What gets rid of under-eye puffiness? We caught up with Goop’s Executive Beauty Director to learn more about puffy eyes, under-eye masks, and more.
Puffy eyes are a common problem affecting most people at some point in their lives. And some of us are genetically predisposed to under-eye puffiness which can make them a chronic problem. But there are quick-acting solutions that can bring some relief. Do under-eye masks actually work?
What causes puffy eyes
Puffy eyes occur when the area around the eyes becomes swollen or inflamed, causing a visible bulge or bag-like appearance. There are many potential causes of puffy eyes, including allergies, aging, fatigue, and fluid retention, along with genetics.
Jean Godfrey-June, Goop’s Executive Beauty Director, tells Ethos that while thicker skin would make fluids or swelling less visible, the skin under our eyes is exceptionally thin with no oil glands, “so any swelling or fluids collected there are more visible,” she said in an email.
As people age, the skin around the eyes becomes thinner and less elastic, which can cause fluid to accumulate in the area. In addition, the muscles and ligaments that support the eyes may weaken, leading to further puffiness and bags under the eyes.
Fatigue is another common cause of puffy eyes. When people are tired, their bodies may retain more water, which can cause fluid to accumulate around the eyes. A lack of sleep can also cause the blood vessels around the eyes to dilate, which can lead to further inflammation and swelling.
Fluid retention is another potential cause of puffy eyes. When the body retains water, it can cause swelling and inflammation in various parts of the body, including around the eyes. Fluid retention can be caused by a variety of factors, including dehydration, poor diet, hormonal changes, and certain medications.
Other potential causes of puffy eyes include sinus problems, alcohol consumption, and certain medical conditions such as thyroid disorders and kidney disease. In some cases, puffy eyes may be a symptom of a more serious underlying condition, such as an infection or an autoimmune disorder (and should be evaluated by a medical professional).
But Godfrey-June says heredity is typically the primary factor. “Allergies can also really exacerbate it,” she says.
Depuffing puffy eyes — do under-eye masks work?
Goop recently launched Goopgenes Lift + Depuff Eye Masks to help tackle the issue. Godfrey-June says they’re made with fast-acting, skin-boosting ingredients like honey locust seed extract, olive leaf stem cells, and niacinamide. “The masks nourish and energize skin on contact and over time,” she says. The pre- and postbiotic marine plankton, polysaccharides (galactomannans) from honey locust seeds deliver lifting, depuffing, and firming.
“What’s interesting about these masks is that they’re designed for daily use, so you can use them whenever you’ve got ten minutes as a no-makeup move to wake up your whole face,” Godfrey-June says.
“They’re great in the mornings before a meeting, or in the evening before a date or a party. We also love to use them while we’re taking a bath. Whenever you use them, smooth the masks over cleansed skin and leave on for ten minutes. Gently pat in the leftover serum once finished — it’s amazing,” she says.
Goop founder Gwyneth Paltrow certainly agrees. She was recently spotted wearing the eye masks during a work meeting. “You can use the masks as part of an everyday routine, and also anytime you need an instant pick-me-up–I use them in the morning while drinking my coffee, during meetings (SORRY NOT SORRY), or before a party,” she told a fan on Instagram.
There is no shortage of under-eye masks on the market aimed at depuffing, including reusable options you can pop in your freezer. But most any cold compresses can also work in a pinch and help to keep your beauty routine more sustainable.
Godfrey-June says that if you have allergies (seasonal allergies and sometimes food sensitivities, too), it’s a good idea to get them treated for a number of reasons, including those puffy eyes.
She also recommends sleeping on your back and using some gentle massage. “We love Jillian Dempsey’s vibrating t-bar, but you can massage with anything cool, from a Gua Sha tool or a face roller to a cool stone,” she says. “And the old standard, cucumber slices can help cool, too.”
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