Solutions: 

Jan Marini, CEO of Jan Marini
Skin Research

"Under eye puffiness can be caused by a number of factors. The two most common are herniated fat and fluid retention in the under eye area. The first factor is remedied by lower lid surgery to either remove or rotate the fat. The second can be helped by limiting salt intake, managing seasonal allergies and using an eye cream that assists in increasing circulation and decreasing inflammation. Also, eye creams and treatment products that boost collagen production (think Retinol) will thicken the dermis. This creates more of a "girdle" effect by keeping under eye skin tighter and more contoured so that there is less distortion from fluids or fat. In addition, under eye skin will appear noticeably younger, smoother, more reflective and luminous, which helps to make imperfections less apparent."

Melissa Morris, Corporate Educator
with Pevonia International, LLC.

"The puffiness she is experiencing could be related to many factors, such as trying a new eye product or makeup, rubbing tired eyes, allergies, or sinus congestion. In the possible case that the client is using a new product or makeup, she may have to discontinue immediately. I would only recommend the use of gentle products formulated specifically for the delicate eye area, which will also aid in the decongestion of fluid retention and hydrate the eye contour. An eye gel containing ginkgo biloba or chamomile can soothe and reduce puffiness when used daily.

To minimize or counteract puffiness symptoms around the eye area, the client needs to avoid rubbing the eyelids when tired or when removing makeup in the evening. Tell her to try sleeping with her head slightly elevated, as it may also help to drain fluids better. Also, cold compresses can relax, calm, soothe and deflate swelling. If puffiness symptoms still persist, I would suggest consulting with a doctor to rule out other causes."

Sonia Boghosian, President of
Bio Jouvance Inc.

"Many things can cause puffy eyes, such as allergies, liver or kidney malfunction, excessive consumption of alcohol, and much more. It is essential that aestheticians ask to have each client fill out a complete questionnaire with various questions. This will guide the professional in choosing the best treatment possible.
Let us not forget the effects of a cold as an anti-inflammatory agent… this is when the use of Beauty Globes (the cold spheres filled with chilled liquid) will enhance and seal the deal. Starting the treatment with an exfoliation that is gentle on the fragile tissues around the eye will help with penetration of the specific product formulated to eliminate puffiness. Application of eye masks, followed with Beauty Globes will really make a difference."

Melanie Sachs, co-owner of
Diamond Way Ayurveda

"Ayurveda would say puffiness is an excess of kapha dosha, which means water and impurities are allowed to accumulate in the delicate channels around the eyes. Puffy eyes can be the sign of serious conditions such as kidney, liver or digestive disorders, or even high blood pressure or low thyroid. Although it is never the place of an aesthetician to diagnose or their place to be alarmist, it should be pointed out to the client if such a symptom persists or become severe that they should seek medical help. Such a complaint should at the very least be recorded in client notes and checked on return visits.
That being said, there are milder causes that our 20 year old mother of two might easily to experiencing. General stress and hormonal level variations top of the list that in turn may cause slower digestion with constipation; premenstrual hormonal variations; anger, jealousy or negative feelings; suppression of natural urges like hunger, thirst, sleep, and the need to cry; changes in sleep patterns; consuming more salt; or dehydration.
Here are a few suggestions to give your clients to help with this problem:

• Stay hydrated. Drink lots of warm water and avoid icy cold water, carbonated drinks, caffeine and alcohol. Though counter-intuitive, more water works by helping to de-clog your body's channels. However, do not drink a lot of anything right before bedtime.
• Eat a large amount of fresh fruit and vegetables, especially coconuts, coconut water, aloe vera juice, raisins, papaya and sweet juicy fruit.
• Avoid makeup until the problem is solved or at least be extremely careful to remove makeup at night.
• Do not sleep during the day and avoid sleeping on your stomach at night.
• Reduce or eliminate refined sugar and artificial sweeteners, red meat, heavy fried food and leftovers.
• Remove allergens such as feather pillows – especially if puffiness is associated with redness or itching.
• In the morning, one tablespoon each of virgin olive oil and lemon juice on an empty stomach is a great gentle liver purifier. Triphala tablets help move impurities from the digestive tract.
• Laugh as much as possible! It exercises your face muscles and moves lymph congestion.
• Bathe your eyes or rest with cotton pads soaked in cool milk (so long as you tolerate dairy food), rosewater, cucumber juice, black tea or just ice water.
• Massage all around the eye, pressing and releasing on the ridge of the boney orbit. In so doing you will stimulate four major marma points that help clear congestion.
• Keep eye creams in the refrigerator and apply with gentle taps to stimulate circulation.”

Elina Fedotova,
CEO of Elina Organics

"Stress, crying, allergies, hormonal changes, or fluid retention can cause the delicate skin around the eyes to swell. If they remain swollen for a period of time or if the client experiences pain, discomfort or blurry vision, they need to see a health professional.
There are a few simple, yet effective remedies to use in the treatment room or have the client do at home. First, freeze organic coffee or strong organic green tea into cubes or balls. Massage the ice around the eye area to improve microcirculation and reduce excess fluid. If the ice is too cold, massage the ice over cotton pads. Another therapy is to brew organic gingko biloba, yarrow or plantain (Plantago major) in water. After it has cooled, soak two cotton pads in the herbal infusion and place them over the eyes for 10 minutes to improve circulation and reduce excessive fluid. Another remedy is to keep two small massage rollers made of jade, amethyst, angel light or other cool colored gemstone in the freezer. Apply eye cream and use the cold rollers to gently massage the eye area. If you do not have gemstone rollers, freeze two metal spoons and place them carefully over the puffy areas."

Manon Pilon, Business Development
VP of Derme & Co

"Those suffering from eye puffiness can find relief through an advanced eye care treatment. This advanced treatment can be performed by an accredited skin care specialist who will propose a simple home care regimen in order for the client to continue to remedy the problem at home. These following six easy steps will ensure that the client will no longer suffer from eye contour puffiness. First, a bacteriostatic cleanser with milk should be used. Follow this product with a toner that will balance the client's pH. A gentle exfoliator will help improve circulation, and an eye product will provide relief. End the treatment with a balancing mask and eye contour gel."