by Dana Hern

Created on: February 13, 2009   Last Updated: February 16, 2009

Instead of buying expensive creams and ointments, here is a frugal fix to try next time you wake up and see two big puffy eyes and dark circles staring back at you in the mirror. Reuse your old tea bags by saving them after making tea. Keep them moist by placing them in an air tight container and storing them in the refrigerator. When you need a quick-fix for puffy eyes, lean your head back and place a tea bag over each closed eye lid and relax for five to ten minutes.

It really doesn't matter whether you use black tea or green tea. Both contain unique properties to decrease swelling around eyes. The caffeine in black tea helps constrict blood vessels to reduce swelling. Green tea possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, believed to not only reduce swelling but remove toxins. When applied topically, green tea leaves your skin looking smoother. This is why so many pharmaceutical and cosmetic companies supplement their skin care products with green tea extracts.

Is it easier for you to relax with something warmer? After steeping two tea bags in hot water for three to five minutes, let cool long enough to be comfortable to the touch, then place the warm tea bags on your closed eyelids for five to ten minutes.

Other frugal remedies that you can find in the kitchen include using chilled cucumbers or potato slices. Both cucumbers and potatoes contain natural astringents that cause soft tissue to constrict to reduce puffiness. The astringent also helps reduce water retention around the area. Potato starch is also an anti-inflammatory agent to reduce swelling. Just place the slice of choice over each eyelid and relax for five to ten minutes while the cukes or spuds work their magic. If you want to combine the effects of both, grate the cucumber and potato and soak round cotton pads in the juice to place on your eyelids.

There seems to be no end to the number of things in your kitchen that can be used to shrink those bloated eyes. You can beat one or two egg whites until stiff, then apply gently underneath your eyes, on eyelids and under the brow area. As the mixture dries, it pulls the skin tighter and reduces that puffy look.

Don't have any fresh produce? You can make a cold compress by wrapping a bag of frozen vegetables in a towel. The coolness and the pressure from the weight of the bag of vegetables will work together to reduce and compress swelling.

Now go do something about those eyes and put your best face forward!

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