Problem Solving: Puffy Eyes  

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Problem Solving: Puffy Eyes
by Natalie Katsman
http://www.natural-aid.com

Let's admit it: puffy eyes do not look very attractive. Some
people are born with them, but for most of us it is a sign of
aging. Even if you don't show the unsightly condition now, you
may develop it sometime down the road. Wouldn't it be helpful to
know to how to improve your looks, avoid the appearance of puffy
eyes or at least put it off as late as possible?

Puffiness occurs due any or all of the following reasons:

- Liquid retention.
This may be caused by allergy, irritation, illness,
lack of sleep or tiredness.

- Redistribution of fat caused by aging (surgical measures may
be necessary).

- Genetics
Puffy eyes are inherited and are caused by improper lymph
circulation or peculiarities of one's body.

- Internal disorders
Kidney, stomach or nervous system disorders often manifest
themselves with puffy eyes.

First of all, rule out the forth reason. Then, see if any of
these risk factors are present in your life: too much stress,
lack of sleep, late and lavish dinners and overindulging in
salty and smoked foods. Sometimes puffiness is caused by even
more trivial reasons, such as a wrong pillow. Raising your head
slightly above the body level should help. Pay attention to
cosmetics you use for your eye area. Those with thick and heavy
texture may also cause puffiness.

If, despite your perfect state of health, good eating habits,
adequate amount of sleep and right cosmetic choices, you still
end up with those baggy circles under your eyes, then the cause
of the problem may be anatomical. In some people, membrane that
separates the skin and underlying fibers is very thin. It thins
out even more with age, bringing the fibers closer to the skin
and thus giving your face that puffy look. In this case, massage
done by a professional can be quite effective.

Unless cause by internal disorders or genetics, puffiness under
eyes can be prevented. Cosmetologists recommend paying attention
to the delicate eye area starting at 20-25 years of age,
especially, if your relatives have this problem.

Avoid such risk factors as stress, unhealthy foods, beer and
strong alcoholic beverages - they all lead to water retention.
You may want to limit your fluid intake as well.

Look for light eye creams and gels with arnica, vitamin K,
collagen, elastin or hyaluronic acid.

Homemade treatments can also be effective. To reduce puffiness
and improve circulation, mix 2 teaspoon of sour cream and 1
teaspoon of finely chopped parsley, put mixture in cheesecloth
and apply to the eye area for 10-15 minutes.

Another easy recipe is grated potato, applied in the same manner
as the sour cream eye mask. These masks will produce visible
improvements if done 1-2 times a week.

Herbal compress is another natural treatment you can do at home.

Cover 1 tsp of sage leaves with 1/2 cup of boiling water and let
stand for 10 minutes. Filter the infusion and divide it into two
parts - warm and cold. Soak two gauze pads or cotton balls in
each bowl and apply to eyes: 10 minutes warm and 10 minutes
cold. Do this procedure every night during a month. Sage can be
substituted by chamomile or dill weeds.

Finish treatments with your favorite anti-puffiness eye cream.

All of the above measures, including massage, are also very
beneficial in preventing wrinkles and brightening the skin. You
don't have to wait for puffy eyes or wrinkles to show up. Do
something good for your skin now to keep it from aging.

(C) Natalie Katsman, 2004

Natalie Katsman is a co-founder of http://www.natural-aid.com,
where you can find fine quality aloe vera products for beauty
and well-being and subscribe to HealthySkin Newsletter filled
with beauty tips, recipes and information on herbal healing,
skin care and cosmetic chemistry.