The tissue and muscle structures supporting the eyelids weaken with age. As a result, fat and fluid migrate around your eyes, causing them to appear swollen and puffy. Certain conditions, such as heredity, weather, salty fluids, hormone fluctuations and lack of sleep may contribute to the appearance of eye puffiness in the morning. Fortunately, adding a few easy steps to your daily routine can effectively reduce symptoms.
Step 1
Apply a cool compress to the entire eye area for a few minutes after waking. Consider using cucumber slices, a damp washcloth or wet tea bags to constrict the blood vessels beneath the eyes and reduce swelling.
Step 2
Gently press on the bones surrounding the eyes as you apply the compress. This will encourage circulation and help drain any excess fluid.
Step 3
Apply cosmetics to make puffiness less noticeable. Apply a light eye shadow over your eyelids from lash line to your eyebrow. Using an eyeliner brush, smooth on a black, brown or gray eye shadow as close to the lash base as possible. Finish up with a black or dark brown mascara.
Step 4
Reduce contact with any allergens. Puffy eyes can be the result of an allergic reaction to certain cosmetics, soaps or medications.
Step 5
Sleep at least eight hours every night. Consider elevating your head with an extra pillow or wedge to prevent fluid accumulation around the eyes during sleep.
Tips and Warnings
- The Good Housekeeping website explains that certain medical procedures are available if home remedies fail. Chemical peels and laser resurfacing can help reduce swelling and discoloration around the eyes. In extreme cases, a surgeon can perform blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery. This procedure works by removing the sagging skin and fat that cause the appearance of puffy eyes.
- Although puffiness around the eyes is not usually cause for concern, the Mayo Clinic suggests getting tested for allergies if symptoms are persistent, accompanied by pain, itching, tearing or redness. See a doctor as soon as possible if puffiness migrates to other parts of your body, like the legs. This could be the sign of a serious underlying condition such as thyroid or kidney problems.
Things You'll Need
- Cucumber slices, a damp washcloth or wet tea bags
- Makeup
- Extra pillow or wedge
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