"The care you take during the post-op healing period is almost as important as the surgery itself.  A recovery device called AqueCool, by Aqueduct Medical is a new approach to that sensitive time.  It delivers continuous cool-water therapy at a safe temperature range directly to the surgical site to minimize swelling, bruising, discomfort and overall downtime after surgery.

AqueCool Masques are procedure-specific—pictured from left to right are the Lower Face & Neck Masque, the Full Face & Neck Masque, and the Periorbital Masque—and they’re custom-formable to each patient.  They can be worn while watching TV, reading, sleeping, or sitting at a computer without getting in the way.  As with any surgical procedure, it’s essential to meticulously follow your surgeon’s post-procedure instructions, so be sure to get the green light from your doctor before trying any recovery aid.

“What: Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Eye Shadow

Why: As anyone who wear contact lenses or has sensitive eyes can tell you… eye shadow can look great and feel awful. But Physicians Formula has a talc-free, oil-free, mineral-based line that is perfect for everyone. The sheer, blendable shades go on with a smooth, natural finish that is weightless and crease-resistant. My favorite is the quad, which comes in color-coordinated matte and pearlized shades. The mauve quad did wonders for my baby blues!”

WWD.com

"Freezing and cooling skin care creams, gels, masks and mists are a decidedly hot trend in the beauty world, thanks to their numerous benefits to the skin.  While self-heating masks are the perfect remedy for unclogging pores in acne-prone complexions, icicle-inducing items help keep puffiness, redness and sensitivity at bay—not to mention the added bonus of a cool burst, a definite pick-meup in soupy summer heat.  According to New York dermatologist Karyn Grossman, temperature does affect the skin. ‘Warm temperatures dilate blood vessels and cause increased blood flow,’ she says, ‘while cool temperatures constrict blood vessels and help to decrease pain, itch and inflammation.’

Cooling products are particularly effective when used on the eye area because they help to bring down puffiness and under-eye circles.  And while many products on the market use natural coolers like menthol, cucumber and eucalyptus to refresh and revive tired, dull skin, some brands take the freezing concept literally…Play & Rewind, a two-part, single-dose system aimed at the hard-partying set, is said to feature an even more potent version of its patented instant freezing technology that can be deployed with just one click.  Play is designed to be applied before a night out to luminize and soften skin, while Rewind is for the not-so-great morning after, when skin is dehydrated and in need of detox."  Read More

Has anyone tried this product yet?  If so, let us know what you think as a comment below.  I will give a full review once I get my free sample! 

So let’s focus on the prevention of puffy eyes.  Here are some simple, "at home" ways to reduce and prevent puffiness.
 

•    Limit your alcohol  and sodium intake, both cause water retention and puffiness.
•    Wash your face with ice cold water every morning (also wake’s you up instantly).
•    Drink plenty of water to clean out your system.
•    Place two slices of cool cucumber on the eyes for several minutes.
•    Moisten two tea bags, chill in refrigerator, and place over eyelids for several minutes.
•    You can also try a soothing eye cream with aloe and vitamin E (to calm the skin).
•    Eye creams and moisturizers may also be the cause, try to pin point what causes the      irritation and terminate use of that product.

Note: If you have chronic puffy eyes (fat sacks) and none of these treatments work, cosmetic surgery may be your only option, which in most cases is highly effective.

Lisa Kovalovich wrote a great article emphasizing the importance of “8 nutrients to keep you glowing healthy.”  It’s is not an overwhelming list of impossibly complicated recipes.  She included the “Look-Amazing Menu” by Sara Ryba RD, CDN, a nutritionist with a private practice in New York.  The menu focuses on foods such as; salmon, flaxseed and avocado (providing omega-3) which reduces inflammation in the body and helps diminish the appearance of puffy eyes, fine lines and sagging skin. Pomegranate is also a great source of omega-3 and may be a fun treat [its all about the seeds].  The article also points out that fruits like berries and melon will help to firm your skin but high-sugar fruits [and other sugary foods] may cause a hormonal reaction due to increased of blood-sugar levels, and we know what that means…blemishes!  Focus on these 8 nutrients and you may be on your way to healthier skin.  Here are a couple of recipes [ Via Self.com ]

Steamed Salmon Salad with Grapefruit-Ginger Dressing
Guacamole Con Frutas 

[ Via AllWomensTalk.com ]