Puffiness around the eye area can be caused by a number of factors, including lack of sleep, crying, eating too much sugar or salt or sleeping with your face buried in a pillow. As you get older, the problem often becomes worse because some of the muscles that support the eyelids become weaker with age. This is generally not a serious problem but a cosmetic concern. If the problem isn't severe, you can decrease some of the puffiness with one of several home remedies.
Cold Compress
If your eyes are puffy first thing in the morning, you can use a cold compress to reduce some of the swelling. Wrap an ice cube in a paper towel. Lie down, close your eyes and place the ice cube over the swollen eye. After two or three minutes, the swelling shouldn't be as pronounced. Another cold compress that is soothing is cotton soaked in ice cold milk. Lie down and place the cotton over your eyes. After it reaches body temperature, replace it.
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration may cause puffiness around the eyes because the body tends to store fluid for protection. If you drink at least eight 8 oz. glasses of water each day, you should be able to reduce some of the puffiness.
Raid the Refrigerator
Some of the foods you are likely to have in your refrigerator or pantry can help reduce the swelling. Grate some potato and place a mound of it beneath your eyes for a few minutes. The anti-inflammatory properties in the potato will bring some relief. Slices of cucumber, which helps restrict the blood vessels, may also help remove some of the swelling.
Witch Hazel or Tea Bag
Dampen a cloth with witch hazel. Lie down, close your eyes and place the damp cloth over your eyes. Leave this on for about 15 minutes.
Another puffy eye fix is to place a used, cold tea bag over your eyes while you rest. The tannin in the tea should help to quickly reduce the swelling. Leave this on for about five minutes.
Cold Cream
Before applying your moisturizer, put it in the refrigerator. As you apply it, the coldness will help reduce the swelling beneath the eyes. According to an article on Ultimate-Cosmetics, if you tap your ring finger gently on the skin beneath your eye, some of the excess fluid may drain from the area, which will in turn reduce the puffiness.
Get Enough Sleep
Most people need at least seven to eight hours of sleep each night. One of the best ways to get in the habit of sleeping enough is to go to bed at the same time each night and wake up at the same time every morning.
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