The delicate skin under your eyes can be prone to appearing baggy or puffy because the skin is so thin there that the presence of fluid can appear pronounced. The blood vessels under the eyes are closer to the surface as well, and when dilated can make the eyes appear puffy. While puffy eyes can be due to aging or heredity, treatments are still able to eradicate or reduce the problem.
Step 1
Eat foods with little or no salt. High amounts of sodium can contribute to water retention, which in turn leads to puffy eyes. Refrain from salting your food or eating convenience foods, such as french fries, which tend to contain extra sodium. Alcohol also has a similar effect and can be dehydrating.
Step 2
Drink plenty of water. Water helps to keep fluids moving through the body, meaning if you wake up with puffy eyes, the water might help move fluid away from underneath the eye. Try to drink a glass of water every hour you are awake.
Step 3
Apply cool compresses to your eyes to constrict inflamed blood vessels and encourage fluid to move away. Examples of cold compresses include a washcloth dipped in cold water, milk or green or chamomile tea. Leave on for 10 minutes and repeat as necessary throughout the day to soothe puffy eyes.
Step 4
Place sliced cucumbers or potatoes over your eyes. Begin by placing these vegetables in the freezer for 15 to 30 minutes, then apply over your eyes and leave on for 10 minutes, according to Real Simple. The size of either slice is a perfect fit over the eye and will retain its cool temperature long enough to provide relief.
Step 5
Apply an eye-firming cream every morning. These creams help to tighten the skin under the eye, which reduces a puffy appearance while also restricting the amount of area fluid that can build up.
Step 6
Sleep on your back with your head elevated. Sleeping on your face can cause fluid to accumulate under your eyes due to the force of gravity. By sleeping with your head elevated, gravity is able to pull fluid down, keeping it from accumulating under your eyes.
Tips and Warnings
- In addition to other eye treatments, a surgery known as blepharoplasty can reduce puffy eyes by removing excess skin.
- Rubbing your eyes can irritate the delicate skin underneath them, causing puffiness.
Things You'll Need
- Washcloth
- Cucumber or potato
- Eye-firming cream
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