7 Ways to Reduce Morning Eye Puffiness

September 13, 2020

Morning eye puffiness is a common occurrence that often resolves naturally. However, for those looking for quick remedies and long-term prevention, we've compiled a detailed guide. Remember, if puffiness persists, consult a healthcare professional.

1. Cold washcloth

A soothing cold compress can work wonders. Dampen a clean washcloth with cool water and gently apply it beneath your eyes. The medium to light pressure helps reduce puffiness, and it's an ideal step between cleansing and moisturizing.

2. Cold spoons

Chilled spoons from the fridge can constrict blood vessels, an age-old remedy. By placing them beneath your eyes for a few minutes, you can visibly reduce puffiness.

3. Chilled tea bags

Steep two tea bags in cold water for 3-5 minutes. Natural caffeine in tea constricts blood vessels, diminishing swelling. Squeeze excess water, place tea bags on closed eyelids, and unwind for 10 minutes.

4. Cucumber slices

Cucumbers, being high in water content and naturally cooling, act as instant cooling packs. For irritated puffiness, their antioxidants reduce inflammation while the cooling effect alleviates swelling. Apply cucumber slices to closed eyelids and relax for 15 minutes.

5. Aloe Vera

Cold aloe vera gel, packed with antioxidants, has remarkable healing properties. Similar to its soothing effect on sunburn, it eases eye puffiness. Store fresh aloe vera gel in your fridge and use it as you would eye cream each morning, taking care not to get it in your eyes.

6. Gentle tap or massage

Stimulate lymphatic drainage and reduce puffiness with a gentle eye and sinus massage. Use the tips of your index and middle fingers to press along the inner and outer corners of your eyes. This encourages the elimination of accumulated fluid.

7. Eye masks

Eye masks are packed with ingredients to reduce puffiness, soothe, and moisturize under-eye areas. A 10-20 minute application delivers instant results, and regular use can minimize dark circles and signs 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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