Why do we have to deal with under-eye bags? Waking up with puffy eyes is very frustrating and can be quite embarrassing , not to mention it makes you look OLDER!  Under-eye bags has many characteristics which range from ageing, allergies, lack of sleep, the way you sleep, a diet loaded with sodium, alcohol, dehydration , make-up with formaldehyde and hormones.  I’ve researched and figured out a way to reduce the appearance of under-eye bags with quick fixes and  long-term strategy goals.

1. Buttermilk and Turmeric

Pinch of turmeric and 2 tablespoons of buttermilk, mix ,dab around your eyes and leave on for 20 minutes. Turmeric is great for dark circles, wrinkles and is anti-inflammatory.   Buttermilk is naturally loaded with probiotics and is very rich in lactic acid. Lactic acid is known to soften, brighten and exfoliate your skin. This makes buttermilk acidic and astringent so it can help treat any discoloration on your face or under your eyes including age spots, freckles and most importantly those pesky dark under eye circles! Added bonus is it helps to tighten the skin.

2.    Tea bags

Put 2 used tea bags in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Lie down and put the tea bags over your eyelids. Leave them in place for 10 to 15 minutes. Green or black tea bags can help soothe puffy and irritated eyes. The tea  contains an  anti-irritant property that will help to reduce swelling around your eyes. Tea bags can also relieve redness and inflammation.

3. Cold Spoons

Always keep a few metal spoons in your refrigerator or place them in the freezer for 5 minutes. Hold the rounded side against your eye for a few moments until the spoon is warm again. Once it becomes warm replace it with another  cold spoon. This is such a simple home remedy that is surprisingly very effective. It not only helps to tighten the skin around your eyes but it also relaxes the  blood vessels.

4. Cold Cucumbers

Cut a clean cucumber into thick slices. Put your cucumber in the refrigerator  to chill for  10 minutes. Lay the cold slices on your closed eyelids for about 10 minutes or until they become warm. you can repeat this process a few times. The enzymes and the astringent properties in cucumbers help reduce inflammation and also help to tighten  your skin. Cucumbers have an added bonus where it can reduce dark circles too.

5. Water

Water helps to flush out toxins in  your body. try to keep your body well hydrated to avoid any chance of water retention that will cause your under-eye area  to swell. Drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water each day. You can divide your body weight by 2 and those are how many ounces you are “supposedly” to drink per day.

6. Egg Whites

Separate the yolks from 2 eggs and put the whites in a bowl. Whip the egg whites thoroughly until you get a stiff consistency. Add a few drops of witch hazel, a natural skin-tightening astringent. Use a brush or soft cloth to apply this mixture under your eyes and allow it to dry. Leave it on for about 15 minutes. Egg whites have skin-tightening properties that can help banish under-eye bags as well as help prevent wrinkles.

Another egg white recipe…

• 1 egg white
• 2 teaspoons coffee grounds (Unused grounds are best because they contain the most caffeine but used grounds are fine if the coffee has just been made.)

Instructions

Combine the egg white and coffee in a small bowl. Beat mixture together with a fork until frothy, about 1 minute. With clean hands or a brush, apply the mask around and under the eyes. Avoid the eyelids because you don’t want to get it in your eyes. You can apply the mask to your entire face, if desired.

Let the mask dry for 10 minutes. You will definitely feel the mask tightening your skin! If it gets uncomfortable, go ahead and remove it before the 10 minutes are up. Use a soft, wet towel to gently clean off the mask. Finish with moisturizer. Discard any unused mask.

And while your eyes are brighter and tighter, you may feel an internal wake-up call as the caffeine absorbs through your skin. Not bad for a 10-minute mask, right?

7. Stop wearing make-up to bed

8. Change your sleeping position.

Sleeping on your stomach and side draws gravity to your face.

9. Gel Patches

Good old fashion cold gel facial patches that  you can purchase from the store works good. Place in the refrigerator to get cold and lay the patch across your face until it gets warm.

10. Avoid a high sodium diet

Eat right people. Eating a diet loaded in sodium will make you retain water!

11. Potato Slices

Peel, wash and dry a medium-size potato. Cut in 1/2 thick slices, then cut in half again. Place the raw potato on your eye bags, allow the juice of the potato to cover the entire swollen area. The starch in potatoes has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce the swelling.

12. Coconut oil and coffee grounds

In the palm of your hand mix equals amounts of raw coconut oil & fresh unused coffee grounds. 1/2 teaspoon each. Mix well. dab under your eye area and leave for 10 minutes. Gently wipe ( not rub) off your eye area. This can damage your skin.  Be careful not to get it in your eyes.  This antioxidant-rich caffeine mixture will  moisturize your skin while leaving it feeling fresh.

13. Frozen Cucumber Compresses

Cucumber has long been heralded as the DIY remedy for under-eye puffiness. With Vitamin K, cucumber skin can help to shrink capillaries, reduce the appearance of dark under-eye circles and restore eye skin to a healthy state. Plus, they’re water-dense to help plump, cool, hydrate and soothe for more youthful looking eyes.

DIY Frozen Cucumber Eye Pads

1 large cucumber
10-15 cotton pads

Blend cucumber (with skin) at high speed until liquified. Add small amounts of water to thin, if necessary. Soak cotton pads in the fresh cucumber juice before gently  squeezing out excess juice by pressing the pads between your palms. You want to eliminate any dripping excess, while maintaining as much saturation as possible. Place pads flat and separated in a plastic sandwich bags (you can fit about 6 in each bag)  and freeze to cool and preserve freshness. When your eyes need a pick-me-up remove 2 of the cucumber pads and thaw slightly before placing over your eyes for 10 minutes.

DIY Frozen buttermilk Cucumber Eye Pads

2 large cucumber

1/2 teaspoon of powdered matcha green tea

1 tablespoon of powdered buttermilk

1 cup of water

dash of turmeric
30 cotton pads cut in the shape of a crescent moon to fit around you eye

Blend everything at high speed until liquefied. it will be frothy but that’s okay. Soak cotton pads in the fresh buttermilk cucumber juice before gently  squeezing out excess juice by pressing the pads between your palms. You want to eliminate any dripping excess, while maintaining as much saturation as possible. Place pads flat and separated in a plastic sandwich bags (you can fit about 12 in each bag)  and freeze to cool and preserve freshness. When your eyes need a pick-me-up remove 2 of the cucumber pads and thaw slightly before placing over your eyes for 10 minutes.

Homemade skin tighten recipe

1/4 cup aloe gel

1 teaspoon of witch hazel

1 teaspoon of black or green tea juice

1 teaspoon of strong coffee juice

Use a q-tip to apply to the area and this can be stored in your refrigerator for 1-2 weeks.

Anti-wrinkle cream

5 drops of almond oil

1/8 slice of a fresh avocado

mash with a fork and blend well together. Apply on your face with a brush gently. Rinse off, gently, after 1 hour.

Another great tip! Keep your eye cream and facial cream in the fridge!  As we’ve been discussing cold temperature are like a compress and  will help reduce puffiness. it’s kind of like the killing two birds with one stone approach.

Always remember: Cold constricts, heat expands.

 

Disclaimer

The information and recipes contained in blog is based upon the research and the personal experiences of the author. It’s for entertainment purposes only. Every attempt has been made to provide accurate, up to date and reliable information. No warranties of any kind are expressed or implied. Readers acknowledge that the author is not engaging in the rendering of legal, financial, medical or professional advice. By reading this blog, the reader agrees that under no circumstance the author is not responsible for any loss, direct or indirect, which are incurred by using this information contained within this book. Including but not limited to errors, omissions or inaccuracies. This blog is not intended as replacements from what your health care provider has suggested.  The author is not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any of the suggestions, preparations or procedures discussed in this book. All matters pertaining to your health should be supervised by a health care professional. I am not a doctor, or a medical professional. This blog is designed for as an educational and entertainment tool only. Please always check with your health practitioner before taking any vitamins, supplements, or herbs, as they may have side-effects, especially when combined with medications, alcohol, or other vitamins or supplements.  Knowledge is power, educate yourself and find the answer to your health care needs. Wisdom is a wonderful thing to seek.  I hope this book will teach and encourage you to take leaps in your life to educate yourself for a happier & healthier life. You have to take ownership of your health.