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HOW TO GET RID OF PUFFY EYES AFTER CRYING

Crying can make us feel better, whether it’s because of happiness, sadness, or just life being unpredictable. But when the tears dry up, we’re often left with a not-so-great result: puffy eyes. Swollen and red eyes not only mess with how we look but can also be uncomfortable and make us a bit shy. If you’re wondering how to make your eyes look normal again after a good cry, you’re not the only one. In this guide, we’ll check out lots of easy tricks and things you can do at home to get rid of puffy eyes and make your eyes lively again.

WHY DO PEOPLE CRY

Our eyes are always making tears to keep them healthy. These tears come from a gland called the lacrimal gland and spread across our eyes, then drain out from the corners of our eyelids. There are three kinds of tears:

Basal Tears: These basal tears are like the eyes’ natural moisturizer, keeping them comfortable and safeguarding the clear part at the front called the cornea. They make sure our eyes stay wet, which is crucial for seeing clearly and preventing irritation. Imagine them as a helpful shield that’s there all the time, quietly doing its job to maintain our eye health. So, whenever you blink, thank these basal tears for keeping your eyes feeling good and shielded from the dusty world around.

Reflex Tears: Reflex tears come to the rescue when our eyes are annoyed by things like smoke or strong onion scents. They appear to fight off any harmful bacteria that might try to sneak into our eyes. So, when you tear up while chopping onions or being near a smoky fire, those reflex tears are on duty, defending your eyes from potential intruders.

Emotional Tears: Emotional tears come out when we have big feelings, such as extreme happiness or sadness. They are a special kind of tears that express our emotions, whether it’s a joyful celebration or a moment of deep sorrow. So, when you cry because you’re super happy or something has made you very sad, those are your emotional tears letting your feelings show. It’s a natural way for our bodies to release and express intense emotions.

When we cry a lot because of emotions, we can make more tears than our eyes can handle. This makes the tears overflow from our eyes and sometimes our nose. The tissues around our eyes can soak up the extra tears, making our eyes look puffy.

WHAT TO DO FOR PUFFY EYES AFTER CRYING

When you cry, your eyes might get puffy because of a few reasons. First, crying makes the blood vessels around your eyes swell up, which can cause puffiness. The tears themselves contain salt, and when they mix with the skin around your eyes, it can hold onto extra water, making your eyes look swollen. Sometimes, if you rub or wipe your eyes while crying, it can irritate the skin and make it puffy. 

Feeling stressed or tired from crying can also affect your skin, making it more likely to get puffy. Paying attention to your diet, avoiding too much salt, and making sure you stay hydrated can help reduce puffiness. 

If it keeps happening, it might be because of your genes or getting older, as these factors can also play a role in under-eye puffiness.

TREATMENT FOR PUFFY EYES AFTER CRYING

Here are a few home remedies that might help lessen the look of puffy eyes.

COLD COMPRESS

Applying a cold compress or chilled cucumber slices to your closed eyes is a simple yet effective method for soothing and relieving various eye concerns. This technique is particularly beneficial for reducing puffiness, swelling, and alleviating discomfort around the eyes. Anything cold can help with inflammation and swelling, as it reduces blood flow.

APPLY WITH HAZEL

If you have witch hazel at home, it can be helpful for puffiness and redness. It’s good for treating swelling. But be careful not to put it directly in your sensitive eye area. Here’s how you can use it: dampen a cotton pad slightly—don’t let it get too wet—then gently press it on your upper cheek, away from the lower eyelid. Before using it, make sure to read the label to see if it’s safe near your eyes.

SPOONS

Another trick to help with puffy eyes is using cold metal spoons. Run two clean spoons under cold water for a few minutes. Then, place the rounded part of the spoons over your closed eyelids for about 30 to 60 seconds. The cold metal can soothe the puffiness and make your eyes feel better.

HYDRATION

Drinking enough water is really important for staying healthy and can help a lot in reducing puffiness under your eyes. When you don’t drink enough water, your body can hold onto fluids, making your eyes look more swollen. So, by drinking plenty of water, you help your body circulate fluids better and remove waste, making your eyes look fresher and less puffy.

EYE CREAMS OR GELS

Using an eye cream or gel with ingredients like caffeine, aloe vera, or chamomile can be really helpful in reducing puffiness around your eyes. These ingredients have soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, which can calm down any swelling and make your eyes look and feel better. Applying a small amount in a gentle, circular motion can give your eyes a refreshing boost.

ELEVATE YOUR HEAD

When you sleep, try using an extra pillow to prop up your head a bit. This helps stop fluid from collecting around your eyes, reducing the chance of waking up with puffiness. It’s a simple trick that can make your mornings more refreshing.

AVOID RUBBING

Avoid rubbing your eyes because it can make irritation and puffiness worse. Instead, try blinking a few times to let your tears spread naturally, providing relief without causing more irritation. It’s a simple way to soothe your eyes gently.

LIMIT SALT INTAKE

Cutting down on salty foods can help lessen under-eye puffiness because too much salt can make your body hold onto water. By reducing salt intake, you can prevent extra fluid buildup, making your eyes look less puffy. Choosing fresh, whole foods and seasoning your meals with herbs and spices instead of salt can be a tasty way to keep under-eye swelling in check. Remember, a little change in your diet can go a long way in keeping your eyes looking and feeling good!

STAY RELAXED

Taking time for relaxation can be really helpful in reducing stress, which might make your eyes puffy. Simple techniques like deep breathing or listening to calming music can make a big difference. When you’re less stressed, it’s easier for your body to stay balanced, and that includes keeping puffiness around your eyes in check. So, find a moment to relax and give your eyes a break from any tension!

HOW TO MANAGE RED EYES FROM CRYING

Managing flushing, especially around the eyes, involves adopting a combination of practical strategies and utilizing suitable products. When emotions lead to crying, the blood vessels around the eyes may enlarge, resulting in flushing or a change in skin color. To address this, you can incorporate techniques commonly employed to alleviate puffiness, such as placing a cool compress on the eyes or ensuring an adequate amount of sleep. Moreover, specific eye drops tailored to reduce discoloration around the eyes can be beneficial. These specialized drops, along with the use of serums and creams formulated for eye care, contribute to effectively managing flushing.

It is important to follow the recommended usage guidelines for these products and not overuse them, as excessive application can potentially worsen symptoms. Additionally, individuals who wear contact lenses should exercise caution and carefully read product labels, as certain formulas may not be suitable for lens wearers. By integrating these approaches into your daily eye care routine, you can navigate and mitigate flushing, maintaining a refreshed and vibrant appearance.

How to manage dryness

Ensuring proper hydration is crucial for overall health. Although the commonly suggested eight glasses of water per day is not a strict rule, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes tailoring hydration needs to individual factors like age and health. Water not only quenches thirst but also plays a vital role in promoting general well-being. Adding flavor to your water with a bit of lemon, slices of cucumber, or your favorite fruit can make it more enjoyable.

Regarding tears, while generally not harmful to the skin, prolonged exposure may lead to dryness. Rinsing your face with cold water and gently patting it dry with a soft towel can help alleviate this issue. If necessary, using a face wash is recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), with a preference for alcohol-free cleansers devoid of physical exfoliants. It’s important to avoid overwashing your face, as doing so more than twice a day may contribute to persistent dryness and other skin-related problems.

After crying, your skin may feel dry and itchy. The AAD suggests reaching for a moisturizer to help your skin recover. Applying moisturizer immediately after cleansing helps lock in moisture, but it’s essential to read the product label and be extra gentle when applying products near the eye area. Taking these steps can contribute to maintaining skin health and preventing issues associated with dryness.

FAQ

1. How long do puffy eyes last after crying?

The duration of puffy eyes after crying varies from person to person, but it typically lasts for about 15 minutes to a few hours as the swelling gradually subsides. 

2. Why do I look prettier after I cry?

After crying, some people may feel they look prettier due to increased blood flow to the skin, creating a natural flush or glow, and the eyes appearing more expressive as tears may enhance their sparkle. 

3. Do you burn calories when you cry?

Even though crying burns calories, you’d need to cry continuously for hours or days to burn as many calories as a short, brisk walk. Research suggests that crying and laughing both burn about 1.3 calories per minute.

4. Can crying too much change your eyes?

Crying excessively is not known to permanently change the physical structure of the eyes. However, it can temporarily cause redness, puffiness, and increased blood flow.

5. Should I wash my face after crying?

Yes, washing your face after crying can help remove any residual tear residue, reduce puffiness, and refresh your skin. 

CONCLUSION

Trying different things at home can help your eyes feel less puffy after crying, but you may need to see what works best for you. If your eyes or face are puffy for a long time, talking to your doctor may help. Taking good care of your skin and eating a healthy diet is important to keep your eyes in good condition overall.

12 HEALTH BENEFITS OF ZINC FOR WOMEN YOU SHOULD KNOW

To stay healthy, it’s important to look into the different nutrients our bodies need. One such important nutrient is zinc, and it’s especially crucial for women. Zinc plays a big role in various body functions and is important for women at different stages of life. In this discussion, we’ll explore how zinc benefits women’s health, understanding how it works in the body, and why it’s important to make sure we have enough of it for a strong and healthy life.

WHAT IS ZINC?

Zinc is a small but extremely important mineral that helps carry out many jobs in our bodies. Just like axit glycolic, vitamin c serum or other vitamins, we only need a little bit of it to keep everything working well. It is a powerful assistant for nearly 1,000 enzymes that perform important tasks in our body. Zinc is especially good for making DNA, helping cells grow and heal when we are injured. It also keeps our immune system strong and helps us taste and smell things. However, it is important to remember that too much zinc is not good. If we’re already getting enough from food, taking more medicine can cause problems, such as causing our immune system to not work well. So, it’s best to get the right amount from your food and not eat too much.​

BENEFITS OF ZINC FOR WOMEN

MAINTAIN A HEALTHY IMMUNE SYSTEM

Zinc is vital for a strong immune system. It aids in the growth and operation of immune cells, helps the body defend against harmful pathogens that can cause illness, and contributes to maintaining a balanced immune response. Taking zinc lozenges might even help reduce the time you have a common cold. If you find yourself getting sick often or having trouble healing from injuries or infections, it could be a sign that your immune system needs some extra attention.

GREAT FOR YOUR BRAIN

Zinc is not just important for the body; it also plays a crucial role in supporting brain health. This essential mineral contributes to the functioning of neurotransmitters, the messengers in our brains that help cells communicate. Zinc is involved in processes that affect memory, learning, and overall cognitive function. Maintaining adequate zinc levels may help enhance brain activity and memory, making it a valuable nutrient for cognitive well-being. Including zinc-rich foods in your diet, such as meat, dairy, nuts, and legumes, can contribute to optimal brain function and support mental clarity.

HELP YOUR SKIN

Having enough zinc is good for your skin in different ways. It helps make new skin cells and keeps your skin strong and healthy. Special enzymes and proteins that need zinc guide this process. Studies show that zinc is important for healing wounds and reducing inflammation in the skin. Sometimes, people also use zinc on their skin to help with certain skin problems, but it doesn’t always work the same for everyone.

GOOD FOR YOUR EYES

Zinc is beneficial for maintaining good eye health and function. This essential mineral plays a role in various aspects of ocular well-being, including supporting the function of enzymes in the eyes and contributing to the health of the retina. Adequate levels of zinc have been associated with a reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a common eye condition that can lead to vision loss in older adults. Additionally, zinc is involved in the transport of vitamin A from the liver to the retina, which is essential for low-light vision.

KEEPS YOUR BLOOD SUGAR STABLE

Insulin is like the boss that controls the sugar in your blood, turning food into energy your body can use. Zinc is like a helper for insulin. It helps make, store, and release insulin in the pancreas, which keeps your blood sugar levels steady. There’s even research on how not having enough zinc might be linked to diabetes, and taking zinc as a treatment could help. If you don’t get enough zinc, it might mess with your insulin levels, causing changes in your appetite and blood sugar that you don’t want. So, having enough zinc is important for keeping things in balance.

REDUCE INFLAMMATION

Zinc is like a tool in fighting inflammation in our bodies. People who know a lot about food and health say that zinc is crucial for our immune system and can help lower inflammation. Because zinc can control how our immune system works and has anti-inflammatory abilities, it might be useful for dealing with ongoing inflammation issues. Some experts even say that having enough zinc in our diet could ease the signs of inflammatory problems. But, talking to doctors or health experts is really important to figure out the best and safest way to use zinc to reduce inflammation.

BOOSTS BONE STRENGTH

It helps in the production of collagen, a protein that forms the foundation of our bones. Zinc is also a key player in bone mineralization, assisting in the deposition of essential minerals like calcium and phosphorus, which are vital for bone strength. Experts believe that having enough zinc in our diet can contribute to preventing conditions like osteoporosis, where bones become weak and brittle. Including zinc-rich foods, such as dairy, and nuts, in our meals is like giving our bones the extra support they need to stay strong and resilient.

HELPS YOUR DIGESTION

Amanda Bontempo, a registered dietitian, emphasizes that zinc collaborates with proteins in every organ, assisting nearly 100 different enzymes in various processes, including digestion. Acting as a cofactor in numerous gastrointestinal activities, zinc is crucial for the proper digestion of food and absorption of nutrients. Symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, which might be mistaken for conditions like gluten intolerance, could actually be indicators of a low zinc level in the body. In essence, maintaining adequate zinc levels is vital for optimal digestive health and nutrient absorption.

REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AND HORMONE BALANCE

Zinc is needed for the female reproductive system, helping things like ovulation and regulating the menstrual cycle. It also plays a big role in making sure eggs mature properly for fertilization. If you don’t get enough zinc, it can mess up your menstrual cycle, stop eggs from developing right, and even make it harder to get pregnant. Zinc is also connected to making and controlling hormones in the body, like those related to the thyroid. Having enough zinc seems to be good for dealing with issues linked to conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), especially problems with insulin and lipids. For some women, getting the right amount of zinc can be helpful for conditions like endometriosis, menstrual pain, and dryness during menopause.

HELPS YOUR SMELL AND TASTE

Zinc plays a vital role in maintaining our sense of taste and smell, ensuring our taste buds and nose receptors function effectively. This is particularly crucial for individuals experiencing challenges like insufficient nutrient intake or undergoing cancer treatment, as zinc contributes to managing appetite. Including enough zinc in our diet becomes a flavorful strategy to ensure we continue enjoying a variety of scents and flavors.

MOOD REGULATION

When your body has enough zinc, it helps maintain a positive mood, preventing feelings of sadness or depression. Zinc also has an impact on the neurotransmitter called GABA, which helps reduce feelings of fear, worry, and stress, contributing to an overall sense of well-being. It’s important to ensure an adequate intake of zinc through a balanced diet, as low levels of this essential mineral may potentially affect mood. However, addressing mood-related issues involves considering various factors, and relying solely on zinc supplements may not be a complete solution.

PLAYS A ROLE IN HEART HEALTH

Zinc is an essential element that contributes to maintaining a healthy heart. This vital mineral supports various aspects of cardiovascular well-being, including the regulation of blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and overall heart function. Additionally, it aids in preventing oxidative stress and inflammation, two factors associated with heart diseases. While zinc is a valuable component of cardiovascular wellness, it is important to adopt a holistic approach to heart care, combining proper nutrition, regular exercise, and other heart-healthy habits for optimal results.

HOW MUCH ZINC DO WOMEN NEED?

Grown-up ladies usually need around 8 mg of zinc each day to stay healthy. However, if you’re pregnant or have some health issues, this amount might change, and kids need even less. It’s always a good idea to check with your doctor to figure out how much zinc is right for you. If you think you might not be getting enough zinc, have a chat with your doctor. They might suggest a blood test or tell you if taking a supplement could help. Talking to your doctor is the best way to know what’s best for you.

FAQ

1. Is zinc good for women’s hormones?

Zinc acts like an adaptogen for important hormones, helping to balance out too much or too little cortisol, estrogen, and progesterone in women. It also helps bring down inflammation, supporting the healthy production of hormones.

2. What happens if I take zinc everyday?

Taking zinc every day can be beneficial for overall health, as zinc is crucial for various bodily functions. However, excessive or prolonged intake of high doses may lead to negative effects.

3. Does zinc reduce belly fat?

While zinc is essential for various bodily functions, there’s limited evidence to directly link zinc supplementation to reducing belly fat. 

4. Does zinc increase estrogen in females?

Zinc is not known to directly increase estrogen levels in females. However, zinc plays a role in hormone regulation, and maintaining adequate levels is important for overall hormonal balance.

CONCLUSION

The benefits of zinc for women are diverse and impactful, spanning across immune system support, reproductive health, and overall well-being.  Ensuring an adequate intake of zinc through a balanced diet emerges as a simple yet powerful strategy for women to harness the numerous advantages this mineral offers in promoting a resilient and thriving health profile. Always consult with healthcare professionals to tailor zinc intake based on individual needs and conditions.