Myth or Fact: Preparation H for Puffy Eyes

Photo courtesy of preparationh.com
Photo courtesy of preparationh.com

Shannon R.,SELF magazine

Perhaps you've heard it before...maybe you've even tried it...but does smearing Preparation H on your puffy eyes really work?

First things first: Puffy eyes are a double bummer. They make you look exhausted even if you're not and they can be incredibly difficult to treat. Puffiness--which is red, swollen skin under the eyes--is usually due to bloating, dehydration, fatigue, allergies, hormones or genetics. Yikes, that's a lot of causes, which means it can be really hard to say what treatment will work best to minimize the puffiness.

Preparation H might sorta work...temporarily. It restricts the blood vessels, which gets rid of the redness for awhile, and contains 1% hydrocortisone, an anti-inflammatory that could temporarily reduce puffiness in theory. Still, I would not recommend using Preparation H on your eye area for one big reason. If you accidentally get some in your eye, the other ingredients can cause serious damage, and then 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 eye puffiness. Basically, this treatment is more of an urban legend than actual fact.

Related: Yoga Moves for Flat Abs

So what about using just hydrocortisone? As with Preparation H, you don't want to accidentally get the stuff in your eyes. In fact, the manufacturer states 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, increased skin fragility, enlarged blood vessels, and can even result in problems with your adrenal gland (the natural steroid producer in the body). In short, your eyes will end up looking worse, not better.

Now that we know what not to do, let's move on to what we should do to treat puffiness. You can apply cool water compresses to the area, sleep with your head slightly elevated, and apply makeup and eye cream. But the best way to get rid of undereye puffiness is to address the underlying roots of the problem. To do that, you need to:

Related: Lose 2 Pounds a Week


Get enough rest.
. Experts recommend between 7 and 8 hours nightly.

Stay hydrated.
Drink enough water and minimize intake of salty foods which can also lead to dehydration.

Get checked for allergies.
If you notice puffiness at certain times of the year, you may be prone to seasonal allergies. If puffiness is a year-round problem, you could be allergic to anything from airborne allergens, such as grass, to certain foods that are a part of your diet. Talk to your doctor about your concerns.

Related: 20 Superfoods for Weight Loss

Consider your other options.
Unfortunately, having puffy eyes is hereditary for some people. In these cases, there really is not much you can do besides invasive measures like cosmetic eyelid surgery. Our suggestion: A good concealer is easy-to-use, affordable, and pain-free.

Bottom Line

Don't use Preparation H or hydrocortisone to treat your eye puffiness. Both can do more harm than good. Since eye puffiness can be a sign of a health issue, like lack of sleep, allergies, or dehydration, it's important to address the root issue and not just the symptoms. For a fast fix: Apply a cool compress, then conceal with makeup.



More from SELF:
5 Simple Steps to Cellulite-Free Skin
3 CrossFit Total-Body Workouts
50 Healthiest Snacks
6 Secrets to Firing Up Your Metabolism