This post is a strange mix of a tip and a review. But I can’t really call it a Beauty Review since Preparation H is not really a beauty product! It’s more of a beauty trick!
If you have not yet heard of Preparation H being used against eye puffiness, you must be in shock right now… thinking “whaaat is she talking about???” Yes, Preparation H is a hemorrhoid product and yes, people do use it against eye puffiness. I am not the first, believe me! I do wonder who and how discovered this alternative use for Preparation H. But nevertheless it works!
I’ve been fighting with eye puffiness for a long time already. Milk masks are my favorite way to relieve swelling. However this is a very mild treatment that does not always work. So at some point, feeling quite desperate, I realized I needed something much more effective and very quick to deliver the effect. That’s when I decided to try Preparation H.
What’s Inside:
Wondering what’s inside this product that makes it work?
Here are Preparation H (gel) ingredients:
Hamamelis Virginiana Distillate
Aqua
Propylene Glycol – skin-conditioning, occlusive
Alcohol
Hydroxyethylcellulose – emulisifer, emollient
Sodium Citrate - pH adjuster, masking agent
Methylparaben – preservative (can cause irritation)
Disodium EDTA - Chelating Agent, penetration enhancer
Propylparaben - preservative
Citric Acid – preservative, pH adjuster, toner
As you see, the main ingredient is witch hazel which is a very effective astringent and anti-inflammatory.
Experience:
Texture: Transparent thick gel. When apoplied to the skin becomes more liquid.
Smell: a bit chemically but you don't notice it unless you really pay attention.
Prepapration H comes as an ointment and as a gel. I bought the gel form. It works wonders! Still doesn’t not always deliver depuffing effect, as sometimes that puffiness is just too persistent. But Preparation H works in most cases and the effect is very visible. Puffiness is gone up to 60-90%.
I apply it every morning when I have puffy eyes. When Preparation H dries it turns into a thin film and kind of tightens up your skin. Sometimes even creating folds or lines on it. I wash it off immediately as soon as I feel it’s dry. Don’t walk around with that film as it dries, pulls the thin skin and can lead to appearance of lines. At times I can apply Preparation H twice to get a better effect. Each time I wash it off after it dries.
I have no irritation or eye reddening. But of course I am very careful not to get it into my eyes.
Price:At just $10, it's a beauty trick worth a try!
Related Posts:
Beauty Review: Talika Eye Decompress Mask
Beauty Talk: How To Relieve Eye Puffiness
Beauty Talk: Eye Puffiness: Symptoms and Reasons
Beauty Tip: Prevent Eye Wrinkles
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6 comments:
It looks like you've tried some of the eye creams that contain caffeine- how do you think they compare? I just worry about the dangers of using Prep-H around the eyes...
I just read on The Derm Blog (http://thedermblog.com/2008/06/09/puffy-eyes-and-preparation-h/#more-314) that repeated use of Prep-H can actually increase dilation of blood vessels and make puffiness worse.
Ouch.
Thanks for being our guinea pig though- it's good to know it works for emergencies :)
@ Jessica Allison
I tried Garnier Nutritionist Eye Roll-On with Caffeine. It come in a roll-on container with metal ball and is very convenient to apply, cool down and maddage the ye area. However it is not very effective at bringing down the puffiness. Maybe it goes down by 20-40%... Prep H is better!
@Jessica
I have no problem with Prep-H. But it's all very individual. I know that some people develop allergic reactions, irritation etc.
I've heard about Prep-H combating eye puffiness to, but have never tried it. If I ever get up the nerve, I will let you know how it goes.
@Adrienne
Oh my, it took me a loooong time to finally decide to test it!! Let's say I felt like Ive tried most available solutions and was feeling desperate. Of course there are still many products out there I have not tested... But I just don't see much effect from creams and masks... exept Talika's mask. if you come accross any product that seems effective let me know!
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