How to Get Rid of Puffy Eyes

Waking up with puffy eyes is something that happens to me at times and it really frustrates me!  It is a common problem and only gets worse as we get older and the skin under the eye gets thinner.

Puffy eyes happen when the eyes begin to swell.  The reasons for this include excessive crying, excessive physical stress, genetics, dermatitis, hormonal changes, weather changes, sinus problems, hangovers, bad diet, lack of sleep and allergic  reactions.

While we sleep, we don't blink. And this is part of the reason why eye puffiness develops.

Puffy eyes can make you look tired and feel like you don't look your best.  Here are a few ways to get rid of puffy eyes.

Drink Water - The most effective way to get rid of puffy eyes is to drink water.  When your body is well hydrated, there is less chance of water retention.  Water retention can cause the area under your eye to swell.  Water also helps to flush toxins out of the body.  Drink water throughout the day!  If you have trouble remembering to drink water like I do, there is a downloadable app called Watermind Me that will remind you to drink water!

Cold Spoons - This method is very effective especially combined with drinking lots of water!  It will help to tighten the skin around your eyes and relax the blood vessels, offering some relief to puffy, tired eyes.  Aside from drinking water, this is my favorite trick for reducing puffiness!

Chill 5 to 6 metal spoons in the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes.

Hold the rounded part of the spoons against the puffy part of your eye for a few minutes until the spoon gets warm.  As the spoon warms, replace it with another from the freezer.

Tea Bags - Either green or black tea can help soothe irritated puffy eyes.  They can help reduce swelling and reduce redness and inflammation.

Put 2 used tea bags in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

Lie down and put the tea bags over eyelids and leave them in place for 10 to 15 minutes.  Repeat several times over the course of the day.

Cucumbers - Chilled cucumbers are a good remedy for treating puffy eyes.  We've all seen pictures of people with cucumbers over their eyes and a mask on their faces, but it really does help.  Cucumbers have enzymes and astringent properties that help reduce inflammation and help tighten the skin.  This remedy will also help to lessen the appearance of wrinkles and dark circles.

Image from Reference.com

Egg Whites - Egg whites contain proteins and collagen which can improve skin tone and elasticity.  The collagen contained in egg whites helps to lessen the appearance of fine lines.

Separate the yolks from 2 eggs and put the whites in a bowl.  Whip the egg whites until you get a stiff consistency.

Add a few drops of which hazel (a natural skin tightening astringent)

Use a small brush to apply this mixture under the eye and let dry.  Leave on for about 15 minutes.  Repeat daily if necessary.

Potatoes - The starch in potatoes has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce under-eye bags and well as lessening the appearance of dark circles.

Peel, wash and dry a medium-size potato.

Grate the potato and put into a clean cloth and tie it up.  Put this cloth in the refrigerator until cold and place over your eyelids for several minutes.  Repeat the process several times until the puffiness subsides.

Eat Less Salt - Too much sodium is a common cause of water retention.  Because of the imbalance of salt and water, water gets drawn out of your cells and puffs up tissues.  The result can affect your eyes by filling out the tissues around the eye cavity and cause puffy eyes.

Elevate Your Head While You Sleep - If you wake up with bags under your eyes, elevating your head while you sleep may help to reduce puffy eyes in the morning.  Sometimes, fluid can pool and build up around the eyes when you're lying flat and sleeping. You can buy a pillow to elevate your head here and read this article on the benefits of sleeping with your head elevated.

Exercise - Exercise improves circulation, which helps move fluid through your body rather than letting it accumulate.  A brisk walk or some yoga can do wonders.

Image from Yoga Lifestyles

Hemorrhoid Cream - This may sound funny but hemorrhoid creams and ointments can reduce puffiness under the eyes.  Phenylephrine is an active ingredient in hemorrhoid cream that constricts blood vessels, reducing their diameter.  Be very careful not to get this cream into the eye.

Eat Potassium Rich Foods - Potassium rich foods are bananas, avocados, spinach, sweet potatoes, coconut water, keifir or yogurt, white beans and acorn squash.  For a double dose of potassium, try this recipe for Spinach and White Bean Soup!

I hope you've enjoyed this post!  I did some research when I noticed that I was waking up with puffy eyes and I have actually tried most of these techniques and found that they work.  I will say that drinking lots and lots of water seems to be the best remedy and the easiest!  Have a great Friday everyone and remember to drink your water!

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