These 2 DIY Eye Masks Will Solve Your Under-Eye Problems

Due to the lack of oil glands around the eye area, and the thinness of the skin, our eyes tend to show signs of aging first. Oil glands keep our skin moist and hydrated, so we need to step up our eye game to avoid those pesky lines and crow’s feet. A few simple changes that everyone can do that we might not realize can have an effect on our under-eyes:

• hydrate with water- increase your daily water intake
• treat allergies- if you have inflammation around the eyes due to seasonal allergies, get to the root of the allergy
• exercise regularly
• get plenty of sleep 
• eat whole foods
• protect- wear sunglasses and an under-eye sunscreen
• use a nightly eye cream

All of the above tips are wonderful for overall under-eye health, but there’s even more we can do to treat this delicate area of the face! Weekly eye masks can help target different under-eye needs, from locking in moisture to de-puffing.

Puffy Eye Mask – Cucumber & Rose

Ever wonder why sliced cucumbers are common additions in photos, television and movie scenes featuring face and eye masks? Rich in ascorbic acid and phytochemicals, cucumbers help tighten and soothe skin. But instead of placing cucumber slices over your closed eyelids, this blended mask will reach the inner and outer corners of the eyes with concentrated vitamins and minerals.

• Half cucumber
• 1 ounce rose water
• Blender
• Cotton rounds

Cut your cotton rounds into two half moon shapes. This mask should make quite a few pairs, so cut more than you think you’ll need.

In a blender, puree the cucumber and rose water until liquified. Transfer to a bowl, then soak the cotton rounds in the mixture, squeezing out excess and then re-soaking for optimal absorption. Store the extra soaked cotton rounds in a Ziploc bag in the freezer for future use.

Thaw the eye pads for about 10 minutes before you use them, but make sure they are still cool as the temperature will also help with reducing puffiness. To apply, place the half moon eye pad underneath the eye, making sure to apply close to the bottom lash line. Leave on for 10-15 minutes.

Wrinkle Fighting Eye Mask

You’ll find egg whites in many anti-wrinkle masks for the face, and the eye area is not an exception. Egg whites have been known to reduce the appearance of fine lines, while antioxidant rich Vitamin E fights free radicals. Vitamin E is extremely hydrating and often is used to treat eczema or psoriasis, thus a great ingredient for the dryer area around the eyes. Vitamin E can be extracted from Vitamin E capsules or purchase a separate Vitamin E oil for the following eye mask ecipe. 

• 2 egg whites separated from the yolk
• 1 capsule or 5 drops of Vitamin E

Beat the egg whites until they’re frothy and then mix in the Vitamin E oil. Apply the mixture with your fingertips or a makeup brush to the under-eye area, careful not ignore the outer edges of the eyes where expression and squint lines form. Leave on for 10 minutes.