Waking up with baggy, puffy eyes in the morning can not only make you feel tired, it also can make you look tired. A number of lifestyle factors can cause puffy eyes, including your diet, how you sleep, how long you sleep and how much water you drink. Other conditions, such as allergies, also can cause bags under the eyes. Treatment options should aim to soothe and reduce inflammation while draining fluid around the eyes.
Step 1
Apply a cool compress immediately after waking up. Your compress can be as simple as soaking a washcloth in cool water, rolling it to fit your eyes and applying for five to 10 minutes. You can also place refrigerated cucumber or potato slices that over the eyes or add cool water to tea bags, then place them over the eyes. This will help reduce blood vessel dilation that can occur overnight, causing the blood vessels to restrict and de-puff.
Step 2
Apply a moisturizing eye cream to reduce skin dehydration that can occur overnight. When you do not drink enough water or drink excessive amounts of alcohol, this can dehydrate the skin, causing it to be thinner and making bags under the eyes more noticeable. Use only the directed amount and dab gently under the eye with your index finger in order to keep from damaging the delicate skin there.
Step 3
Drink lots of water throughout the day. Drinking fluids helps flush excess sodium out of the body while also hydrating the skin, according to the Mayo Clinic. Water is your best choice, as sodas or other caffeine-containing beverages can increase puffiness in the skin, according to EyeDoctorGuide.com.
Step 4
Eliminate excess sodium from your diet. Although sodium is necessary for daily functions, consuming an excess amount can cause your body to retain water, which increases eye puffiness. Avoid salting your food or consuming fast foods known to be high in sodium to keep from seeing undereye bags the next morning when you wake up.
Tips and Warnings
- If your morning treatments don't seem to be helping, your puffy eyes may be the result of a health condition, such as allergies. Because allergies cause inflammation and swelling in the sinus cavities, this also can contribute to puffy eyes.
Things You'll Need
- Cool compress, such as a washcloth, cucumber slices, potato slices or tea bags
- Moisturizing eye cream
Member Comments