While the eyes themselves get a lot of exercise--on average, a person blinks 10,000 times daily--the area around the eyes is delicate and sensitive, and also low on blood and lymphatic circulation. An absence of muscles often means that it's one of the first parts of the face to show sagging and puffiness. Puffy eyes could also be a result of fluctuating hormone levels, fluid retention due to pregnancy or illness, genetic or allergies.
Chilled Eye Masks
According to SmartSkinCare.com, chilled gel eye masks of any kind work in reducing puffiness by constricting blood vessels and reducing the inflow of fluid into soft tissues. You can get similar effects at home by using chilled cucumbers and grated potatoes. The starch in the potatoes acts as a soothing anti-inflammatory agent. Cooled tea bags also work, as the caffeine in the tea helps constrict blood vessels and reduce swelling. Other natural ingredients often used in spa creams include rosemary and tangerine peel oil, both known to be anti-inflammatory agents.
Collagen
Collagen and elastin are proteins which help the skin retain its elasticity. The sensitive skin around the eyes tends to weaken and lose its elasticity as people age, resulting in bags or puffiness. According to the Skincare-new.com, spa products containing collagen work by hydrating the skin around the eyes. They may also contain ingredients like retinol, vitamin C and peptides, which stimulate collagen production.
Lymphatic Massage
The lymph glands are located throughout the body, and when swollen, can cause puffiness around the eye area. Traditionally, the glands around the eyes were massaged to drain fluid from them in a manual stimulation method developed by D. Emile Vodder. More recently, Catherine Atzen is credited with the development of Lyphobiology, which includes a combination of lymphatic drainage massage with a LymphMed machine, in combination with natural botanical and marine extract products to drain the fluids from around the eye area and reduce puffiness.
Under Eye Massager
Under eye massagers or rollers work similarly to manual stimulation, but are often filled with a cooling gels which are released in incremental amounts. The combination of massage and gel works to stimulate the area below and around the eyes to drain the lymphatic glands and reduce puffiness.
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