In the last few years, I have noticed more circles and slight puffiness under my eyes. While I have products I use for this, it’s become more noticeable in recent times.
This is most likely due to the increased amount of time I now spend in front of the computer daily. There are more causes of under-eye circles and puffy eyes as well.
I’ll be covering these reasons and sharing 3 DIY recipes for under-eye circles, puffy eyes, and baggy eyelids.
What Causes Under-Eye Circles & Puffy Eyes?
1. Lack of Sleep or Disturbed Sleep Cycle
Lack of sleep, too much sleeping, and excessive interruption of your sleep cycle can lead to under-eye circles and puffy eyes.
When I was sleep deprived at a previous job, there were two forceful ways my body reacted to it.
Loads of acne and huge puffy eyes. I looked 15 years older than I really was.
It is not possible to cheat sleep without consequences in the short-term.
2. Bad Diet
A diet composed of excessive salt and fatty foods can be contributing factors to puffy eyes. Excessive salt consumption also causes fluid retention.
3. Excessive Crying
This one is standard. Crying will cause puffy eyes but this type of puffiness should dissipate after a good night’s rest.
Too much may lead to something that will require some treatment to remove.
4. Dehydration
Our body needs water to process everything and remain healthy. Without enough water, the skin begins to look dull and puffy including the eye area.
5. Aging
While aging leads to thinner skin due to the loss of fat and collagen required to maintain skin’s elasticity, one can still do a few things to mitigate the effects of this process.
6. Genetics
If under-eye circles, puffy eyes, and baggy eyes are common in your family, it is likely you will have the same issues. It may even appear when you’re still young.
7. Eye Strain
As I mentioned above, staring at my computer a lot without frequent breaks has led to some unwelcome circles under my eyes.
This isn’t an exhaustive list but these are the most common reasons. Under-eye circles and puffy eyes are common in a lot of people including children.
In recent times, I’ve started boosting the work of my very effective eye cream with some additional oil treatments, which I’ll be sharing in this article.
How to Get Rid of Under-Eye Circles and Puffy Eyes
Coconut Oil and Potato Poultice for Under Eye Circles
Ingredients
- 2 slices of potato
- A bit of coconut oil
Directions
- Rub coconut oil lightly on one side each potato slice
- Lie down and close your eyes then place one slice each on your eyes with the coconut side facing your eyes.
- Wait for half an hour then rinse off with lukewarm water. You can listen to relaxing music while waiting.
- When your face is dry, apply a few drops of coconut oil under each eye and massage gently in circular motions for a few minutes until absorbed.
- Apply your eye cream thinly over the coconut oil and leave in overnight. Repeat the process every evening.
My favorite brands of coconut oil include Trader Joe’s Organic Virgin Coconut Oil and Carrington Farms Organic Coconut Oil.
Trader Joe’s Organic Virgin Coconut Oil
Carrington Farms Organic Coconut Oil
Sweet Almond Oil, Vitamin E Oil and Cucumber Poultice for Under Eye Circles
Ingredients
- 2 slices of fresh cucumber
- 1 teaspoon of sweet almond oil
- 3 drops of vitamin E oil
Directions
- This remedy is particularly useful for circles that appear black. Place the freshly sliced cucumber over each eye.
- Leave on for 30 minutes then rinse your eyes.
- Afterward, mix the sweet almond oil with the vitamin E oil and apply it under each eye.
- Massage in the same way as above until the oil is absorbed then leave on overnight. Repeat every evening.
My favorite brands of sweet almond oil include Life-Flo Pure Almond Oil and Piping Rock Sweet Almond Oil.
Life-Flo Pure Almond Oil
Piping Rock Sweet Almond Oil
Coconut Oil and Sweet Almond Oil Poultice for Under Eye Circles
Ingredients
- 1/2 teaspoon of sweet almond oil
- 1/2 teaspoon of sweet almond oil
Directions
- Mix the coconut oil and sweet almond oil in your palm then apply under your eyes after cleansing
- Massage in gentle circles until the oil is absorbed.
- Wait 5 minutes, then apply your usual under eye cream very lightly over the area. Massage again.
- Leave overnight. Repeat every day.
For the vitamin E oil in this article, go for the vitamin E oil with 70,000 IU, which is the purest form such as Sundown Naturals Vitamin E Oil.
Sundown Naturals Vitamin E Oil
You don’t have to practice all the 3 methods above at once. Start with one and maintain for about a month to see if there is an improvement.
If not, move on to the next suggestion. This way, you are able to isolate and eliminate what isn’t working.
The second recommendation above is my favorite and the one I’ve stuck to over the last few months.
I alternate it with my under eye cream so if I use the sweet almond oil, vitamin E oil, and cucumber poultice on Sunday, I use my under eye cream on Monday, etc.
Do be careful when applying each mix and don’t let it get into your eyes. While not harmful, it will likely irritate your pupils.
Over application will not produce faster results. Apply the recommendations in moderation and focus on consistency.
It takes some patience to completely eliminate puffy eyes and under-eye circles.
Keep in mind you also need to eliminate or reduce other parts of your lifestyle causing these issues as well.
Popular Commercial Eye Creams
- Clinique Repairwear Anti-Gravity Eye Cream
- Bobbi Brown Hydrating Eye Cream
- Mario Badescu Hyaluronic Eye Cream
- NARS – Total Replenishing Eye Cream
- Shiseido White Lucent Anti-Dark Circles Eye Cream
Share your DIY recipe for under-eye circles and puffy eyes in the comments section.
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