Puffy under-eye circles can form when the tissues around the eyes weaken, supportive fat migrates to the area and fluid pools in the space below the eyes, according to the Mayo Clinic. When the under-eye skin is particularly thin, veins and fluids can become more visible and cause the already-puffy under-eye area to appear as a dark, shadowy circle, according to Health Services at Columbia University. Puffy under-eye circles are rarely a health risk, but you may want to get rid of them to rejuvenate your appearance.
Step 1
Talk to your doctor about getting tested for allergies. Nasal congestion can cause puffy under-eye circles by prompting the veins that drain from the eyes to the nose to expand, fill with fluid and appear darker, according to Columbia. If your doctor concludes that you have allergies, avoid your triggers and ask him to recommend an allergy medication.
Step 2
Sleep with an extra pillow under your head. Elevating your head will help prevent fluid from accumulating around your eyes when you sleep, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Step 3
Sleep enough to feel well-rested every morning. Lack of sleep can cause you to retain fluid around your eyes. It may also tire your facial muscles and lead the skin around your eyes to droop. Most adults need seven to eight hours of sleep every night to feel well-rested, but you may need more or less.
Step 4
Apply used, cooled tea bags to your under-eye area to reduce puffiness. Alternately, use chilled cucumber slices, a cold-water compress or a refrigerated gel mask. Whichever treatment you choose, apply it for a few minutes with gentle pressure while you sit upright, recommends the Mayo Clinic.
Step 5
Apply an under-eye cream. Buy one that contains vitamin C, vitamin K, alpha hydroxy acid or retinol, recommends Columbia. You may find that a cream with both retinol and vitamin K is most effective because the vitamin K can shrink vessels and retinol can help build up collagen around your eyes.
Step 6
Talk to your doctor about your different medical-treatment options. Skin treatments such as chemical peels and laser resurfacing can tighten the skin and improve the skin tone around your eyes, which can help reduce discoloration and lessen the appearance of swelling, according to the Mayo Clinic. Eyelid surgery, which removes sagging skin and excess fat, is another option.
Step 7
Drink water and avoid dehydrating food and drinks. Dehydration can cause your body to hold onto extra fluid, which can accentuate the appearance of puffy under-eye circles. To reduce the chances of dehydration, cut back on coffee, alcohol, tea and salt, recommends Columbia.
Things You'll Need
- Allergy medication, if prescribed
- Extra pillow
- Under-eye cream
- Cool compress
- Drinking water
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