7 Ways to Reduce Morning Eye Puffiness

September 13, 2020

Morning puffiness around the eyes is normal and it typically goes away without treatment. However, if you need to quickly reduce puffiness around your eyes,these tried and true home remedies may do the trick. (see your doctor if you have puffiness and under-eye swelling that does not go away)

1. Cold washcloth

A cold compress can ease puffiness. Wet a clean washcloth with cool water and with medium to light pressure directly underneath your eyes for a few minutes. Give it a try between cleansing and moisturizing.

2. Cold spoons

Chill a couple of spoons in the fridge and place them right underneath the eyes for a few minutes. Blood vessels will constrict at cooler temperatures, which is why for years, pros have been suggesting this quick fix.

3. Chilled tea bags

The natural caffeine in the tea bags will immediately help constrict blood vessels and reduce swelling. Steep two tea bags in cold water for three to five minutes, squeeze out the excess water, then rest them over your closed eyelids for 10 minutes… and relax!

4. Cucumber slices

Cucumbers are high in water content and stay cold. They act like natural cooling packs that you probably have in your fridge already. If puffiness is accompanied by irritation, cucumbers contain antioxidants to reduce inflammation, while the cooling effect reduces swelling. Place a cool cucumber slice on each of your closed lids, and rest for 15 minutes.

5. Aloe Vera

Cold aloe vera gel is another natural way to soothe and de-puff eyes because it contains a myriad of antioxidants and has numerous antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and other healing properties.Similar to how it soothes your sunburn, the inflammatory properties in aloe helps get rid of puffiness under your eye. Keep a bottle of fresh aloe vera gel in your fridge, and then apply it just like eye cream after you get up. Make sure not to get any of the gel into your eye, as this could cause irritation.

6. Gentle tap or massage

Gently massage or tap around your eyes and sinuses to help drain away extra fluid. Using the tips of your index and middle fingers and starting at the inner corners of your eyes, press down on the skin until you reach the outer corners of your eyes. Repeat several times to help drain the fluid (and puffiness) that has accumulated underneath your eyes. This will encourage lymphatic drainage and reduce puffiness in your eyes and face.

7. Eye masks

Eye masks are loaded with ingredients to reduce puffing and soothe & moisturize the under-eye areas. They are easy to apply and can give you instant results. Wear them for 10-20 minutes. If you use eye masks 2-3 times a week, they can also help minimize dark circles and a sign of aging.

How to Prevent Puffiness Around the Eyes

Why are the areas around my eyes puffy and how to prevent them? Morning puffiness is often caused by poor lymphatic circulation and dietary factors - like high sodium. "Genetics may contribute to this, but lifestyle choices are also a factor," says Dr. Jaliman. There isn’t much we can do about genetics, but we can make better lifestyle choices to keep swelling away in the first place.

1. Cut down on salt

When your diet contains too much sodium, your body retains more fluids. This buildup of excess fluids results in the puffiness in your eyelids. If puffy eyes are a result of fluid retention and too much salt in your diet, they'll tend to be worse in the morning. Eating a bag of chips while watching TV before going off to sleep is probably not a good idea. Try drinking some water before sleeping, so your body can remain dehydrated by morning. Just don’t drink too much.

2. Cut back on alcohol

Alcohol causes dehydration and can lead to puffy eyes. In a similar way as consuming too much salt, your body can become dehydrated. When this happens, it stores as much water as it possibly can to stockpile it for the future. Try to limit or avoid alcoholic drinks. Similar to the suggestion above, try to drink water before you go to bed and use a moisturizer around your eyes.

3. Drink water

Water retention is a big cause for puffiness. Drink water throughout the day to remain well-hydrated. Proper hydration helps prevent a buildup of blood around the eye that could cause redness and swelling.

4. Eat potassium-rich foods

Potassium is the third most abundant mineral in the body. It helps the body regulate fluid and reduce excess fluids in your body. Eating a potassium-rich diet can help you maintain a good fluid balance. Many fresh fruits and vegetables are rich in potassium. Add bananas, oranges, cantaloupe, honeydew, apricots, grapefruit and leafy greens to your diet. If you want to see the list of potassium rich foods, check out this webMD article.

5. Get enough sleep

Sleep deprivation is one of the common causes for puffy eyes. A lack of sleep can weaken the muscles around your eyes and it can also lead to loss of collagen. In the long term, this can cause fluid to collect in the area, making the area beneath your eyes to swell up.

6. Use anti-aging products

Unfortunately, aging causes puffy eyes that no one can avoid. With aging, the collagen and elastin fibers around the eyes become weaker, which can then cause fat to fall in your upper and lower eyelid. Anti-aging skincare products are designed to enhance collagen production to your skin and promote elasticity. See the elasticity skincare products at Mistia.

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