Having chronic dark circles, bags or puffiness under the eyes can be upsetting. These cosmetic frustrations are sometimes caused by immutable factors such as genetics or age. However, they are more typically caused by variable lifestyle or environmental factors, including fluid retention, allergies, diet, too little sleep or too much alcohol. In these circumstances, there are many natural means by which you can reduce or eliminate these less-than-attractive eye conditions.
Change Your Sleep Habits
Eye puffiness, bags and dark circles can be caused by your sleep habits. When you don’t get enough sleep, the skin under your eyes can appear paler than normal, making the network of blood vessels in this area become more apparent. The increased visibility of these blood vessels show up as dark circles under your eyes. In addition, when you haven’t slept enough, you may be prone to rubbing your eyes, which engorges the blood vessels under the eye and making your eyes appear puffy.
To avoid sleep-related cosmetic problems, Natural Eye Care recommends that you get at least eight hours of sleep per night. In addition, to avoid morning eye puffiness, elevate your head with a pillow or two while you sleep. When you lie flat, fluid collects beneath the eyes making them puffy. Sleeping with your head slightly elevated allows fluid to continue to circulate.
Avoid Salt
Eating foods that are high in sodium can cause puffy, baggy eyes. Salt cause the body to retain water, which can collect underneath the eyes. If you believe your eye puffiness is caused by excess salt, take a good look at your diet and eliminate high-salt foods. These may include pretzels, potato chips, salted nuts, canned soup, processed foods and all kinds of junk food.
Use Cold Compresses
The appearance of dark circles and eye puffiness are often caused by swollen blood vessels. Blood vessels can become engorged for many reasons, but is commonly caused by crying, allergies or rough contact (such as rubbing). Putting a cold compress on the eyes can reduce vessel swelling and restore your eyes to their normal state. Daily Glow.com recommends putting slices of cold raw potatoes or cool cucumber slices over the eyes to lessen swelling. Leave the slices in place for 15 to 20 minutes and then rinse your eyes with warm water and apply a moisturizing cream.
Applying cool, wet teabags to the eyes can also improve the cosmetic eye problems. Mother Nature.com notes that tea contains tannin, which is a natural astringent that may help reduce swelling. For best results, soak the tea bags in ice water until they are thoroughly cool, wrap them in a tissue and apply them to the eyes for five minutes.
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