Does preparation H actually work?

Does preparation h work for bags and dark circles under eyes?

• Answer:

  I gathered a number of articles addressing the efficacy of Preparation H and under eye puffiness. In addition I am including information and non-surgical recommendations that could help you reduce the bags under your eyes. In my research, it appears that there are no specific drugs available to reduce under eye puffiness. Baggy Eyes "Baggy eyes in the morning are normally due to sleeping on stomach or without a pillow; fatigue and alcohol make it worse. Frequent swelling is often a sign of allergies. Bags under the eyes, mainly hereditary, occur because fluids tend to accumulate where the skin is thinner. Thyroid, kidney and heart disease and use of some medications make baggy eyes appear worse; in most cases resting and sleeping on an elevated pillow is the best you can do." http://niazi.com/Wellness%20Guide/dh-tipb.htm#Baggy Eyes In an article at Straight Dope the use of Preparation H is discussed as not helping eliminate bags under the eyes: "A spokesperson for Whitehall-Robins, maker of Preparation H, informed us that the product "helps shrink hemorrhoidal tissue and is not meant for the area around the eyes. There is no clinical evidence to support that it reduces eye puffiness." She said they get this question less frequently than they used to, perhaps because Prep H has been reformulated. One of the ingredients that supposedly reduced puffiness was "live yeast cell," but this is no longer part of the recipe." They go on to say: Actually, it's debatable whether anything will help puffy eyes, which result from fluid retention caused by allergies, stress, etc. The ingredient in Preparation H that supposedly reduces swelling is phenylephrine HCl, which is used in nasal decongestants to constrict blood vessels. However, according to Paula Begoun, author of The Beauty Bible, Preparation H doesn't work where it's supposed to work, so what are the chances it'll work in the minimal concentrations you'd use on your eyes? Jane emphatically concurs, and Cecil politely assumes these women know whereof they speak." (..) So what does work? (1) Sleep with your head slightly elevated to minimize fluid retention. (2) Avoid booze and salty foods, which can cause water retention. (3) If you have allergies, take antihistamines and don't rub your eyes. (4) Remove any makeup carefully to avoid getting particles in your eyes. (5) To avoid dryness that can lead to irritation and puffiness, use a moisturizer. If nothing works and this is a chronic condition, cosmetic surgery may be your only recourse. Source: Straight Dope http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a990305.html However, Maxim Online states the opposite: "Dermatologists agree that Preparation H does the trick. It tightens facial skin by temporarily constricting blood vessels and shrinking under-eye tissue-the same way it constricts and shrinks rectal blood vessels and tissue, explains Debra Jaliman, M.D., a clinical instructor in dermatology at New York's Mount Sinai School of Medicine." Source: Maxim Online http://www.maximonline.com/grit/articles/article_4094.html Seventeen's magazine Beauty myths and secrets: One of their 17 all-natural beauty secrets is: Preparation H (hemorrhoid cream) shrinks bags under your eyes. http://www.seventeen.com/beauty/thebuzz/myths.html?SessionCookie=79363301-1-0-3E0 Mr. Joel's Weekly Beauty Column states that using Preparation H on your eyes doesn't help. http://beautychop.pair.com/preparationh.htm Hemorrhoid creams can get rid of under eye bags? "It's rumored that models swear by Preparation H to cure undereye woes. And while in theory the anti-inflammatory effect of hemorrhoid cream could temporarily reduce puffiness under the eye, the thick ointment isn't your best choice aesthetically." Better options: "Sleep with your head elevated. Propping up your head with a pillow or two prevents fluid from pooling beneath your eyes while you sleep." Try eye gel. Gels can temporarily tighten the skin under your eyes, reducing the appearance of bags and fine wrinkles. Use compresses. Cool, wet tea bags or cotton pads soaked in milk have a soothing effect on the eye area and can make bags appear less noticeable. Watch salt intake. Eating very salty foods can cause you to retain water all over -- including under your eyes." Source: ThirdAge Inc http://www.thirdage.com/news/archive/ALT10030403-02.html What can I do to get rid of baggy eyes? "That depends on what is causing them. Many environmental factors can cause puffy or baggy eyes, including allergies, dehydration, too much salt and alcohol and the lack of sleep. Sometimes antihistamines can help, as does reducing salt and alcohol in your diet, and elevating your head slightly when sleeping. If none of these remedies help, the bags could be due to fatty tissue deposits that tend to increase in the upper and lower lid area as we age. The only way to remove them is through surgery."