Top 3 Eyelid Hacks to Avoid
It’s quite possible there’s no area of the body that triggers more beauty “hacks” than the eyes. And, in style-conscious New York, when eyelid surgery is not yet in the cards, people are known to try lots of remedies for puffy lower eyelids and alternatives for lifting the upper lids as well.
We are not against experimenting with non-surgical ways to brighten up the eyes—not at all! There’s nothing wrong with trying cold compresses, tea bags, cucumber slices, cold spoons and the many other options for soothing the skin around the eyes. These home remedies can help the area feel better and even reduce swelling to some extent.
But there are treatments discussed on the Internet we would advise you not to try. Here are our top three eyelid hacks to avoid:
1) Hemorrhoid creams
Spreading hemorrhoid cream under the eyes is not a new idea. We are well aware that some models and television personalities in New York treat puffy lower lids this way. According to Healthline, today’s versions of the product contain either phenylephrine or hydrocortisone. Phenylephrine constricts blood vessels and can create a feeling of tightening around the eyes. Hydrocortisone is a steroid and helps calm itching and inflammation.
Not only is it dangerous if you get these creams in your eyes, but they can also have adverse effects on the skin. Prolonged use of phenylephrine may result in the skin becoming thinner and even more fragile than it already is. Creams containing hydrocortisone, a steroid, can even make certain skin conditions worse, says Healthline, such as acne.
2) Hydrocortisone creams
There are literally dozens of brands of creams, liquids and ointments containing hydrocortisone, according to the Mayo Clinic (Preparation H Hydrocortisone is one). They can be obtained over the counter or with a prescription, and are typically used to treat hemorrhoids, an itchy scalp, poison oak or other inflammations of the skin.
As mentioned, prolonged use of topical steroid creams can adversely affect the skin (and in rare cases, cause adrenal gland issues). Product labels warn customers not to use the cream in or near the eyes. Enough said.
3) Egg whites
A more recent beauty “hack” said to lift sagging upper lids is egg whites. A website based in the UK notes that beauty blogs and videos advise spreading raw egg white on the upper lids and leaving it all day.
This practice is ineffective, according to a cosmetic surgeon in London. What’s more, it can potentially spread bacteria such as salmonella. In our view, applying raw egg to a warm, moist area like the upper lids and leaving it for hours may invite infection, not to mention the additional possibility of spreading bacteria to other areas and surfaces.
Not everyone with eye issues is a candidate for blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, in New York. In fact, eyelid issues can relate to lack of sleep, allergies, over-indulging in alcohol and other situations eyelid surgery can’t fix. Before rushing off to a cosmetic surgeon, people should consider whether lifestyle choices could be affecting their eyes.
But, when lower eyelids have lost the elasticity to rein in the small fat pockets we all tend to have, then eyelid surgery is a permanent fix that’s safe, relatively easy on the wallet and involves a short recovery. Similarly, upper eyelid surgery can lift droopy lids forever in a short, nearly painless procedure.
If you see puffy looking bags under your eyes every day, or if your upper eyelids have you looking tired or even angry, it’s a good bet that home remedies will not deliver the change you’d really like to achieve. Consider consulting us about eyelid surgery in New York. We’ll answer all your questions then you can decide if the procedure is right for you.
