If you've gotten plenty of sleep but still look tired, it may be due to the puffy bags underneath your eyes. Puffy eyes are caused by heredity, sagging skin under the eyes or water retention due to diet or allergies. If you chronically suffer from puffy eyes, make a lifestyle change to help reduce the cause, or invest in a surgical procedure to remove excess skin underneath the eye area.
Cold Compresses
Although a cold compress will not permanently reduce puffy circles under the eyes, it can provide a quick fix when you've woken up with bags under your eyes. Rinse a washcloth in cold water, then place the washcloth across the eye area for several minutes, recommends the Mayo Clinic. As an alternative, place two spoons in the freezer overnight, then place the convex area of the spoon over the eye area. You can also use teabags rinsed in cool water and wrapped in tissues to help reduce the swelling underneath the eye area.
Dietary Changes
Puffy eyes may occur due to water retention. Some foods you eat may cause the body to retain more water, like foods and drinks that contain sodium, caffeine and alcohol. Avoid foods that are high in sodium such as canned soups, canned vegetables, chips and other prepackaged snacks. Cut drinks that contain caffeine and alcohol out of your diet when possible, recommends Marianne O'Donoghue, M.D., associate professor of dermatology at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center.
Reduce Allergens
When an allergic reaction occurs, the body releases histamines, which can cause fluid to pool in the body, including underneath the eyes. Get an allergy test regularly to determine which environments and foods are causing an allergic reaction. Avoid these foods and environments when possible. If you are unable to completely avoid allergens, take an antihistamine to temporarily reduce the appearance of puffy eyes.
Eyelid Surgery
If your puffy eyes are due to sagging skin underneath the eye area, your dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon may recommend eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty. Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin in the eyelid area and tightens the remaining skin. Eyelid surgery can provide drastic results, making the eyes look wider and more awake.
Member Comments