Puffy Eyes: Causes and Everyday Tips

How can you reduce the look of puffy eyes? Cold compresses, less salt, enough water and sleeping with your head slightly raised can all help the area look less swollen. A moisturizing eye cream can help the skin around your eyes look smoother and more refreshed. If puffiness is persistent, one-sided or painful, see a doctor.

Eating Fish and a Balanced Diet

Puffiness around the eyes is often linked to fluid retention, and diet can play a part. A balanced diet with fish, vegetables and whole foods supports your overall health. Fish is a good source of protein and omega-3 fats, and eating it as part of a varied diet is a sensible habit. Choose sustainably sourced fish when you can.

Cold Water

Cool water or a cold compress on the eyelids can make puffy eyes look less swollen. Cold temperatures temporarily narrow the small blood vessels near the surface of the skin.

Chilled spoons or a cool gel mask can also feel soothing.

Some women notice eye swelling around their period or when hormones change. It usually goes away within a few days.

Too much salt is another common cause. Salty foods make the body hold on to water, and the thin skin under the eyes can show it.

Cutting back on salty food may help the area look less puffy.

Cold Steel

A stainless steel spoon chilled in ice water can be placed gently over closed eyes for a few minutes. Two metal spoons chilled in the freezer can be used the same way, for about five minutes at a time. Wrap anything very cold in a thin cloth so it does not touch your skin directly.

Hydration

Drinking enough water is important for healthy skin and overall well-being, and dehydration can make skin look dull and tired. A glass of water with a few slices of fresh fruit or cucumber is an easy way to drink more.

Cool cucumber slices on closed eyes are a classic way to feel refreshed.

Sleeping on Your Back

Sleeping with your face up and your head slightly raised may help keep fluid from pooling around your eyes overnight, so your eyes can look less puffy in the morning.

If you wake up with puffy eyes, a cold compress wrapped in a washcloth can help the area look more refreshed.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera gel is a popular moisturizing ingredient. Some people apply a thin layer around, but not in, the eye area for a cooling, hydrated feel. Keep it away from the eyes themselves and stop if you notice irritation.

Potatoes

Chilled potato slices on closed eyes are a traditional home remedy. There is little scientific evidence that they change puffiness or dark circles, but the cool slice may feel refreshing. Only use them if you are comfortable doing so, and rinse with water afterward.

When to See a Doctor

Occasional puffiness is common. If swelling is persistent, affects only one eye, is painful, red, or comes with other symptoms, talk to a doctor, since it can sometimes be linked to allergies or other health conditions.

A moisturizing eye cream can help the skin around your eyes look smoother and more hydrated as part of your daily routine. Luma Lift is made for exactly that.

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