What causes puffy eyes and how to get rid of them?
We have all experienced some form of puffiness around the eyes at some point in time. While there can be a variety of reasons for puffy eyes, including genetics, skin type, and allergies, there are home and professional remedies that can temporarily treat them. To treat them long-term, the underlying cause of the swelling must be addressed first. Together we will find out by examining what causes puffy eyes and how to get rid of them.
What causes puffy eyes?
Puffy eyes are caused by a variety of reasons. Typically, the swelling you notice around your eyes is the result of excess fluid around the skin tissue, known as edema. This swelling is more noticeable because the skin around the eyes is so thin. There are many factors that can cause swelling, such as:
Allergies, such as hay fever
Sinus infections
Excessive salt intake
Dehydration
Stress
Crying
Lack of sleep
Fatigue
Aging
Inheritance of facial features
These conditions are easily treatable, with some requiring surgery, while others can be fixed with just a few lifestyle changes.
As far as inherited facial features go, puffy eyes seem to run in the family for some people, and there is no real cure unless you choose surgery. As for aging, puffiness is caused by the skin around the eyes, the fatty tissue that lifts and holds the eyelids in place, weakening, which means the skin shifts and the appearance of the eyes changes, creating bags under the eyes.
Why do eyes look puffier in the morning?
Believe it or not, the way you sleep has a big impact on your eyes. If you sleep on your stomach, you’ll find that fluid can fall to the front of your face and settle in the area under your eyes, causing puffiness and dark circles under your eyes. Sleeping on your back and using a silk pillowcase are some of the simplest things you can change that can make a big difference and help combat swelling.
Some people may also notice that because your eyes are closed, you’re not blinking, which is a way of training your eyes by reducing the amount of fluid around them. You’ll notice that over time any swelling will reduce and you’ll blink more often when you wake up.
Is puffy eyes a sign of an underlying health problem?
Puffy eyes aren’t usually a sign of a health problem, but you should see a doctor if you notice any of the following symptoms:
Pain, irritation, and severe swelling around the eyes
Long-term puffy eyes that you’ve never experienced before
These symptoms can be signs of a serious problem, such as:
Conjunctivitis (also called conjunctivitis)
Ptosis, or drooping eyelids
Dermatitis
Cellulitis
Blepharitis
Thyroid-related eye disease
How to get rid of puffy eyes?
Here are some ways to treat puffy eyes:
Get enough sleep
Getting enough sleep can help reduce puffy eyes. A good nighttime routine is important for your entire body and mind, not just your eyes. Here are some simple steps you can take before bed.
Don’t drink caffeine at least 6 hours before bed
Stop exercising 5 hours before bedtime
Don’t eat a large meal or sugary snacks 3 hours before bedtime
Avoid alcohol before bedtime
Turn off all electronic devices and avoid looking at blue screens 2 hours before bedtime.
Drink enough water
Puffy eyes can be caused by dehydration. Try to be mindful of your daily fluid intake and aim to drink eight glasses of water. Drink a large glass in the morning and half a glass before bed to keep your fluids balanced.
Eat more potassium
Potassium can help reduce excess fluid in your body. Potassium is found in foods such as:
Bananas
Beans
Yogurt
Leafy greens
You should also consult your doctor to determine if you are getting the right amount of potassium, as there are a variety of supplements available that you can try, but you must consult your GP first.
Try an eye cream
There are a variety of eye creams available, many of which have effective formulas with active ingredients that can reduce puffiness, such as hyaluronic acid and cucumber. You’ll also find added vitamin C and caffeine to wake up the eye area, reduce inflammation, and firm and brighten the skin. Learn more about how to find the best eye cream in our blog post.
Use a cold compress
Placing a few chilled cucumber slices over your eyes may seem relaxing, but they can actually be effective in reducing puffiness around your eyes. You can also try covering your eyes with a damp, cool cloth to drain excess fluid or using a green tea bag. Green tea is rich in antioxidants that can reduce inflammation and protect your skin.
Focus on a healthy diet
Reducing your salt and alcohol intake can do wonders for your eye area. Too much salt can cause fluid to build up in the body, making eye bags look even more puffy. Make sure to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, especially superfoods like spinach and blueberries. Avoid drinking too much alcohol, as it can dry out the skin. Using eye cream and plenty of water can help keep your eyes hydrated and moisturized.
Treat your allergies
If you suffer from seasonal allergies like hay fever every year, consider trying medicated eye drops. These over-the-counter drops can moisturize the eyes and relieve irritation from pollen and dust.
Talk to your doctor about surgery
There are many cosmetic procedures that can help relieve severely puffy eyes. If other treatments haven’t helped, the next step might be to consult your doctor about surgery. This decision shouldn’t be made lightly, and you must take the time to find the doctor and clinic that best suits your needs.
You may find that you suffer from puffy eyes year-round in a number of different ways. Lack of sleep, a poor diet, and allergies can all affect your eyes. The easiest way to treat them is to eat as balanced and healthy a diet as possible, get plenty of beauty sleep, and keep an eye out for any allergies. By doing so, you’ll notice a significant improvement in the overall appearance of your eyes. If you want to learn more about how to treat and prevent under-eye wrinkles, you can read our blog post.
