Puffy eyes can be described as mild bags under the eyes, usually due to old age, weakened eye tissues and muscles, or fat relocation around the eyes. There are various ways to prevent and treat puffy eyes, all of which will be discussed in this article. But first, let us elaborate on the causes of puffy eyes.
Causes of puffy eyes
There are several causes of puffy eyes, and these causes can range from mild to severe. Below are some of the major under eye bags causes and swollen eyelid causes:
Our skin becomes less elastic as we age, and some connective tissues become less hydrated. Combining these two changes generally results in thinner and less taut facial skin. The collagen and elastin, which give skin its firmness and durability, decrease with age, making the tissue around the eyes droop because the ligaments supporting it have been stretched and weakened.
- Alcohol consumption
When you drink alcohol, it usually has a dehydrating effect on your body. This further dilates the blood vessels, leading to a bloated appearance. This explains why the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) has advised moderate drinking (2 drinks per day for men and one per day for women).
- Sleep deprivation
Sleep deprivation means not getting enough sleep. According to a 2013 study on the effects of sleep deprivation on facial appearance, it was found that sleep deprivation can lead to under-eye swelling. The ocular muscles are particularly vulnerable to sleep deprivation. Collagen, the elastic tissue found beneath the eyelids, can also degenerate with time. Since fluid accumulates there, the skin under your eyes puffs out. This is one of the leading causes of puffy eyes in the morning.
- Allergies
According to a medical review, puffy eyes are a frequent symptom of allergies. This is due to the release of histamine, an immunological protein produced by mast cells in response to allergens. When this happens, the eyes will get irritated and moist. Tears help flush the pollen or other irritant from your eyes.
The accumulation of fluid in the area around the eyes is a common symptom of allergies, and puffiness under the eyes is one possible result.
- Eye infections
Research shows that infections such as red eye, conjunctivitis, and corneal ulcer/keratitis are common causes of puffy eyes. An eye infection can cause swelling under the eyes in one or both eyes. An infection in the eye or eyelid is possible. The infection and swelling usually start in one eye, but they can soon spread to the other.
- Increased consumption of sodium-rich foods
Salt is a vibrant source of sodium and what it does is that it makes the body retain water. According to research on salt and water retention, this fluid increase enables the body to retain sodium and fluid while excreting more significant sodium levels in the urine. When we overeat salt, our bodies keep approximately 1.5 litres of fluid, continuing as long as we ingest more salt.
This excess water retained in the body causes puffiness in the face and body, though the delicate skin around your eyes is more prone to puffiness. This is one of the reasons why you might wake up with swollen under-eye
- Cold weather/temperature
According to 2020 research, a moist climate is synonymous with healthy eyes. Whenever the weather is cold and dry, the moisture content of the body naturally tends to drop, leading to dehydration of the eyes, which can further lead to symptoms like blurred vision, itchiness, and burning sensations.
Frequent exposure to these harsh weather conditions can lead to symptoms like swollen itchy eyelids, under-eye swelling, and swollen upper eyelids. When this happens, a winter skincare routine should be considered.
- A sedentary lifestyle
Research shows that decreased physical activity and sedentary behaviour are some of the causes of puffy eyes. Gravity can lead to fluid buildup in your face if you lie down for extended periods. Even though you feel rested, this could also cause your eyes to appear particularly puffy in the morning.
Symptoms of puffy eyes
Some of the symptoms to know that you have puffy eyes are:
- Bags under eyes
- Swollen eyelid
- Swollen itchy eyelid
- Under eye swelling
- Swollen upper eyelid
Effective treatments for puffy eyes:
Here are some of the effective ways to get rid of bags under the eyes:
- Tea bags
Tea bags of black and green coffee teas have been shown to affect swollen and puffy eyes positively. Simply steep two tea bags like you want to drink them and then squeeze out the excess liquid from the bags, then apply the tea bags to your closed eyes for about 15 to 30 minutes.
Other teas that can help treat eye puffiness are eyebright, rooibos, and chamomile.
- Plastic surgery
Blepharoplasty, equally known as eyelid surgery, is a puffy eye treatment procedure that helps remove fat deposits that may be causing puffiness around the eyes. This procedure also helps tighten the muscles around the eyes, leaving a smooth appearance. This procedure is costly, and there could be some complications.
- Laser resurfacing
Laser resurfacing helps tighten the skin, thereby reducing puffiness around the eyes. It also stimulates the synthesis of collagen, which further lessens the visibility of wrinkles and fine lines. A 2022 study has shown that an endolift laser is a practical lower-eye bag treatment method.
- Eye creams
Using natural eye creams is one of the safest treatments for puffy eyes. This is because the eyes are the most sensitive part of the human body and should be handled with the utmost care, or the vision might be lost.
The Valuxxo revitalizing eye cream consists of natural ingredients such as jojoba oil, olive oil, Omega 3 and 6, and vitamin A, all of which work together to give a better and more radiant appearance to the eyes.
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Men’s Revitalizing Eye Cream£32.00
How to hide puffy eyes
As a man, you may not want to consider using makeup, even though they are one of the easiest ways to hide puffy eyes. So, you might want to consider some of these:
- Use soothing eye masks: They add moisture and radiance to the skin
- Elevate your head while you sleep: This can be done with pillows; it helps decrease the amount of fluid in the eye.
- Use a retinoid cream: This help reduces discolouration and the appearance of puffy and swollen eyes.
FAQs
How to get rid of puffy under eyes?
Some ways to get rid of puffy eyes include; using a cold compress, avoiding smoking, and staying away from things you know you are allergic to.
What drugs cause bags under the eyes?
These are some of the drugs that may cause under-eye puffiness:
Enazepril (Lotensin)
Captopril (Vasotec)
Lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril)
Moexipril, perindopril (Aceon)
Quinapril (Accupril)
Ramipril (Altace)
Trandolapril (Mavik).
What causes swelling under one eye?
Eye infection is one of the causes of swelling under one eye. This swelling can occur in one eye or both eyes. The condition can either occur on the eyelid (causing swollen upper eyelid) or below the eyes and can start from one eye and spread to the next in no time.
Are puffy eyes a symptom of something?
Puffy eyes are often a symptom of something. They can indicate that you’re having trouble sleeping or eating or even suffering from air pollution, allergies, and high blood pressure.
Are puffy eyes serious?
If you’re like most of the population and occasionally feel sleepy or stressed, your under-eye area will look a little puffy. This is pretty common and should not be a cause for worry. Puffy eyes (or “bags” under the eyes) can be caused by many things, such as allergies, lack of sleep, or crying. If a puffiness persists for more than three days in a row, it might indicate something more serious.
Does dehydration cause puffy eyes?
Yes, dehydration can cause puffy eyes. Lack of sleep, allergies, and stress may cause you to have puffy eyes. But if you’re not getting enough water and your body’s tissues are therefore dehydrated, dehydration might also contribute to your eye puffiness.
Can liver problems cause puffy eyes?
If you’re feeling tired and sluggish, constantly crying due to your puffy eyes, and not just because of a lack of sleep, you might have a liver problem. Certain conditions like cirrhosis can cause eyes to puff up. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should visit your doctor.
How to prevent puffy eyes
Drink plenty of water and avoid too much sodium intake. This will keep your skin healthy and supple and help prevent wrinkles. It’ll also help you sleep better at night!
Keep a humidifier with you overnight if your skin doesn’t experience problems outside of the winter season. This can encourage healthy skin cells to be produced more and will also help speed up the healing time of your skin if you develop any issues.
Lubricate your skin before bed with a soothing, hydrating moisturizer or cream to prevent the dryness that causes puffy eyes.
Avoid eye irritants and other harsh soaps or cleaners on your face when washing and using makeup, especially at night.
Make sure your pillowcases are clean and fresh. This can help prevent your skin from getting dry and causing puffy eyes. Using a soft, natural pillowcase or using one for each night of the week can help keep the oils from your hair from building up on your skin.
Check with a dermatologist if you notice any changes in your eyes or are concerned about any issues with them.
Conclusion
As earlier stated, the eyes are very sensitive and delicate, and you wouldn’t want to opt for treatment options that might cost you serious issues. This is why you should think of Valuxxo in eye skin care.
