Are you surprised when you wake up and see a puffy-eyed woman staring back at you from the mirror? Did you know you are setting yourself up for a 'downer day' by neglecting what your body desperately needs? Subconsciously, we all know what our bodies need - a good night's sleep, a healthy diet, regular exercise, and a consistent skincare routine. 

The appearance of puffy eyes in the morning makes us look even more tired than we are, and that is no way to face the day. Let Team TRIXSENT share more about what causes puffy eyes and how you can reduce them.

The Why of Puffy Eyes

It is no secret that the tissues and muscles supporting our eyelids weaken as we age. This, in itself, is not unusual; it happens around the same time we start to lose elasticity in our skin, which is caused by the depletion of collagen.

Sun exposure is tough on the eyelids, which are more delicate than the rest of the face and are often one of the first to show signs of drooping, fine lines, and wrinkles. A natural loss of collagen over time also contributes to this. The upper eye area ages similarly, causing extra skin to slack, making it more challenging to apply makeup as precisely as in the past. 

Many factors contribute to puffy eyelids, including the following:

• Fluid retention: Our bodies reflect the weather! Notice how you feel different on hot, humid days?
• Salty foods: Extra soy sauce? Hot sauce? Both have a high concentration of sodium and cause water retention and puffy eyes.
• Lack of sleep: Our eyes reflect sleep deficiencies.
• Allergies or dermatitis: Should we talk allergy season all year round?
• Sun damage: Can result in skin colour (hyperpigmentation), skin laxity and fine lines and wrinkles

Dark Under-Eye Circles 

You might be surprised to learn that genetics is one of the most common causes of dark under-eye circles! Some people are genetically predisposed to dark under-eye skin, and others are not.

A diet high in sodium can make eyes swell, creating darker tones below your eyes. Sometimes dark under-eye circles indicate allergies, alcohol and tobacco use, and/or vitamin deficiencies due to an unbalanced diet. 

Under-Eye Bags & Discolouration

Mild swelling or puffiness under the eyes is expected as we age. Tissues around the eyes weaken. The space below your eyes can accumulate fluid, making the under-eye area appear puffy or swollen. And like dark circles, eating salty foods means you can expect puffy eyes in the morning, especially if you're susceptible to water retention. Inadequate sleep, allergies, smoking, alcohol and genetics can significantly affect their appearance. 

Treatments for Your Puffy Eyes

• While puffy eyes and dark circles are not severe, they can be challenging cosmetically. At-home remedies, such as cool compresses, can help improve the appearance of bags under the eyes. Slices of cool cucumbers or chilled, wet teabags placed over your closed eyes for 10 to 15 minutes are refreshing, and help reduce swelling. 
• If you are seeking to smooth out the puffy skin, a Jade Roller is touted to do everything from sculpting, toning and firming skin to reducing puffiness, minimizing fine lines, improving elasticity and detoxifying.

• Add a Gua Sha routine to your morning! Gua Sha has been credited with improving fine lines, plumping, lifting and brightening the skin. It does this by stimulating lymphatic drainage and circulating fluids throughout the skin. It is a great tool to elevate your skin outcomes and bring your glow up.

• Use Under-Eye Patches as needed. Unlike a sheet mask or a traditional skincare face mask, these patches are formulated specifically for your delicate under eyes to target eye-specific issues like fine lines. Uniquely curved and formulated to stay put, they are great to apply under a clean, dry under-eye whenever you are feeling puffy or swollen.
• Avoid salty proteins, snacks and processed foods. Getting enough quality rest is essential for many reasons. Work towards getting as much uninterrupted sleep as possible. Limit your alcohol and tobacco intake, which dehydrates the body and drink plenty of water. And last, use an organic, high-quality, Vitamin C-infused under-eye cream formulated to help reduce puffiness.

We are all about natural, organic and cruelty-free skincare here at TRIXSENT. In addition to the above advice, using natural skincare products created to combat the signs of aging, including serums, cleansers and creams, is advised. 

If you are interested in how the TRIXSENT Therapy Oils can benefit you and your skin, please reach out to us via the Contact page. A Team TRIXSENT member will follow-up with you.