Puffy under eyes could benefit from a caffeine pick-me-up.
“Caffeine constricts blood vessels, reducing swelling and inflammation, which helps to minimize the appearance of puffiness under the eyes,” said Alexis Pfropper, a licensed esthetician.
To get these de-puffing benefits you don’t need to drink more coffee. Instead, reach for a caffeine-infused eye cream or serum twice a day. These eye creams already have the de-puffing ingredient within them. That way you can de-puff your under eyes without giving yourself the morning jitters from too much coffee.
What causes under eye puffiness?
According to Pfropper, there are several causes for under eye puffiness, including fluid retention, allergies, lack of sleep, aging and genetics. Fillers also can block the lymphatic drainage system, which is responsible for preventing excess fluid from building up within the body, around the eyes and middle of the face. According to oculoplastic surgeon Kami Parsa, a blocked lymphatic system can contribute to under eye puffiness and malar edema.
“Malar edema is a physiological condition which develops in response to reduced lymphatic flow from an area and presents as puffy pouches closer to the cheek area than the under-eyes,” he explained.
- Best Brightening: Herbivore SUPER NOVA 5% Vitamin C + Caffeine Brightening Eye Cream
- Best Cooling Application: Innisfree Green Tea Caffeine Bright-Eye Serum
- Best Fragrance-Free: Neutrogena Hydro Boost+ Caffeine Eye Gel Cream
- Best for Sensitive Skin: The Ordinary Caffeine 5% + EGCG Depuffing Eye Serum
- Most Caffeine: 100% Pure Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream
Best Brightening
Herbivore SUPER NOVA 5% Vitamin C + Caffeine Brightening Eye Cream
Herbivore’s Brightening Eye Cream does more than de-puff the under eye area. This cream also uses vitamin C and turmeric to brighten dark circles and even out your complexion under the eyes.
Best Cooling Application
Innisfree Green Tea Caffeine Bright-Eye Serum
Innisfree’s serum features a rollerball applicator that cools and massages the under eye area as it applies the product. Within the tube is a serum that blends hyaluronic acid, caffeine and niacinamide for a moisturizing de-puffing experience.
Best Fragrance-Free
Neutrogena Hydro Boost+ Caffeine Eye Gel Cream
Neutrogena’s Gel Cream is fragrance-free, which is a quality both experts recommend looking for in an under eye cream for de-puffiness. There’s glycerin and peptides to help moisturize the under eye area while reducing the look of dark circles.
Best for Sensitive Skin
The Ordinary Caffeine 5% + EGCG Depuffing Eye Serum
If you have sensitive skin, The Ordinary’s Depuffing Eye Serum is perfect for you to try. It’s made without a number of irritating ingredients. There’s no fragrances, alcohol, gluten, nuts, oil, silicone, parabens, animal by-products, sulfates or formaldehydes.
Most Caffeine
100% Pure Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream
100% Pure’s Coffee Bean Eye Cream blends caffeine with antioxidants and moisturizing ingredients to de-puff under eyes. Vanilla, vitamin E and aloe work together to moisturize the skin. There’s also green tea extract that helps even out any discoloration on your under eye skin.
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