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Are puffy eyes the same as aegyo sal? Here’s how to tell
Terms like “puffy eyes” and “aegyo sal” often pop up in discussions centred around eye aesthetics. While both terms relate to the area under the eyes, they refer to two distinctly different types of phenomena.
Understanding these differences can help in embracing or addressing each condition appropriately. Read on to find out more.
What is Aegyo Sal?
Aegyo sal, a term popularised in South Korea, translates to ‘charming fat’. It refers to the small puff of skin found under the eyes and is seen to add brightness and youthfulness to a person’s face. Aegyo sal is seen in popular K-pop celebrities like Jisoo from Blackpink and Jungkook from BTS.
Since aegyo sal adds an extra dimension to the face, it is often highlighted through makeup or even cosmetic procedures to give the eyes a more pronounced, cheerful expression.
Why is Aegyo Sal So Popular?
Aegyo sal’s popularity can be traced back to the Hallyu wave, which has had a significant impact on beauty standards across the world. This beauty feature is associated with a youthful and innocent look, highly prized in many East Asian cultures. It’s not just seen as a cute facial feature but also as a subtle enhancement that can make the eyes appear larger and more expressive.
This desirability of aegyo sal has been amplified by celebrities and influencers who often use makeup or aesthetic procedures to bring this feature out.
How is Aegyo Sal Different from Puffy Eyes?
The main difference between aegyo sal and puffy eyes lies in their aesthetic value and underlying causes. Aegyo sal is a naturally occurring or purposefully enhanced feature that adds to the eye’s charm without suggesting fatigue or health issues.
In contrast, puffy eyes are often the result of fluid accumulation due to various factors, including lack of sleep, allergies, and ageing. Puffy eyes can give a swollen appearance, casting shadows that may suggest tiredness or stress, which most people seek to reduce or eliminate.
Preventing Puffy Eyes
Puffy eyes, unlike the intentionally maintained or enhanced aegyo sal, are generally unwelcome. Fortunately, there are several lifestyle adjustments and home remedies that can help minimise their appearance:
Adequate Sleep
Ensuring you get enough rest is crucial. Sleep deprivation can lead to swollen eyes, so aiming for 7-8 hours of quality sleep per night is beneficial.
Avoid Late Nights
Staying up late can exacerbate eye puffiness. Try to maintain a consistent sleep schedule to support your body’s natural rhythms.
Elevate Your Head While Sleeping
Using an extra pillow to elevate your head helps prevent fluid from accumulating under your eyes.
Avoid Sleeping on Your Stomach
Sleeping face down can cause fluid to gather in your face, including under your eyes. Sleeping on your back is preferable.
Hydrate Well
Adequate hydration can help prevent puffiness by flushing out toxins and reducing salt concentration in the body.
Limit Salt Intake
Excessive salt consumption can lead to fluid retention, contributing to puffiness under the eyes. Moderating salt intake can mitigate this effect.
Manage Allergies
Allergies can lead to inflammation and swelling. If you suffer from allergies, managing them with appropriate medication can help control under-eye puffiness.
Regular Exercise
Physical activity promotes circulation and helps reduce overall fluid retention, including around the eyes.
Avoid Excessive Alcohol and Caffeine
Both alcohol and caffeine can contribute to dehydration, leading to the retention of fluids and puffiness under the eyes.
Professional Gua Sha Treatment
For those seeking more than just lifestyle changes, professional gua sha treatment offers a therapeutic approach. This traditional Chinese technique involves scraping the skin with a massage tool to improve circulation and lymphatic drainage, which can help reduce puffiness and promote a healthier, more vibrant complexion.
When performed by a skilled practitioner, gua sha can be an effective method for not only addressing puffy eyes but also for enhancing overall facial aesthetics, including the subtle promotion of aegyo sal through improved skin health and vitality.
If you find that you have moderate to serious eye bags that require more than gua sha, or are simply tired of concealing your dark eye circles just to magnify your aegyo sal, eye bag removal treatment and dark eye circle treatment can be great tools. Both are non-surgical options that require no downtime.
Eye Gua Sha in Singapore
Aegyo sal is great, but puffy eyes aren’t. When done right, eye gua sha can be the difference between the two.
At SkinLab, our therapists are trained to perform gua sha and a host of aesthetic treatments. Talk to us to get advice tailored to your needs.