How to Improve Lymphatic Drainage and Reduce Under-Eye Puffiness
One of the most common causes of under-eye bags is fluid retention. Here's how to avoid it
Before you start addressing under-eye bags, it's important to understand their cause. If they are due to allergies, eyelid hernias, or kidney issues, no cosmetic procedures or products will be able to eliminate them. In such cases, it's necessary to consult a doctor.
If medical factors are not the cause, the following reasons could be contributing to under-eye puffiness:
- Lack of sufficient sleep
- Poor diet
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Improper skincare routine
- Age-related changes
- Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and other factors
How to Reduce Under-Eye Puffiness
Establish a Sleep Routine. A lack of sleep or excessive sleep can lead to fluid accumulation under the eyes. The best approach is to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, aiming for about 8–8.5 hours of sleep.
Monitor Your Diet and Stay Hydrated. Very salty or spicy foods, as well as fast food, can lead to puffiness. Surprisingly, dehydration can also cause swelling, so be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Engage in Physical Activity. Whether you exercise or simply go for a walk, it will help stimulate lymphatic flow.
Massage. Gua Sha massage improves skin tone, enhances blood circulation, and reduces puffiness. For the eye area, you can use special mushroom-shaped massagers.
Skincare for the Eye Area
To avoid provoking puffiness, don’t apply cream right before bed; instead, do so 1.5 hours before lying down. Use a cream specifically designed for the eye area and avoid applying it to the mobile eyelid. Also, remove makeup with products intended for the delicate skin around the eyes. Always check the expiration dates of your cosmetics.
What to Do if You Need to Quickly Reduce Puffiness
- Wash your face with cool water.
- Perform a Gua Sha massage. Start from the décolleté and neck area, gradually moving upwards. All movements should be directed from the bottom up and from the center outwards.
- Apply a cooling eye cream.
- Use facial patches made from stone beads, which can also be used for a gentle massage.
