Everything from allergies to insomnia can cause puffy, dark circles under the eyes. Instead of coping with eye bags or spending a lot of cash on products from the drug store, a cheap and effective remedy for puffy eyes and under eye circles can be made at home.
Why Eyes Get Dark Circles or Swollen
There are many blood vessels just under the thin skin under and around the eyes, making them sensitive. Factors such as stress, allergies, crying and hormonal changes can cause these blood vessels to swell. Sleeping on your stomach may also cause blood to pool in the small veins under the eyes, creating puffiness and blue, green, or brown shadowing that looks much like a bruise. Although under eye swelling usually goes away in a few hours on its own, sometimes dark circles or puffiness seem to be permanent. A simple home treatment can get rid of the problem.
Remedy for Dark Circles or Puffiness Under Eyes
The following list of ingredients to reduce bags or bruising under the eyes are cheap and easy to find at your local drug store or online.
- Empty 4oz bottle with lid
- 100% pure chamomile essential oil
- Witch hazel
- Cotton balls or cotton cosmetic pads
Mix together in the empty bottle 4oz of witch hazel and four drops of chamomile essential oil. Put the lid on the bottle and shake well. Store in the refrigerator until needed.
To use the homemade solution, dampen two cotton balls or cotton cosmetic pads with the cool witch hazel and chamomile liquid. Lay down and place one cotton ball over each closed eye. Be sure to lay your head on a pillow to help raise your head above heart level since this also helps to reduce swelling under the eyes.
Rest for five minutes or so while the puffy eye treatment takes effect. Avoid opening your eyes with the compresses on since the mixture will sting. Once the dampened cotton balls are removed, let your skin dry before opening your eyes. This mixture can be used as needed, or even on a daily basis.
How The DIY Puffy Eye Treatment Works
Since witch hazel is high in tannins, it has an astringent effect that helps to tighten tissue and reduce swelling. The chamomile essential oil helps to stimulate the flow of blood in the veins beneath the eyes and is also an anti-inflammatory. Keeping the solution in the refrigerator keeps it cold, which helps reduce swelling.
If this remedy doesn’t help and under eye circles or swelling is accompanied by blurred vision, pain or discomfort, contact your optometrist to rule out any medical conditions that may require further treatment.
Kelly Wallace - Kelly is a seasoned freelance writer, multi-published author, radio show host, teacher, speaker and highly acclaimed intuitive ...
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