Cheap Tricks for Puffy Eyes

Beauty Cred on 7 Oct 2008 at 5:39am
Cheap Tricks for Puffy Eyes

What price beauty? For puffy eyes, practically zip--if you follow these tips.

These puffy eye tricks are quick, easy, and inexpensive. And chances are, you already have them on hand--so you can soothe those tired eyes without hitting the beauty counters.

Dr. Jeannette Graf, a Long Island dermatologist, recommends these 3 natural solutions to de-puff eyes and give you that feeling of "ahhh...". Here's what she has to say:

1. Chilled Cucumber Slices

The cool temperature and astringent effect can help to constrict the skin blood vessels and capillaries lessening puffiness and dark circles caused by dilated blood vessels.

2. Chilled Tea Bags

Black tea bags (with caffeine) contain tannins which can be helpful for puffy eyes while the caffeine constricts dilated capillaries diminishing the dark circles. Read on for Dr. Graf's other tea tips.

3. Chilled Raw Potato Slices

Potato slices are used by many and can provide relief to puffy eyes. To prevent oxidation (browning) place raw slices immediately in water and refrigerate overnight.

Notice a common theme? While each natural soother above has properties unto itself that contribute to deflating puffy eyes, the added boost is in the chill. You can also try this with any eye gel you might have on hand--store it in the refrigerator to give tired eyes an extra pick-me-up.

Comments (3)

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David C. Pearson, MD (372 posts) 8 Oct 2008
A patient of mine actually suggested the following trick and so far we've been pleased with its effect: partly fill a zip-lock bag with light corn syrup and throw it in the freezer (yes, the freezer, not the fridge). The light corn syrup gets very cold, but won't freeze solid. It makes for a quick-n-dirty cold pack if you don't already have a commercially available gel ice-pack. The only downside we've found is that it tends to warm back up pretty quickly, so it might make sense to rotate between a couple or three.
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Sharon at RealSelf (Community Manager - 4,024 posts) 8 Oct 2008
I saw the same type of thing on Mythbusters that Dr. Pearson mentioned, but they used a vodka-water solution. The result was a malleable, homemade cold pack. Pretty neat.
Marty O. (1 post) 8 Oct 2008
Its true that 1/3 alcohol and the rest water will freeze but not solid. You can use rubbing alcohol and avoid the expensive vodka. Make sure the ziplock bag doesn't open on you. A seal-a-meal works great, just be careful when you are holding it up to seal it! And you don't have to suck all the air out if you don't want to...just most of it.

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