Natalie’s puffy eye problem: I was wondering if you could tell me if it’s ok to use Preparation H for under eye puffiness on a regular basis. There is a variety that comes with hydrocortisone that I’m particularly interested in. Thanks.
Forebrain gets to the butt of the problem:
First of all, the Beauty Brains would never recommend using ANY medication for any purpose other than it’s intended use, especially around the eyes. Having said that, let’s take a look at causes and solutions for puffiness.
Causes of puffy eyes
Undereye puffiness is characterized by red swollen skin under the eyes and is usually due to one of these causes: bloating, dehydration, fatigue, allergies, hormones, or genetics. Because the roots of these causes are so varied, it is hard to say which physiological mechanism is behind the puffiness appearance, and therefore not all treatments will work equally well; however, since the redness is due to increased blood flow to the area a treatment aimed at restricting blood vessels should provide some temporary relief. The swelling however, may be for a variety reasons and the treatment for that is not as straightforward.
Is Preparation H the answer?
Some people believe that Preparation H is useful for treating undereye puffiness since it works by temporarily restricting the blood vessels in the area onto which it is applied. There are many different variations of Preparation H; however, they all basically perform the same function (they just use different ingredients to reduce the irritation). Preparation H with hydrocortisone contains a 1% concentration of the stuff, quite low considering that you can get hydrocortisone creams with concentrations up to 2.5% over-the-counter.
In general, although it may in theory seem effective, I would not recommend anyone to use any kind Preparation H on their undereye area for one big reason. If you accidentally get some in your eye, the other ingredients can seriously damage the eye, and then unfortunately undereye puffiness will be the least of your concerns. Besides that, I wasn’t able to find any conclusive scientific evidence on Preparation H being more effective than other methods of reducing undereye puffiness, basically meaning that this treatment is more of an urban legend than actual fact. The Straight Dope came to the same conclusion in their entertaining article on this topic.
What about hydrocortisone?
So what about using just hydrocortisone? As I have previously mentioned, you can get hydrocortisone creams without a prescription at a pharmacy at concentrations up to 2.5%. As a topical steroid, it has anti-inflammatory effects and could in theory temporarily reduce puffiness in the undereye region. However, as with Preparation H, there is a concern regarding accidentally getting the stuff in your eyes, in fact the manufacture state that you should NOT use the product in, or near, your eyes. Also, prolonged use of topical steroids like hydrocortisone has been shown to cause skin thinning, increase skin fragility, enlarged blood vessels, and prolonged use in large doses can result in problems with your adrenal gland (the natural steroid producer in the body).
So what’s a girl (or boy) to do?
So what should you do to treat undereye puffiness? While there are temporary treatments like applying cool water compresses to the area, sleeping with your head slightly elevated (you can use an extra pillow), the best way to get rid of undereye puffiness is to address the underlying roots of the problem. Are you getting enough rest? Seven hours of sleep per night is the recommended minimum. Also, often undereye puffiness is due to allergies. While it may not be pollen season, you can still be allergic to anything from airborn allergens like grass to certain foods that are a part of your diet. Get an allergy test done, or try eliminating foods from your diet to see if any relief occurs. Another big reason for undereye puffiness is bloating or dehydration. This can be hormonal like before menstruation, or because of diet. The best treatment in these cases is to take a diuretic (it will help you eliminate the extra fluids), as well as to drink enough water and consume healthy amounts of salt to stay hydrated but not bloated.
Finally, for some people, having puffy eyes is hereditary. In these cases, there really is not much you can do besides really invasive measures like cosmetic eyelid surgery, something I don’t personally advocate.
The Beauty Brains bottom line
As undereye puffiness can be a sign of a health issue like lack of sleep, allergies, or hydration problems in these cases, it is important to address the root issue and not just the symptoms. However, in cases where immediate relief is necessary my recommendation is to avoid Preparation H and hydrocortisone, and rather use a cooling compress, head elevation, and rest. (For info on puffy eyes check out this post.) Please remember to read cautions and warnings on packaging of products you are not sure about since they will usually give you a pretty good idea of where the stuff isn’t meant to go. And finally, if you’ve tried everything and the puffiness is still not going away, it might just be hereditary in which case there really isn’t much you can do besides a few make up tricks.
Fun Fact: A rumour exists in the US that Preparation H is the most shoplifted supermarket product since customers are too embarrassed to bring it to the cash register.
References:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/under-eye-puffiness/AN00664
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I’ve suffered redness, mild puffiness, and sensitivity around my eyes due to an allergic reaction to something topical. As a result, I avoid certain eye makeup colors and products but I still have occasional flare-ups without knowing what’s triggering it. My doctor has prescribed a hydrocortisone ointment for use in the eye area but she always always ALWAYS emphasizes that I should use the smallest amount possible and use it as infrequently as possible, as well. Luckily, the ointment clears it up in a day or two.
HI I HAVE PUFFY EYES WHEN I GET UP. I PUT MY FACE IN COLD ICE WATER. THEN I USE CLARINS EYE FLASH IT COMES IN A TUBE. I SWEAR BY THIS PRODUCT. I HAVE TRIED PREPERATION H BUT GOT IT MY EYE THE ONE LIKE VASOLINE. IT IRRITATED MY EYE. BUT MAYBE IT WILL WORK FOR YOU.
I’ve used Prep-H for years without any problems(the blend without cortisone or pain relievers)if my eyes are puffy in the a.m. Now of course, you do not want to get any in your eyes(I don’t want the stuff sold for puffy eyes in my eyes either)& it goes without saying you must use a tube dedicated for that use only. Works well on minor bruises too.
The hydrocortisone cream I use is 2.5% and rx. Where exactly does it say that 2.5% strength can be sold OTC since to be the best of my recollection I have never seen such a product.
teddyp,
I just double checked and looks like you’re right, 2.5% isn’t available without a prescription. Thanks for pointing that out!
phew, all my hours spent searching medical journals and wikipedia have not been in vain lol. Otherwise, love the work you are doing forebrain.
Teddy
Thank you!
OK – I’m 48 and have puffy eyelids and major bags. It is hereditary. I was wondering if anyone knew of an eye cream that could help diminish this. Not ready for plastic surgery just yet. I saw an ad for Hydroderm but they want you to sign up and have product delivered monthly. HELP!!
Lisa
Of all the reasons listed here for puffy eyes, I didn’t see the one that gets me every time: crying. If I have somewhere to go the next day, I can’t watch a holocaust-themed movie because then I’ll wake up looking as if I’ve lost a boxing match, and I’ll need ice cubes to get the swelling down!
Try castor oil for baggy under eye problems. I love it. Put it on at night actually put it all over your face,especially where the wrinkles are
Preparation does work..I know at least 50 people that will swear by it! I’ve seen it countless times in the pageant circuit. No girl shows up without their preparation h and clear eyes.I’ve heard that some people even use it for the swimsuit competition for the bulgy places…yikes..
Okay after all the blah blah blah about preparation H….. You still have not said what to do about puffy eyes?????????????? So I guess if I get up and I have Puffy eyes Preparation H is probably going to help me more at the moment than your article?
That was a wasted read
Mary: Natalie asked if it was safe to use Prep H for under eye puffiness on a regular basis. Fore Brain explained why the answer to that question is no.
I’m sorry if you considered that a “wasted read” but thanks for taking the time to leave your helpful comment.
i have a friend that put on prep h on her face for wrinkles and i swear it works for her, but is it dangerous to your face to do that?
I have puffy eyes too. I have tried preparation h , but it didn’t work for me
Neither did cucumber, potato, cold spoons or anything else. Im desperate:( It’s not genetic. I have noticed it after i gave birth, 3 months ago, and its still there no matter what. Any sugestions?
yeah, I have puffy undereyes due to a steriod for poison ivy. It helped to just get a wash cloth, get it damp, freeze it, and lay it on your eyes. I do it for 20 minutes, but the longer the better.
PS-vasaline helps!
Seriously, listen to the warnings about using hydrocortisone on your face! I used it several times a week for over a year for mild allergy-related eczema, and the blood vessels around my nose enlarged and began to show. I look like a long-time lush! They seem to be shrinking now (it’s been two years) but I doubt they’ll ever really go away
Thank you for posting this. Not only can you accidentally get the product in your eye, it *will* seep through the skin of the eye, which is quite thin. Who knows what this could do to not just the skin around your eye, but your eyes themselves!
I believe eating excess salty foods is a contributing factor to under eye bags. I am trying to do this less and I think I see some improvement.
Hi,
I have puffy eyes.I use every day egg white on under eyes.Iam using it from month.Now very less puffy.Any one can try it.
Preperation H from Canada ONLY works fantastic, not only on puffy eyes but face wrinkles too. Its NOT the hydro cortisone that has this effect on your face but the Biodyne( which US manufacturers stopped using). Secondly, like most things it takes longer than five minutes to start showing improvements(the fact someone thought that this would work immediately on wrinkles made me chuckle) Results can be seen in as little as a week. My girlfriend puts it on before bed so the shininess is gone by morning(which can be covered with makeup anyway). If you dont believe me then try it for a week. Remember only prep h from Canada contains bio-dyne.