While puffy eyelids typically do not signal a cause for health concern, their presence can make you appear tired or older. Fortunately, finding treatments for puffy eyes often causes you to look no further than your refrigerator. Because puffiness can be due to fluid retention and blood vessel dilation, the goal is to reduce inflammation while helping fluid to drain away from the eyes.
Tea Bags
Tea leaves contain tannins, which are natural astringents designed to minimize swelling and inflammation. To reduce puffiness, place wet tea bags in the refrigerator until cooled, then wrap in a tissue or cheesecloth--failure to do so could result in tea stains on your skin. Teas with the best anti-inflammatory properties include herbal and green teas, according to DrWeil.com. Apply over the eye and leave on for about five minutes, according to the Mother Nature website.
Cold Compress
Take a washcloth, and dip it in cool water or wrap it around ice cubes. Apply over the eyes to cause blood vessels underneath the eyes to constrict. If the compress begins to feel warmer, re-dip in cold water and apply again until your eyes are noticeably less puffy.
Cucumbers and Potatoes
Cucumbers and potatoes can hold a cool temperature while also being the perfect shape to place over the eyes. Keep these refrigerated, slice and then apply to the eyes for about five minutes.
You also can try this method recommended by Health Guidance: slice a raw potato or cucumber into thin slices then blend and extract the pulp. Next, make a cup of basil tea by adding 1/4 cup of basil leaves to 2 1/4 cups of boiling water. Combine this with the cucumber or potato pulp. Pour the solution into ice cube trays and freeze. Once frozen, wrap the ice cube in a tissue and apply underneath the eyes (be sure to keep your eyes closed while doing so).
Cotton Pads Soaked in Milk
Another soothing eye treatment includes cotton pads soaked in very cold milk. Place the dampened pads over your eyes while lying down or with your head elevated on a pillow to soothe inflamed blood vessels. As an added bonus, the combination of the cold temperature and milk will help to brighten the whites of your eyes, making you appear more alert and awake, according to Health Guidance.
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