DIY Eye Soothers

It goes without saying that the skin around your eyes is quite sensitive and thin, which means that they need the gentlest of ingredients. These eye soothers have just the right ingredients to calm and relax your overworked peepers.

1. Chamomile, Green, or Black Tea Bags

Chamomile tea, a natural anti-inflammatory, helps ease redness and puffiness around the eyes. Green and black teas contain compounds called tannins and caffeine. Tannins have an astringent effect on the skin by shrinking swollen tissue, while caffeine constricts blood vessels for reduced swelling.

How to Use:

Place two chamomile, green, or black tea bags in just-boiled water for three minutes. Remove them from the water and place in the refrigerator until cooled. Place one bag over each eye and relax for 15 minutes.

2. Chilled Spoons

In this case, it’s the cool temperature of the metal spoons that constricts blood vessels, which helps decrease redness and puffiness in the eye area.

How to Use:

Place four metal spoons in a glass of ice water. When chilled, place one spoon on each eye, following the contour of your eye socket. As the spoons begin to warm, switch them with the spoons chilling in the glass of ice water. Continue this process until swelling subsides.

3. Cold Milk

As with the spoon method, temperature is key! Cold milk constricts blood vessels and reduces swelling. The fat in whole milk helps soothe dry and irritated skin.

How to Use:

Pour ice-cold whole milk or cream into a small bowl; soak two cotton balls in the liquid. Then squeeze out the cotton balls slightly and put one over each eye. Once the cotton balls warm up, soak two more and repeat for 15 minutes.

4. Cucumber Slices

A classic remedy for puffy, irritated eyes is the cucumber! It contains ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and caffeic acid, both of which help reduce swelling.

How to Use:

Rest two 1/2-inch-thick cucumber slices on a bed of ice to chill. Once cool, place one slice over each eye. Now, lean your head back and relax for 10-15 minutes. Remove the slices and rinse your face with cool water.

5. Egg Whites

Egg whites act as an astringent, making your skin appear tighter and smoother. They are also high in vitamin B2, or riboflavin, which is associated with improved circulation.

How to Use:

Beat two egg whites until stiff, and then apply to the under-eye area using a brush. Let the mixture dry for about 15 minutes; rinse well with water. For added reduced swelling add a drop or two of witch hazel to the beaten whites. This helps further reduce swelling and keeps the egg whites from drying too rapidly. (Adapted by Jessy Pearl)

Source: www.wholeliving.com