How to Reduce Swollen, Puffy Eyes
Puffy eyes make you look like you've pulled an all-nighter even if you managed a full eight hours of sleep. That's the last thing you want before work, a date or any other important event. If you don't want people to think you're always tired, it's time to banish those puffy eyes. You don't need to rely on cosmetic surgery or expensive treatments to perk up your peepers. A combination of natural solutions and lifestyle changes work just as well, if not better.
Young woman with cucumbers on her eyes. (Image: evgenyatamanenko/iStock/Getty Images)Step 1
Close your eyes and splash cold water over them to quickly reduce puffiness. If you have a bit of time to spare, dip a washcloth in cold water, wring it out and drape it over your eyes. Leave the cloth there for up to 10 minutes.
Step 2
Put a gel face mask or ice pack in the freezer so you'll have it ready when you need it. Wear the mask over your eyes for 10 minutes. If you don't have a mask or ice pack on hand, put two spoons in the freezer instead. When the spoons are chilled, put one over each eye.
Step 3
Place a thin slice of cold cucumber or potato over each eye and hold it there for 10 minutes. These vegetables contain vitamins and nutrients that soothe tired skin.
Step 4
Soak two tea bags in cold water, then apply one bag to each eye for five to 10 minutes. Tea reduces swelling and tightens skin.
Step 5
Dip a cotton ball in rose water, then dab the puffy skin around your eyes. Rose has anti-inflammatory properties that will ease puffiness.
Step 6
Get enough sleep each night. Most adults need about eight hours of sleep every day. If you don't get enough, you'll probably have puffy, tired eyes in the morning.
Step 7
Cut back on salty foods. Too much sodium can dehydrate you, making puffiness worse. Instead of adding extra salt to a meal, try giving the food flavor with herbs and other seasonings.
Step 8
Drink eight to 10 glasses of water per day to stay hydrated. If you normally have soda or sugary juice with a meal, consider replacing it with a bottle of water.
Step 9
Apply an eye cream every day. Use a cream that contains vitamins C and E; these vitamins prevent fluid pooling below your eyes and constrict blood vessels. Creams that contain antioxidants or caffeine also work well.
Things You'll Need
Washcloth
Gel face mask, ice pack or spoons
Cucumber or potato
Tea bags
Cotton balls
Rose water
Eye cream
Tip
If nothing works to eliminate your puffy eyes, genetics or allergies might be to blame.You may need to rely on makeup to cover up the puffiness. Cosmetic surgery is also an option.
Warning
Do not put hemorrhoid cream on or near your eyes. It's a myth that this cream can reduce puffiness. If it gets in your eyes, it will cause serious irritation.
