I dabbed a tiny smear of white hemorrhoid cream under my puffy eyes every morning. 3 days later, this is what happened

In the world of beauty, trends come and go as quickly as the seasons change. One moment, it's all about jade rollers and the next, it's snail mucin serums. But every now and then, a truly bizarre hack catches on, leaving everyone wondering if they should give it a try. Recently, one such hack has gained traction, especially on social media platforms like TikTok: using hemorrhoid cream to reduce under-eye puffiness.

The idea might sound a bit outlandish at first, but it’s not entirely without precedent. Hemorrhoid cream has been used off-label for years by makeup artists and beauty enthusiasts for its potential to temporarily tighten skin. Curious and admittedly a bit desperate to tackle my own persistent puffiness, I decided to give this unconventional method a go for three days to see what all the fuss was about.

As someone who has struggled with puffy eyes for as long as I can remember, I've tried nearly every remedy under the sun. From cucumber slices to high-end eye creams that promised the moon, nothing seemed to provide the dramatic results I was hoping for. When I stumbled across the hemorrhoid cream hack on TikTok, I was intrigued. It was touted as a quick fix by countless users who claimed it worked wonders.

My reasoning was simple: if the cream could shrink swollen hemorrhoidal tissue, perhaps it could also reduce the swelling under my eyes. Furthermore, a small tube of hemorrhoid cream cost a fraction of what I typically spent on eye creams, making it an appealing experiment to try.

Hemorrhoid creams typically contain active ingredients like phenylephrine, which is a vasoconstrictor. This means it works by narrowing blood vessels, which can reduce swelling and inflammation. For hemorrhoidal tissue, this property helps alleviate symptoms like itching and burning. However, when applied under the eyes, it can temporarily tighten skin and reduce puffiness.

TikTok users rave about this hack because of its immediate, noticeable effects. The platform is known for its fast-paced, visual content, making it the perfect breeding ground for quick-fix beauty solutions. Videos showcasing the instant tightening effect of hemorrhoid cream under the eyes went viral, leading many to test it out for themselves.

I approached this experiment with caution, given the delicate nature of the skin under my eyes. Each morning, I squeezed out a pea-sized amount of hemorrhoid cream onto the back of my hand. With my ring finger, I gently dabbed a tiny smear—roughly the size of a grain of rice—under each eye, being careful to avoid getting too close to the lash line.

After applying the cream, I let it sit for a few minutes to absorb fully before proceeding with the rest of my skincare and makeup routine. I was careful not to layer too many products on top, as I wanted to accurately gauge the cream's effects.

On the first day, I felt a slight tightening sensation almost immediately after applying the cream. It was subtle but noticeable, akin to the feeling of a firming face mask starting to dry. I checked my reflection in the mirror multiple times throughout the day, and while the puffiness wasn't entirely gone, there was a discernible difference.

My under-eye area appeared slightly smoother and less tired-looking, which was encouraging for a first attempt. However, I was also aware that the effects might be temporary, so I reserved judgment until I could observe results over the next few days.

By the second day, I was eager to see if the cream would continue to work its magic. I followed the same application routine and noticed that the tightening sensation was consistent with the previous day. After allowing the cream to settle, I observed that my under-eye bags appeared less pronounced.

Encouraged by these results, I went about my day feeling a bit more confident. However, as the day wore on, I noticed that the effects seemed to diminish slightly by late afternoon, suggesting that regular reapplication might be necessary for prolonged results.

On the third day, I woke up with the usual puffiness but felt hopeful about the results so far. After applying the cream, I noticed that the skin under my eyes looked firmer and slightly brighter. However, the discoloration and dark circles remained unaffected by the cream.

While the puffiness and swelling were certainly reduced, the cream didn't seem to address issues related to pigmentation. This was a reminder that while the cream could provide temporary cosmetic benefits, it wasn’t a comprehensive solution to all under-eye concerns.

Throughout the experiment, I was vigilant about monitoring my skin for any adverse reactions. Fortunately, I didn’t experience any major irritation or redness. However, I did notice a slight drying effect on the delicate skin under my eyes, likely due to the vasoconstrictive properties of the cream.

This dryness emphasized fine lines a bit more than usual, which was a downside. Those with sensitive skin might experience more pronounced irritation, so caution is advised when trying this hack.

Most dermatologists caution against using hemorrhoid cream on the face, particularly under the eyes. The skin in this area is extremely delicate, and the strong active ingredients in hemorrhoid cream can cause irritation or worsen conditions like eczema or dermatitis.

Experts suggest sticking to products specifically formulated for the eye area, as they are designed to be gentle and address specific concerns like puffiness, hydration, and dark circles. For those insistent on trying this hack, dermatologists recommend using it sparingly and not as a long-term solution.

In comparison to traditional eye creams, the hemorrhoid cream provided a quicker, more noticeable tightening effect. However, it lacked the hydrating and nourishing benefits of a quality eye cream, which often contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid and peptides.

Compared to using cold spoons—a common home remedy for puffiness—the hemorrhoid cream offered more immediate results. Cold spoons can temporarily constrict blood vessels and reduce swelling but don't provide the tightening effect that the cream does.

While I was pleased with the temporary reduction in puffiness, I have mixed feelings about using hemorrhoid cream under my eyes in the long term. The drying effect and potential for irritation make it less appealing for regular use.

For special occasions or when in need of a quick fix, I might consider using it again. However, for everyday skincare, I’ll stick to products specifically designed for the delicate eye area, as they offer more comprehensive benefits without the risk of irritation.

If you're considering trying this viral hack, proceed with caution. Perform a patch test on another area of skin to check for any adverse reactions before applying it under your eyes. Be mindful of the potential for drying and irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Remember that while hemorrhoid cream can offer temporary cosmetic benefits, it does not address the root causes of puffiness or dark circles. For long-term results, consider investing in a quality eye cream or seeking advice from a dermatologist on the best ways to manage your specific concerns.