What causes puffy eyes and how to get rid of them?
We’ve all had puffy eyes at one time or another.
While puffy eyes can be caused by a number of different reasons, including genetics, skin type, and allergies, there are home remedies and professional treatments that can provide temporary relief.
To treat them long-term, the underlying cause of the swelling must be addressed first. Together, we’ll look at the causes of puffy eyes and how to get rid of them to find the answers.
What causes puffy eyes?
Swollen eyes can have a variety of causes. Typically, swelling around the eyes is caused by excess fluid buildup around the skin tissue, known as edema.
Since the skin around the eyes is very thin, the swelling is more noticeable. There are many factors that can cause swelling, such as:
Allergies such as hay fever
Sinusitis
Excessive salt intake
Dehydration
Stress
Crying
Lack of sleep
Fatigue
Aging
Inherited facial features
These are all easily treatable. Some conditions require surgery, while others can be treated with simple lifestyle changes.
As for inherited facial features, puffy eyes can appear to be inherited for some people and can only be treated with surgery.
As we age, the skin around our eyes swells as it lifts the eyelids and weakens the fat tissue.
This causes the skin to shift and changes the appearance of the eyes, leading to the formation of eye bags.
Why do my eyes look puffy when I wake up in the morning?
Believe it or not, your sleeping habits have a big impact on your eyes. If you sleep on your stomach, fluid drips onto your face and settles under your eyes, causing puffiness and dark circles. Sleeping on your back and using a silk pillowcase is one of the simplest things that can make a big difference and eliminate swelling.
Some of you may also notice that you don’t blink as much because your eyes are closed. This is how you train your eyes by reducing the amount of fluid around your eyes.
You’ll notice that the swelling will gradually reduce throughout the day and that you’ll blink more regularly when you wake up.
Are puffy eyes a sign of a health problem?
Puffy eyes are not usually a sign of a health problem. However, if you notice any of the following symptoms, consult your doctor:
Pain, irritation, and severe swelling around your eyes
Chronic puffy eyes you didn’t know you had
Symptoms like these may indicate a serious condition, such as:
Conjunctivitis (also known as pink eye)
Drooping eyelids
Dermatitis
Cellulite
Blepharitis
Thyroid 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 not only important for your eyes, but also for your mind and body. Here are some simple steps you can take before bed.
Don’t drink caffeinated beverages at least 6 hours before bedtime.
Stop exercising 5 hours before bedtime.
Don’t eat a large meal or sugary snacks 3 hours before bedtime.
Avoid drinking alcohol before bedtime.
Turn off all electronic devices 2 hours before bedtime and avoid looking at blue screens.
Drink plenty of water.
Puffy eyes can be caused by dehydration. Make sure you drink enough water, try to drink eight glasses of water a day. Drink a large glass in the morning and half a glass before bed to stay hydrated.
Eat more potassium.
Potassium can help reduce excess fluid in the body. The following foods contain potassium:
Bananas
Beans
Yogurt
Leafy vegetables
Ask your doctor to check if you are getting enough potassium. There are a number of supplements you can try. However, check with your GP first.
Try an eye cream
There are a variety of eye creams on the market, many of which contain active ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and cucumber to reduce puffiness.
Vitamin C and caffeine have the ability to refresh the mind, reduce inflammation and relieve pain, and tighten and brighten the skin. Learn more about how to find the best eye cream in our blog post.
Use a cold compress
Applying chilled cucumber slices to your eyes can have a relaxing effect and reduce swelling.
You can also try placing a damp, cool cloth over your eyes to drain excess fluid, or using a green tea bag. Green tea is rich in antioxidants that can reduce inflammation and protect the skin.
Eat a healthy diet
Protect your eyes by reducing your salt and alcohol intake. Too much salt can cause fluid retention, making eye bags appear even more puffy.
Eat more fruits and vegetables, especially superfoods like spinach and blueberries. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption, as it can dry out your skin.
Using eye cream and drinking plenty of water will help keep your eyes moisturized.
Treating Allergies
If you suffer from seasonal allergies like hay fever every year, you should try using medicated eye drops. These over-the-counter drops can moisturize and relieve irritation caused by pollen and dust.
Discuss surgery with your doctor.
There are many cosmetic procedures that can help relieve severely puffy eyes. If other treatments haven’t worked, the next step may be to consult your doctor about surgery.
This decision should not be made lightly. Take the time to find the doctor and clinic that best suits your needs.
Discuss surgery with your doctor. You may find yourself suffering from puffy eyes year-round for a variety of reasons. Lack of sleep, an unhealthy diet, and allergies can all affect your eyes.
The simplest treatment is to eat a balanced, healthy diet, get enough beauty sleep, and be aware of any allergies. This can significantly improve the overall appearance of your eyes.
If you want to learn more about treating and preventing wrinkles around the eyes, read our blog post.