Occasional puffiness and dark circles under your eyes can be a sign of a bad night's sleep, according to Cosmopolitan. If you have chronic puffy eyes or dark circles when you wake up in the morning, your symptoms could be a sign of nasal allergies. You can prevent and treat puffy eyes and dark under-eye circles with a combination of home remedies, lifestyle changes and over-the-counter products. If you think your eye circles and puffiness are caused by allergies, see a doctor to determine your treatment options.
Treat Under-Eye Puffiness and Dark Circles
Step 1
Apply cold compresses, such as a cold, wet washcloth or ice pack, to puffy eyes in the morning to quickly reduce swelling and ease irritation. Allow the cold compresses to rest gently on your closed eyes for five minutes.
Step 2
Place cold, wet black tea bags over your eyes for five minutes to bring down swelling. Cosmopolitan states that the tannin in the tea bags will reduce the size of the swollen blood vessels around your eyes, lessening the appearance of dark circles. The caffeine in the black tea bags can also tighten the skin around your eyes.
Step 3
Store spoons in the refrigerator and soothe your puffy eyes in the mornings by placing the cold spoons on top of your closed eyelids. Keep the spoons in place until they are no longer cold, or at least three to five minutes.
Step 4
Soak cotton pads in witch hazel, which you can buy at any drugstore. Gently hold the soaked pads to your puffy closed eyes to reduce swelling. Allow the pads to rest against your closed eyes for five minutes to get the best results.
Step 5
Massage your eye area. Gently press your ring fingers around your puffy eyes, working your way from your inner eye to your outer eye to draw out fluid and reduce puffiness and dark circles.
Step 6
Visit a drugstore or beauty supply store and purchase an over-the-counter eye cream. Look for a cream that is designed to combat puffiness and dark circles. Apply the cream gently to your under-eye area before bed each night.
Prevent Under-Eye Puffiness and Dark Circles
Step 1
Place an extra pillow under your head at night while you sleep to prevent your eyes from becoming puffy in the mornings. According to an article in Cosmopolitan, raising your head while you sleep helps fluid drain away from your eyes, preventing swelling.
Step 2
Keep yourself hydrated to prevent puffiness from forming under your eyes. Drink eight 8-oz. glasses of water per day and avoid excess salt and alcohol, which can cause dehydration.
Step 3
Prevent under-eye circles and puffiness due to allergies by washing your sheets and vacuuming your sleeping area regularly. Keep a clean, dust-free bedroom to reduce the number of dust mites in your sleeping area and lessen your allergy symptoms.
Things You'll Need
- Washcloth or ice pack
- Black tea bags
- Spoons
- Cotton pads
- Witch hazel
- Over-the-counter eye cream
- Extra pillow
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