Whether it’s because you stayed up past your bedtime or indulged in a second glass of wine after dinner, waking up with facial inflammation will start your day off on the wrong foot. While dark circles can easily be covered up with the right cosmetics, under-eye bags can be trickier to conceal. There are a number of things that cause facial swelling, but luckily, there are also many solutions to help you reduce puffiness.
Lifestyle
Let’s start with the basics. You won’t be surprised to hear that getting a good night’s sleep is probably the best thing you can do to ensure you wake up looking fresh and well-rested. So it’s important to improve the quality of your sleep in any way that you can. If you sleep on your side or stomach, you may be used to waking up looking a little swollen. Sleeping on your back can help by reducing the pressure you put on your face and improving circulation.
A diet that is high in sodium can contribute to inflammation, so reducing your salt intake is another way that you can combat puffiness. Allergies are a factor in facial inflammation, too, so it’s important to ensure you’re treating any environmental aversions you may have before diving into buying products to fix the problem. Caffeine wakes up your skin as much as it can stimulate the rest of your body, so the old trick of putting cold tea bags on your eyes can actually help, too!
Eye Creams
As we age, our skin naturally loses some firmness. So many of us find ourselves looking for products to help tighten things up. While you may already have a great eye cream for keeping your under-eyes hydrated, you need to look for some specific ingredients if you want a product that will combat puffiness as well.
Sunday Riley Auto Correct Brightening and Depuffing Eye Contour Cream, $65
Sunday Riley Auto Correct Brightening and Depuffing Eye Contour Cream is a product designed to tackle many under-eye concerns at the same time. It contains caffeine and Brazilian ginseng root extract, both of which specifically reduce puffiness.
Tata Harper Restorative Anti-Aging Eye Cream, $130
Tata Harper is one of the most popular clean beauty brands out there, and their Restorative Anti-Aging Eye Cream utilizes buckwheat wax to minimize under-eye bags.
Facial Massagers
Lymphatic drainage massage can provide many benefits, including reducing swelling and improving circulation. While you can perform it without any tools at all, a good facial massager makes it even easier.
Skin Gym Face Sculptor Beauty Roller, $69
There’s no need to go to the spa when you own the Skin Gym Face Sculptor Beauty Roller. It tones and sculpts your face, giving your skin a workout in the process.
Herbivore Jade De-Puffing Face Roller, $32
You may have noticed that in the last couple of years, jade rollers are everywhere. Herbivore Jade De-Puffing Face Roller is one of the most popular on the market and improves lymphatic drainage while also reducing the appearance of fine lines.
Clinique All About Eyes Serum Depuffing Eye Massage, $39
The Clinique All About Eyes Serum Depuffing Eye Massage is a two-in-one product that acts as both a serum and a massager. It hydrates and brightens, along with fighting against under-eye bags.
Pur Botanicals Ice Roller, $9.99
Did your mom keep spoons in her freezer to hold under her eyes after a bad night’s sleep? Well, she was on to something. Cold temperatures restrict your blood vessels, which can reduce puffiness. While frozen spoons can work wonders, many brands have come up with more elegant solutions. Many products combine the virtues of facial massage with cooling effects. The Pur Botanicals Ice Roller is a great pick that can even help with the absorption of your favorite skincare products.
Concealers
Concealers are designed to fight all manner of under-eye woes. But perhaps the most difficult issue to combat is stubborn bags. There are some products, however, that are crafted to specifically address that concern and create the illusion that you got a perfect eight hours of sleep.
Julep’s Cushion Complexion Concealer 5-in-1 Skin Perfector, $30
Julep’s Cushion Complexion Concealer 5-in-1 Skin Perfector contains turmeric, which reduces inflammation while also giving a brightening effect.
Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat All-Over Brightening Pen, $40
Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat All-Over Brightening Pen is a cult favorite among beauty junkies and has garnered generations of fans. There is some debate as to whether it’s actually a concealer. But you can’t deny that it illuminates the under-eye area, providing sheer coverage.
Adaptogens
Adaptogens have long been touted by herbal medicine advocates to promote homeostasis. While they may be novel in Western culture, they have a long history of use around the world. But now they are increasingly emerging as a popular addition to our beauty routines. These ingredients are all the buzz right now, and for good reason.
Ashwagandha is a root and leaf extract and a super-herb that helps your body fight the effects of stress. Some studies even say it can help with the effects of menopause! Add Moon Juice Ashwagandha to coffee, tea, smoothies, or even baked goods for a rejuvenating effect.
Wunder Workshop’s Golden Glow Supplement, $22
Inspired by Ayurveda, Wunder Workshop’s Golden Glow Supplement contains antioxidants as well as maca and ginseng. It will aid in balancing your hormones and make your skin radiate with health, making you look well-rested.
If you’re trying to reduce puffiness and inflammation, check out the foods to avoid on an anti-inflammation diet.
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