explain them in the product reviews.
However, I would like to tell you how to remove your eye-make-up with minimum stress to the area:

Use a good professional salon make-up remover: This is a product formulated specifically for the eye area and can either be a liquid or a thicker, milky lotion. If you use water proof mascara make sure that the one you choose can cope with this very difficult-to-remove make-up product. Be very, very gentle when cleansing the eye area as it is very easy to stretch the skin. If you cannot be gentle please rather use a water-soluble cleanser that can wash it away!

How to remove your eye make-up: Always use damp cotton wool, as some of the cotton wool feels like abrasive pads on the skin when dry. Soak the cotton wool in the make-up remover and place over the eyelids. Wait 5 to 10 seconds for the make-up to softens, then gently stroke the eye lashes from base to tip to remove the mascara. Then stroke softly (not rub and scrub!) from the inside to the outside corner of the eye. Repeat this process until all make-up is removed. If there is still be some stubborn make-up, especially eyeliner around the lashes, use an ear bud (Q-tip) soaked in the remover and gently wipes it away. Now you can cleanse your whole face with your skin specific cleanser. Use a gentle toner and the correct eye cream for your age and gently tap it on the eye bone.

Some basic general do’s and don’ts to help keeping the skin soft and healthy:

 Drink plenty of water. Water plays a crucial role maintaining the elasticity of skin.

 Stay out of the sun. Overexposure to ultraviolet rays causes melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells, to  mature abnormally. This results in age spots and uneven pigmentation. UV rays are responsible for up to 90% of aging and can add several years to your appearance.

 Wear sunglasses to avoid squinting.

 Get plenty of rest/sleep. Fatigue can cause skin to look pale and gaunt.

 Be gentle when removing makeup and avoid unnecessary tugging and pulling on the delicate tissue.

 Use a professional, specific skin care eye cream for your age group.

 Don’t smoke. Nicotine constricts blood vessels in the face and under the eyes. Constricted vessels also make it difficult for nutrients to be absorbed, which leads to a breakdown of collagen.

 Excessive drinking can cause dehydration, so limit yourself to a glass or two of wine every week.

 Eat a healthy diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.

 Apply all eye skin care products with a massage and tapping around the eye bone.

The skin around the eyes

The anatomy of the skin around the eyes, also referred to as the adnexa is unique to the face and body. The skin around the eyes is thinner and more sensitive, in fact ten times thinner than skin in other parts of the body, and as we age, it becomes even thinner due to the breakdown of collagen. It also has no sebaceous glands that produce extra oil onto the skin. This means no oil, and dry skin.

It is important to understand not only the anatomy of this area, but also the muscles involved as well as the process of skin cell renewal to completely know how to care for this delicate area.

The Orbicularis Oculi muscles are circular sphincters which surround the eyes and close the eyelids. They relax when sleeping and can be used independently as when winking. The Levator Palpebrae Superioris muscles sit on the eyelids, open the eyelids and work as an antagonist to the Orbicularis Oculi. The Corrugator Supercilii muscles are located in the orbital arch and draw the eyebrows inwards and downwards causing the vertical lines on the forehead when frowning

Eyelid skin is made up of several layers. The subcutaneous layer, the deepest of all, contains a fine layer of fascia, which lies top of the Orbicularis Oculi muscle. Another layer acts as the support layer of the skin, which is the dermis. The dermis is made up of threadlike proteins including elastin and collagen, fibroblasts, nerves and blood vessels. The top layer, the epidermis, is made up of basal cells, melanocytes, Langerhans cells, keratinocytes and on top, the dead cell layer (also known as the stratum corneum) made up of corneocytes. The epidermal layer gives the skin its appearance, colour, suppleness, texture, and health.

Basal cells reproduce new cells every few days. As these cells migrate upward, they become drier and flatter. Once they reach the surface of the skin, they are no longer alive, and are referred to as corneocytes. This process of migration from basal cell to corneocytes is what gives the epidermis the ability to regenerate itself. This skin renewal process is known as desquamation. Desquamation is an ongoing process that takes about two weeks in a young person and about 37 days for individuals over 50. The build up of corneocytes gives skin a callous or dry, aged and thickened look. The skin feels and looks rough and its ability to retain water becomes impaired.

The skin around the eyes is some of the thinnest, most delicate skin of your entire body. The capillaries are much closer to the surface of the skin there. Many people's skin is not only thinner around the eyes, but also more translucent. That is the basis of most of the problems that we experience around the eyes; dark circles, puffiness and fine lines and wrinkles