Archive for May, 2010

Best Under Eye Creams for Puffy and Baggy Eyes

Tuesday, May 25th, 2010

source:flickr by:Menage a Moi

Seeing the Difference Between Baggy and Puffy Eyes

Though the terms “puffy eyes” and “baggy eyes” are often used interchangeably, each is a unique eye area condition. The former is easily treated by under eye creams, while the latter may necessitate surgical intervention. Understanding the difference between puffy and baggy eyes is the key to choosing an effective treatment without wasting time, money, and stress on the wrong skin care eye creams or professional procedures.

The symptoms of puffy eyes include swelling, dryness, itching, and difficulty closing or opening the eye. Puffy eyes can be caused by any of the following:

  • Hereditary factors
  • Allergies or allergic reaction
  • Lack of sleep
  • Crying
  • Stress
  • Excessive sodium intake
  • Sinus issues
  • Irritation
  • Alcohol consumption
  • Toxin build-up
  • Trauma
  • Natural fluid fluctuation

Non-chronic eye area puffiness can usually be prevented. Most cases of puffy eyes may be avoided by drinking at least 64 ounces of water a day and sleeping for a minimum of 8 hours each night. In addition to these basic guidelines, it’s also important to keep stress levels low, remove contact lenses before going to sleep (or whenever possible), and reduce or eliminate sodium and alcohol intake. Choosing fragrance-free, hypoallergenic eye cream and skin care products will help eliminate irritation-related puffiness.

If eye area puffiness is unable to be avoided, the best eye cream for treating puffiness is one with soothing ingredients, such as cucumber, aloe, chamomile, or horse chestnut extract. Many anti aging eye creams contain “draining” or “smoothing” ingredients specifically for minimizing puffiness in the eye area, which makes finding a suitable eye product a relatively simple task.

Eye puffiness is considered serious if long-term swelling is experienced, if puffy eye symptoms are severe, if eyelids are swollen 2-3 times their normal size, or if swelling is so severe that you cannot close your eyelids all the way. Be sure to notify your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.

Baggy eyes develop gradually due to fat accumulation under or around the eye area. Bags under the eyes are fairly common, but don’t affect everyone. Some eye lift creams containing draining ingredients may help the appearance of baggy eyes, but surgery is almost always the best option. The surgery, called blepharoplasty, uses a laser to remove fat deposits and excess skin from the eye area. Blepharoplasty can be performed as a cosmetic or functional surgery, and can be targeted toward the upper eyelid, lower eyelid, or both. Other non-surgical options for baggy eyes include chemical peels, dermal fillers, and other laser treatments.

How to Remove Eye Cream and Makeup

Tuesday, May 11th, 2010

source:flickr by:_overanalyzer

How to Remove Eye Cosmetics

Removing your eye makeup and day eye cream is as important as applying them! Leaving your makeup up overnight can cause acne, milia, irritation and premature signs of aging. Therefore, one of the best things you can do for your skin is thoroughly purify it before applying your nightly skin care products. However, due to the delicate nature of the eye area, it is vital that you use the proper skin care products and techniques in order to minimize damage, discomfort, and side effects.

There are many eye makeup removers from which to choose, including eye creams, liquid formulations, oil-based products, and even wipes. Some removers are better than others for taking off water-resistant or caked-on makeup. If you apply your eye makeup heavily or use long-lasting products, try an oil-based formulation. If you prefer a natural eye makeup look, any remover will suffice. In addition, many common household staples can be used as eye makeup remover, including:

  • Olive oil
  • Vaseline
  • Tear-free baby shampoo
  • Alcohol-free baby wipes
  • Baby oil

To remove beauty products from around the eye area, soak a cotton pad, cotton ball or cotton swab in your formulation of choice. Apply liberally to the eye area, making sure to saturate every area covered with makeup. Then, gently wipe away the eye makeup remover and makeup with a clean cloth or tissue. Alternatively, you may wash your entire face after applying your makeup removing formulation, taking the day’s makeup, debris and impurities off your face and sending them down the drain. If any eye makeup is left on your face, re-apply your remover with a clean application tool until the face is perfectly cleansed.

After removing your makeup and cleansing your face, apply your night eye cream and moisturizer to lock in hydration and provide your skin with nighttime nourishment and rejuvenation. By removing your makeup each night, you’ll help your skin stay healthy, comfortable and youthful-looking.

Eye Cream Reviews: PCA Skin EyeXcellence

Monday, May 10th, 2010

Eye Cream of the Month: PCA Skin EyeXcellence

EyeXcellence is brought to you by PCA Skin, a leading clinical skin care company that supplies chirally correct products. PCA Skin claims to be the first cosmeceutical company to create scientifically researched daily skin care products, and is recognized in medical textbooks as the company behind blended chemical peel treatments. PCA Skin’s entire range is free of synthetic fragrances, alcohols, comedogenic oils, color additives and other sensitizers, allowing them to be used by all skin types. In addition, PCA products are available only through licensed medical professionals, making them an exclusive and trusted brand.

PCA’s EyeXcellence under eye cream is designed to treat the three most common eye area concerns: puffiness, dark circles, and wrinkles. Formulated with three peptides (Dipeptide-2, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-3, and Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-3/Matrixyl®), EyeXcellence is able to increase collagen production, circulation and capillary function. These three actions encourage a smooth skin texture, an even skin tone, and a youthful brightness.

In addition to these peptides, EyeXcellence uses grape seed extract, aloe and vitamin E to deeply moisturize and nourish the eye area while supplying exceptional antioxidant protection against free radicals. By using antioxidants to protect the delicate eye area, signs of damage such as wrinkles and discoloration are less likely to occur. Finally, ingredients like licorice root extract and panax ginseng extract work overtime to diminish puffiness and dark circles, restoring a healthy and young-looking vibrancy to the entire eye area.

This truly excellent skin care eye cream may be used twice daily without increased risk of irritation or adverse effects. Customer reviews state that a little bit of this product goes a long way, which maximizes the life of your tube. Customers also say that EyeXcellence is the best eye cream for those who enjoy a rich yet light texture that absorbs quickly and completely, leaving a reside-free finish that feels fresh and soft.