Know The 13 Essential Oils for Puffy Eyes

“One groggy morning, I gazed into the mirror and almost jumped back – my eyes were puffier than a marshmallow pillow! OMG, it was like my face had a party while I was sleeping, and my eyes got the memo, but I didn’t. Remembered what my grandma used to say, “Darling, puffy eyes are the new cool – it’s like a sleepover for your face! Well, no”

Puffy eyes can be a downer, making us look tired and aged, especially when we have to go meet someone. But, before you reach for the cold compress or concealer, consider the natural powerful essential oils for puffy eyes. These concentrated botanical extracts offer a wealth of benefits for the delicate under-eye area, from lowering inflammation and boosting circulation to even promoting lymphatic drainage and hydration.

Here, we’ll delve into the fascinating world of essential oils for puffy eyes. We’ll explore the effectiveness of the oils, highlight the best essential oils for puffy eyes, and provide safe and easy DIY recipes to help you achieve brighter, more radiant eyes. So, worry not, and receive the revitalizing properties of essential oils. Get ready to discover how these nature’s gems can transform your peepers and leave you looking refreshed and rejuvenated.

Understanding Puffy Eyes

Puffy eyes (known as periorbital edema or under eye bags) are simply the swelling of the tissues around your eyes. This is especially seen under-eye area. What causes this swelling? This swelling is caused by a build-up of fluid, thereby making your eyes look puffy and often giving you dark circles.

Imagine your eyes as delicate balloons. When they’re well-rested and hydrated, the balloons are nice and plump, but not bulging. But if too much fluid gets trapped inside the balloons, they start to puff up and look swollen. That’s what happens to your eyes when they get puffy.

Common Causes of Puffy Eyes

Here are some of the common reasons why your eye-balloons might get a little overinflated:

• Lack of sleep: When you don’t catch enough Zzzzz’s, fluid can pool under your eyes, leading to puffiness.
• Allergies: Allergies can cause inflammation and swelling in the tissues around your eyes, making them appear puffy.
• Crying: Shedding tears can irritate the delicate skin around your eyes and cause them to puff up.
• Diet: Eating too much salt can make your body retain fluids, which can show up as puffiness around your eyes.
• Dehydration: When you’re dehydrated, your body might hold onto fluids, leading to puffiness in your face, including your eyes.
• Aging: As you get older, the skin around your eyes loses collagen and elastin, making it more prone to sagging and puffiness.

13 Essential Oils for Puffy Eyes

Do these herbal cosmetics really reduce puffy eyes? The 4^th International Conference on Recent Innovations in Chemistry & Chemical Engineering published a report on the effect of medicinal plants as cosmetics, particularly puffy eyes. The study concluded that the active ingredients in the plant stimulated the lymphatic system and reduced puffiness. [1]

1. Lavender Essential Oil for Puffy Eyes

This calming oil possesses anti-inflammatory properties, helping soothe puffiness and promote lymphatic drainage. Its gentle nature makes it suitable for even sensitive skin.

2. Rosemary Essential Oil for Puffy Eyes

Known for its astringent properties, rosemary oil helps tighten the skin around the eyes, reducing puffiness and promoting circulation. Dilute it carefully due to its potency. The antimicrobial properties of Rosmarinus officinalis are also useful in dealing with puffy eyes due to some infections. The Journal of Infections in Developing Countries did an experiment on essential oils in ocular pathology with positive findings. [2]

3. Chamomile Essential Oil for Puffy Eyes

The chamomile oil has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergenic properties. It is ideal for combating puffiness which is caused by allergies or irritation. Its calming aroma can also promote restful sleep, addressing puffiness at its source.

4. Cypress Essential Oil for Puffy Eyes

This oil with astringent properties helps decongest the delicate eye area, reducing puffiness and promoting lymphatic drainage. Its stimulating properties can also improve circulation and skin tone.

5. Sandalwood Essential Oil for Puffy Eyes

This luxurious smelling oil possesses cooling, anti-inflammatory, and hydrating properties that help reduce puffiness and soothe irritation. Its pleasant aroma also has a calming effect.

6. Helichrysum Oil for Puffy Eyes

Helichrysum oil is gentle yet effective in reducing inflammation and promoting skin regeneration. It can be a valuable addition to your routine for combating puffy eyes and maintaining skin health.

7. Frankincense Oil for Puffy Eyes

Renowned for its gentle nature, frankincense oil has anti-inflammatory benefits, making it perfect for reducing puffiness. Its mild aroma also contributes to a serene and relaxed feeling.

8. Geranium Oil for Puffy Eyes

Geranium oil helps balance oil production, making it suitable for all skin types. Its mild astringent properties can reduce under-eye puffiness and leave your skin feeling rejuvenated.

9. Cypress Oil for Puffy Eyes

Cypress oil has astringent properties, albeit mild in nature. It can improve circulation and reduce fluid retention of puffy eyes, thereby making it effective in minimizing the appearance of puffy eyes.

10. Ylang Ylang Oil for Puffy Eyes

Known for its calming and soothing effects, ylang-ylang oil helps alleviate stress and tension that may contribute to puffy eyes. Its delicate fragrance adds a touch of luxury to your skincare routine.

11. Neroli Oil for Puffy Eyes

With its gentle floral aroma, neroli oil helps improve skin elasticity and reduce puffiness. Its mild nature makes it suitable for those with sensitive skin around the eyes.

12. Grapeseed Oil for Puffy Eyes

Grapeseed oil is a lightweight option that easily absorbs into the skin. It contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, making it ideal for diminishing under-eye puffiness.

13. Palmarosa Oil for Puffy Eyes

Palmarosa oil has mild astringent properties, making it beneficial for tightening and toning the skin. It can help reduce puffiness while leaving a subtle, pleasant scent.

How To Use Essential Oils For Puffy Eyes?

Remedy with essential oils for puffy eyes is a simple and effective process for eye puffiness. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to include them into your skincare routine:

1.   Dilute: Start by diluting the essential oil with a carrier oil. Popular carrier oils include jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, or coconut oil. Mix a few drops of essential oil with a teaspoon of the carrier oil to ensure proper dilution.

2.   Test on a small patch: Before applying the mixture to your under-eye area, perform a patch test on a small area of your skin to check for any adverse reactions. This step is essential, especially if you have sensitive skin.

3.   Apply carefully: Using clean fingertips or a cotton ball, gently apply the diluted essential oil mixture to the puffy areas around your eyes. Be cautious to avoid direct contact with your eyes.

4.   Massage gently: Lightly massage the oil into the skin using circular motions. This not only helps with absorption, but also improves blood circulation, reducing puffiness.

5.   Leave it overnight: For an overnight treatment, apply the essential oil mixture before bedtime. This allows the oils to work their magic while you sleep, promoting a refreshed look in the morning.

6.   Use as a Compress: Dip a clean cloth in warm water infused with a few drops of the diluted essential oil mixture. Gently place the compress over your (closed) eyes for 10-15 minutes. This can provide a soothing and refreshing effect.

7.   Daily Skincare Routine: Add a drop or two of your chosen essential oil to your regular eye cream or moisturizer. This way, you can get benefits of essential oils into your daily skincare routine.

8.   Be Consistent: To see lasting results, be consistent in your application. Incorporate essential oils into your skincare routine regularly, adjusting the frequency based on your skin’s response.

DIY Recipe Blends of Essential Oils for Puffy Eyes

Here are a few simple DIY recipes using essential oils to combat puffy eyes:

1. Soothing Lavender Oil Blend:

Ingredients:

• 2 drops lavender essential oil
• 1 teaspoon jojoba carrier oil

Instructions:

1. Take a small bowl and mix the lavender essential oil with jojoba oil.
2. Apply the mixture gently around the eyes before bedtime.
3. Leave it on overnight for a soothing and relaxing effect.

2. Special Cucumber Juice Eye Mask:

Ingredients:

• 1 drop chamomile essential oil or helichrysum essential oil
• 1 tablespoon cucumber juice.
• A small bowl

Instructions:

1. Combine chamomile essential oil with fresh cucumber juice.
2. Soak cotton pads in the mixture and place them on closed eyes for 10-15 minutes. Cleanse the region and wipe it dry.
3. The cooling effect of cucumber, along with chamomile’s anti-inflammatory properties, can help reduce puffiness.

3. Rejuvenating Rosemary Puff Treatment:

Ingredients:

• 2 drops rosemary essential oil
• 1 teaspoon virgin olive oil

Instructions:

1. Mix rosemary essential oil with coconut oil in a small container.
2. Gently massage the mixture around the eyes in circular motions.
3. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water.

4. Hydrating Frankincense & Almond Oil Eye Serum:

Ingredients:

• 3 drops frankincense essential oil
• 1/2 teaspoon sweet almond oil

Instructions:

1. Combine frankincense essential oil with sweet almond oil in a small dropper bottle.
2. Apply a small amount of the mixture to the under-eye area, avoiding contact with the eyes.
3. Use it as a part of your nightly skincare routine for hydration and reduced puffiness. Excess solution can be stored in a fridge.

5. Aloe Vera Gel Mask with a Hint of Frankincense:

Ingredients:

• 2 drops frankincense essential oil
• 1 drop of geranium essential oil
• 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel
• A small bowl

Instructions:

1. Mix frankincense and geranium essential oil with aloe vera gel.
2. Essential oils in this recipe must be mixed thoroughly.
3. Apply the mask around the eyes and let it sit for 15-20 minutes.
4. Rinse off with cool water for a calming and hydrating effect.
5. This recipe is also helpful for skin care, to treat wrinkles and get youthful look.

Precautions While Using Essential Oils For Puffy Eyes

Essential oils offer a natural approach to tackling puffy eyes, that’s indubitable. Anyhow, it’s crucial to prioritize eye safety when using them. Here are some key precautions to remember:

Prioritize Dilution:

• Never apply undiluted essential oils directly to your eyes or eyelids. It may cause irritation, inflammation, and even corneal damage.
• Always dilute them in a carrier oil including jojoba, olive, or coconut oil before use.

Always Patch Test:

• Perform a patch test on your forearm or thigh before using any essential oil blend near your eyes. Apply a small amount of the diluted oil and wait 24 hours to see if there’s any reaction.
• Some essential oils are more likely to cause irritation around the eyes, such as peppermint, eucalyptus, and clove oil. Hence, choose gentler ones like lavender, chamomile, and helichrysum when targeting this delicate area.

Avoid Direct Contact:

• When applying your chosen blend, be incredibly cautious not to get any oil directly into your eyes. Use cotton pads or your fingertips to gently dab the product onto the under-eye area, keeping a safe distance from your lashes and waterline. If roller bottle is your remedy, then do not roll very near to the eyes.
• If accidental contact occurs, immediately flush your eyes with cool, running water for several minutes. Do not rub, as this can spread the oil and worsen the irritation.

Consider Individual Sensitivities:

• Be mindful of any pre-existing eye conditions you might have, like allergies, dry eye, or conjunctivitis. Consult your doctor before using essential oils, as they may exacerbate these issues.
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women should exercise extra caution and consult their healthcare provider before using any essential oils, including around the eyes.

Remember:

• Store your essential oil blends in a cool, dark place and out of reach of children and pets.
• Essential oils are not intended to diagnose or prevent any disease. It should only be considered as a self-help aid. It is not a substitute for doctor’s advice.
• Discontinue use immediately if you experience any discomfort or irritation in your eyes.
• If your puffy eyes are persistent or severe, consult a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

Conclusion

Essential oils in your skincare routine can be a natural way to combat puffy eyes. The super easy DIY recipes provide a soothing and refreshing (and even fun) experience, utilizing the calming properties of multiple oils to reduce inflammation and promote a revitalized appearance. Experiment with these blends to find the perfect synergy for your unique skin, and embrace the beauty of naturally refreshed eyes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Source:

• Poy, D. and Tehrani, K., The effect of medicinal plants as cosmetics: Anti-Puff Eye cream.
• Cannas, S., Usai, D., Pinna, A., Benvenuti, S., Tardugno, R., Donadu, M., Zanetti, S., Kaliamurthy, J. and Molicotti, P., 2015. Essential oils in ocular pathology: an experimental study. The Journal of Infection in Developing Countries, 9(06), pp.650-654.