From Our Pages Fall 2008

Q. My rehearsal dinner is a major party, so I probably wont get home until very late—how can I avoid dark circles and puffy eyes on the big day?

A. Prepare for the blowout by getting as much sleep as possible in the nights leading up to it. “Studies have shown the metabolism of the skin actually changes in sleep-deprived humans—it doesn’t retain as much moisture and is unable to repair itself as effectively,” says Dr. Kauvar. On the night, drink more water than cocktails, since too much alcohol will disrupt the little sleep you will be getting, plus cause dehydration (which in turn causes puffiness). When you get home, sleep with your head propped up on an extra pillow to avoid fluid pooling around your eyes. And if you do wake with prizefighter eyes, rather than drinking tea, dunk two bags in hot water, refrigerate them, and rest them on your lids for 15 minutes. “The tannins in the tea restrict the blood vessels which helps reduce excess under-eye fluid,” says Kauvar.