The average person blinks about twelve times per minute. That amounts to more than ten thousand blinks a day. Our eyes are in constant motion, and because of this, the eye area is one of the first places to show signs of aging.

The biggest complaints most people have are dark circles, puffiness, and sagging - "bags" under the eyes. Allergies, pollution, lack of sleep, contact lenses, and poor circulation are just a few of the causes. The eyes are surrounded by a very delicate lymphatic system that conducts fluid that can cause swelling.

Nature is a major factor in bags and puffiness. Gravity causes fluid to build in the eye area, resulting in the puffiness we often see on awakening in the morning. There is a cushion of fat around the eyes that may bulge outward with age. As the skin under the eyes thins - another sign of aging - blood vessels become more apparent, producing dark shadows.

Unless the bags and dark circles are very pronounced, adequate sleep, a healthy diet, regular exercise, and plenty of water generally will provide relief. Eliminating natural diuretics like coffee, alcohol, and smoking also helps. Recent studies show that applying topical vitamin A (retinoids) with vitamin K to the under-eye area is beneficial in making the blood vessels less prominent.

To reduce puffiness around the eyes try these home remedies:

Start the day with a splash of cold water.
Cold water helps reduce swelling and stimulates the lymph glands to drain trapped fluid.

Apply cold compresses.
Refrigerate a hydrating mask. Use either an over-the-counter compress meant for this purpose, or make your own by brewing chamomile or green tea, then chilling the teabags in the freezer for fifteen minutes.

Remove eye makeup every night.
When the eye area isn't cleansed properly, chemicals and pigments from makeup can irritate and dehydrate the eyes, causing swelling. Toning products that contain chamomile or rosewater are soothing and will remove makeup without irritating the eyes.

Treat allergies.
Nasal congestion can cause lymphatic fluid to build and become trapped under the eyes, resulting in puffiness.

Exercise regularly.
Exercise improves circulation while bringing vital nutrients to the skin around the eyes.

Use a soothing eye gel.
Eye gels - not creams or ointments - are best for reducing swelling. Key ingredients to look for are chamomile, cucumber, aloe, rosewater, green tea, and coneflower. Try Naturopathica Coneflower Eye Gel. To reduce dark circles as well as treat puffiness, look for products containing Vitamin C or Vitamin K. Skinceuticals Eye Serum and Alyria Anti-dark Circle Serum capsules are both effective.