Ways to reduce eye puffiness

Improving blood circulation is key to reducing and preventing puffiness around the eyes

Use your fingers to apply eye cream in a rolling circular motion under the eye, from the nose bridge towards the temple, to improve lymphatic drainage and ease puffiness.
Use your fingers to apply eye cream in a rolling circular motion under the eye, from the nose bridge towards the temple, to improve lymphatic drainage and ease puffiness. PHOTOS: ISTOCK, AUOLIVE, BENEFIT COSMETICS, CLINIQUE, ESTEE LAUDER, THREE

How can I prevent and treat puffy eyes?

Puffy eyes from lack of sleep, water retention or poor blood circulation can often make one look tired, unhealthy and older.

Mr Yasushi Ishibashi, founder of Japanese cosmetics label Three, says improving blood circulation is key to efficiently reducing and preventing puffiness around the eyes.

Look for eye products that are gentle, but help to firm and hydrate the skin.

Here are some other tips from Mr Ishibashi:

Application

To alleviate eye puffiness, use your fingers to apply eye cream in a rolling circular motion under the eye, from the nose bridge towards the temple. This will improve lymphatic drainage and ease puffiness.

Repeating the same motion along the brows towards the temples will also help decrease puffiness.

Massage as you apply other products

Do not stop at the eyes. You can also gently massage your face as you apply cleansing oil or moisturiser. This will also help improve blood circulation.

Drink more water

Make sure you are properly hydrated throughout the day to prevent water retention, which is often caused by drinking too little water.

Get more rest and exercise

The body, mind and skin are intricately linked.

Getting quality sleep, maintaining a nutritious diet and getting regular exercise all play a role in the health of the body and, in turn, the skin.

Quality sleep ensures that the cells have time to repair and rejuvenate.


Products to try

BALANCING TREATMENT EYE LOTION, $108, FROM THREE AT TANG PLAZA

An eye lotion with essential oils, botanical oils and botanical water. The label says the formula helps the skin around the eyes to stay firm, smooth and supple.

PEP-START EYE CREAM, $50, FROM CLINIQUE COUNTERS

A lightweight eye cream that is said to hydrate and brighten the delicate skin around the eye area. The formula is oil-free and works under and over make-up.

EYES LIFTER, $128, FROM AUOLIVE, AVAILABLE AT WWW. AUOLIVE.COM, SELECTED NAIISE STORES AT KATONG I12, SHAW CENTRE, THE CATHAY AND TANGS VIVOCITY

A brightening fragrance-free serum that does not contain parabens or alcohol.

FIRM IT UP! EYE SERUM, $67, FROM BENEFIT COSMETICS COUNTERS

A lightweight formula that absorbs easily into the skin, this serum is said to be able to tighten and brighten the skin around the eyes.

ADVANCED NIGHT REPAIR EYE CONCENTRATE MATRIX, $113, FROM ESTEE LAUDER COUNTERS

A moisturising formula with two types of hyaluronic acid, which the label says reduces fine lines and under-eye puffiness.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on October 19, 2017, with the headline Ways to reduce eye puffiness. Subscribe