I’m over 40, and have three children. My eyes don’t look as young as they used to, and I sure could use some more sleep. I’ve noticed the bags under my eyes are more pronounced now, and the signs of ageing are there. I will grow old gracefully of course, but what can we do to reduce tired eyes, bags and sore eyes, apart from a spa day and a week’s holiday away from the children? Here are 15 amazing tips to rejuvenate your eyes, reduce swelling, puffiness and inflammation, and give you the best hope of looking awake, even if you’re struggling to stay awake.
Use sunscreen
Sun damage causes wrinkles and premature ageing, so use a moisturiser and make up with built in sun protection.
Diet
Reduce salt, sugar and fats in your diet and increase iron and vitamins. If you have hidden food allergies or intolerances, that could contribute to puffiness around the eyes.
Eye drops
For sore, tired eyes if sleep isn’t possible, consider using eye drops to lubricate and soothe the eyes. Here is a great guide on how to use eye drops to treat dry eyes. You can get some drops that are anti-histamine if allergies are your problem, and some that reduce redness.
Ditch the black eyeliner
If you use a black or dark eyeliner under the eye, every time you blink you could be smudging little deposits which can contribute to dark circles and make them more pronounced. Try a nude eyeliner instead.
Keep hydrated
Drinking plenty of water keeps the skin from drying out, and the eyes. Keep your body hydrated and your eyes will be too.
Caffeine
Eye creams that contain caffeine help reduce puffiness around the eyes. Apply in the mornings for the best results.
Vitamin C
Not just on the inside, you should use an eye cream with vitamin C, as it evens out the skin tones and can reduce the dark circles
My favourite eye creams with caffeine and vitamin C:
Use concealer
Use a peach tinted concealer and gently pat it under the eye so as not to drag the skin and cause more damage.
Eye mask
Use a beauty eye mask with natural anti-oxidants and cooling properties. Failing that, the classic cucumber works just as well!
Catch up on sleep
Yes I know, we’re busy mums and a lot of us have children that don’t co-operate with this concept of getting a nice 8-hour stretch minimum each night but try and rest your eyes when you can, even if it’s not a full-on nap. Wear an eye mask for 10 minutes, giving your eyes a power rest. Couple up with some eye cream and it’s win-win. Supercharge it with a cold flannel eye mask.
Cold water
Splash your face with cold water – this causes the blood flow to decrease to the face and gives us a little shock of awareness, and also reduces inflammation to the eyes, whilst lubricating them at the same time.
Warm water
On the opposite side, a warm water compress can relax tired eyes, best at the end of the day.
Teabags
The caffeine in the tea and the diuretic properties in tea help relax and rejuvenate the eyes, reducing puffiness. If you have chamomile tea this works well too.
Witchhazel
Use a cotton pad with Witch hazel on it to reduce inflammation and to soothe tired eyes.
Use Cornflowers
If you have a natural source of cornflowers or can get hold of them easily, use 25g cornflowers to 600ml (1 pint) of water, boil the water with the cornflowers until the water is reduced by half, then let it cool and use cotton wool to apply to the eyes as a compress for 15 minutes. Cornflowers have many beneficial properties for your skin.
Let me know if you try any of these and your results!
Disclosure: collaborative post. All opinions my own
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