Mar 5th 2020
The Truth About Perimenopausal Face Puffiness
No retreat! No surrender! Here’s why your undereye bags look more noticeable …and what you can do about it.
In the transitional stage to menopause (known as perimenopause), bloating can occur as a result of hormonal changes. And while you may feel bloated all over, you may see it most on your face, where undereye bags look more pronounced. To banish the bloat and reduce the appearance of puffy eyes, start here.
Add retinol to your skincare routine
If you’re battling undereye bags, collagen is your ally. This protein helps skin—including the delicate, thin skin around your eyes—stay firm and supple. So how can you boost collagen? Look for a cream with the vitamin A derivative, retinol, which has been shown in numerous research studies to promote the production of this face-saving protein. And if your skin doesn’t tolerate it, try artichoke leaf extract (one of the fab five ingredients in the SeeMe Complex™), which has been shown to perform overall as well with less irritation as some cosmetic retinols on mature skin.
Prioritize antioxidants
Antioxidants, like vitamin B3 (also found in SeeMe Beauty’s formulas) have been shown to reinforce skin’s elasticity, which is exactly what you need to help prevent the skin around your eyes from drooping. Other antioxidants like green tea have also been shown to have an anti-inflammatory effect which may help reduce bloating.
Drink up
Chronic dehydration can lead to water retention which, in turn, can increase the likelihood you’ll feel a bit puffy all over. Aim for 11 cups a day (that includes water you get from foods too).
Give yourself some props
According to the Mayo Clinic, propping your head on an extra pillow can help reduce fluid retention around your eyes as you sleep. You may notice your puffiness is worse in the morning; sleeping on a slight angle may help you start the day a little less puffy.
Swap cucumbers for caffeine
While our moms might have tried to de-puff by putting chilled cucumber slices on their eyelids, caffeine may be a better bet to treat those bags, according to researchers at Johns Hopkins. Because caffeine constricts blood vessels, it may help reduce puffiness when you place caffeinated black tea bags on closed lids. The tea bags aren’t as photogenic, but the benefits are worth it!