Why does the skin around the eyes always exhibit the first signs of aging? Well, this skin is incredibly thin—the thinnest in the body. Along with that fact, we are repeatedly squinting and smiling, forming wrinkles.
On top of that, the lack of oil glands around the eyes makes this skin especially susceptible to damage from our lifestyle choices. Oil glands keep our skin moist and hydrated, and stem cells from the follicles help the skin to repair.
9 Eye Mask Recipes To Soothe + Repair
Since the eye skin is deficient in this ability, it needs some extra TLC. So let’s talk about how we can step up our eye game to help prevent those pesky lines and crow’s feet.
A few simple changes that will benefit anyone who wants healthy skin around the eyes include:
Hydrate with water – increase your daily water intake. Water will keep your skin properly hydrated and allow the lymphatics in the area to drain impurities.
Treat allergies – if you have inflammation around the eyes due to seasonal allergies, get to the root of the allergy. If you are itchy, it is especially important not to rub your eyes, as this will lead to dark circles. Instead, apply a cool compress or cool chamomile tea bags to the area.
Exercise regularly – increased blood flow delivers nutrients and removes waste build-up to support cell renewal.
Get plenty of sleep – this is when it all happens. Your body needs a break to regenerate and repair.
Eat whole foods – Processed foods with chemicals make your system inflamed, which leads to bloating and swelling, and it shows with puffy eyes.
Protect – wear sunglasses and an under-eye sunscreen. UV radiation is the #1 cause of collagen breakdown, and thin eye skin is especially susceptible.
Use a nightly eye cream – nourish your skin from the inside AND from the outside.
All of the above tips are wonderful for your 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 those sensitive areas around your eyes.
Puffy Eye Masks
1. Rose + Cucumber Eye Mask
1. Rose + Cucumber Eye MaskEver 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. They are also known to reduce swelling and remove toxins from the body [source].
But instead of placing cucumber slices over your closed eyelids, this blended mask will reach the inner and outer corners of the eyes with a concentrated dose of vitamins and minerals.
- Half cucumber
- 1 ounce rose water
- Blender
- Cotton rounds
Cut your cotton rounds into two half-moon shapes. This mask should take 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, squeeze out the excess, and then re-soak for optimal absorption. Store the extra soaked cotton rounds in a resealable 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 close to the bottom lash line. Leave on for 10–15 minutes.
2. Coffee Mask for Puffy Eyes
For a morning wake-me-up, in addition to having coffee in your mug, try it under your eyes as well! For an easy mask, combine coffee grounds with the vitamins and proteins of an egg white, which tighten and firm skin. Puffy eyes and pesky crow’s feet, be gone!
- 1 egg white
- 2 teaspoons unused coffee grounds
Beat mixture together with a fork until frothy, about 1 minute. With clean hands or a brush, apply the mask around and under the eyes. Let it sit for 10 minutes. Use a soft, wet towel to gently clean off the mask. Follow with a caffeine-infused eye cream.
3. Soothing Chamomile Eye Mask
You can make chamomile tea anywhere, even in a hotel, as kettles are usually available in every room. Simply apply the steeped tea bags to your tired eyes while you enjoy a soothing warm mug before bed.
- 2 chamomile tea bags
- mug
- hot water
- washcloth
Steep two tea bags for 3 minutes in hot water, remove, and set aside to cool to room temperature. Once they are cool, place one over each of your closed eyes. You can layer a cool washcloth over your eyes to keep the tea bags wet. Let them sit while you relax for 15 minutes. Remove and follow with your moisturizer and eye oil.
Wrinkle & Crow's Feet Eye Masks
4. Egg White Eye Mask
4. Egg White Eye MaskYou’ll find egg whites in many anti-wrinkle masks for the face, and the eye area is no 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 [source], and thus it is a great ingredient for the dryer area around the eyes. Vitamin E oil can be extracted from vitamin E capsules or purchased separately as an oil for the following eye mask recipe.
- 2 egg whites separated from the yolk
- 1 capsule or 5 drops of vitamin E oil
- 1 teaspoon aloe vera gel
- 1 teaspoon powdered milk
Beat the egg whites until they're frothy, and then mix in the vitamin E oil, aloe and powdered milk. Whisk together until milk powder is dissolved and the mixture is slightly frothy.
Using a cotton ball, dab the mixture on under-eye skin and allow to sit for 15 minutes. Rinse with cool water and pat dry. Store remainder in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. Make sure not to get any of the mixture in your eyes.
5. Carrot Eye Mask
This wrinkle-fighting eye mask uses carrots, egg white, and aloe vera, making it a power combo of retinol, anti-inflammatories, vitamins, and protein. This mask contains all the fancy ingredients you would find in an expensive eye cream, but in a completely natural form, and definitely on the less expensive side.
You can apply this mask to the rest of your face as well, or you can use it as part of a multi-masking combination.
- 1 egg white
- 1 tablespoon finely shredded regular carrot.
- 1 teaspoon aloe vera
Combine egg white, carrot, and aloe vera in a small bowl and whisk with a fork until frothy (about 1 minute). Let the mask dry for at least 15 minutes or up to 30 minutes. Use a soft, wet towel to gently clean off the mask. Finish with moisturizer.
6. Mega-Moisturizing DIY Eye Mask
This mega-moisturizing eye mask is made with coconut oil and vitamin E to visibly smooth fine wrinkles and soothe tired eyes right away. A trick for the long term is to avoid exposing your eyes directly to the daytime sun by wearing sunglasses and hats and applying SPF cream.
- 2 tablespoons of coconut oil, melted if needed
- 1 capsule vitamin E oil
Open the capsule of vitamin E oil, and combine the oils in a bowl. Cut cotton pads to fit the under-eye area.
Soak cotton pads in the oil and freeze for a few minutes until icy cold. Apply to your eye area, and then place another cotton pad on top.
Let sit for 15 minutes and remove. Follow with eye cream.
7. Egg White Eyelid Lifter
Egg whites tighten skin and shrink wrinkles, leaving your skin smoother than ever.
- 1 egg white
- ½ teaspoon honey
- ½ teaspoon fractionated coconut oil
Combine ingredients in a bowl. Using a cotton swab, apply a small amount of the mixture to the crease of the eyelid. Sit with eyes closed and let the egg white mixture dry. Rinse and reapply as necessary.
Dark circle eye masks
8. Parsley Eye Mask
A cure for dark circles that only costs 99 cents? Sold! Vitamin C, chlorophyll, and vitamin K in parsley [source] help lighten skin discoloration, diminish age spots, and reduce puffiness. So go ahead and add that bunch of parsley to your shopping cart, even if you're not planning on making soup any time soon.
- Handful of fresh, organic parsley
- 1 tablespoon yogurt
Roughly chop parsley, then grind with a wooden spoon until the leaves release their juice. Add yogurt and stir. Apply the mask with fingers or cotton balls, and let it sit for 10–15 minutes. Repeat twice a week to reduce discoloration.
9. Milk & Turmeric Eye Mask
Turmeric masks are excellent for brightening complexions and evening out skin tone, and they even work on pesky dark circles. Curcumin, the active component in turmeric, is a potent anti-inflammatory that combats the signs of aging [source]. Combine with milk for a bit of gentle exfoliation.
- 1 tablespoon turmeric
- 1 tablespoon milk or buttermilk
Mix ingredients together in a small bowl, and then use a brush to paint onto your under-eye area (avoiding the eyes). Leave on for 15 minutes, and then carefully wipe off the mask.
What home remedies do you use for your eyes? We'd love to hear your tips and tricks!
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This post was medically reviewed by Dr. Jennifer Haley, a board-certified dermatologist with extensive experience in medical, cosmetic, and surgical dermatology. Learn more about Hello Glow’s medical reviewers here. As always, this is not personal medical advice, and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.
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