A person may be able to reduce the appearance of puffy eyes with some of the following home remedies.
1. Applying a cold compress
Anything cold can help with inflammation and swelling, as it reduces blood flow. Therefore, a cold compress, ice pack, bag of vegetables, or even refrigerated or frozen spoons may work.
There are many cold compress eye masks available. Alternatively, a person can soak a towel or washcloth in cold water and apply it to the eye area for 5-10 minutes at a time.
2. Applying cucumber
The image of cucumber slices on the eyes is infamous, but it can work when treating puffy eyes. Due to its high water content, cucumber hydrates the skin and reduces swelling, working in a similar way to a cold compress.
Cucumbers also have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity and contain vitamin K, which can help reduce dark circles.
3. Applying tea bags
The key ingredients in this natural remedy are caffeine and natural tannins. Tannins work as an astringent, which means that they can constrict body tissue. Caffeine can penetrate the skin barrier, has strong antioxidant properties, and increases blood circulation in the skin.
People may find that green tea, black tea, and chamomile tea bags all work. Chamomile, in particular, has high levels of antioxidants.
Simply steep the tea in warm water, then chill the bags in the refrigerator for a while. Place a tea bag on each eye for a few minutes.
Learn more about tea bags for the eyes here.
4. Trying witch hazel
As a natural astringent and antioxidant, witch hazel has a tightening effect on the skin.
Simply soak cotton pads in cold witch hazel, making sure to squeeze out all the excess, and apply to the area for 5-10 minutes a couple of times per day. Take extra care to prevent getting witch hazel in the eye.
5. Using an eye roller
There are various eye roller options on the market that may help reduce puffiness, diminish dark circles, and offer anti-aging benefits.
Rollers are generally made of metal and can apply eye cooling gels through a rollerball. The device cools the area and provides a mini-massage to the under-eye area, which helps boost circulation.
6. Applying a face and eye cream
Many face and eye creams may help combat puffiness, cool down the eye area, and constrict blood vessels.
Creams may contain ingredients such as:
- retinol
- vitamin C
- phenylephrine
- hyaluronic acid
Look out for organic products that have not undergone testing in animals.
One study suggests that a topical eye cream containing complex carbohydrates and natural extracts can improve puffiness around the eyes.
7. Trying massage
Anecdotal sources suggest that a simple self-treatment is to use the fingers to gently massage the eye area.
People can run their fingers under ice-cold water, place the index finger on the bridge of the nose (under the brow), and massage along the under-eye area. Gently tap along the skin and use the middle fingers to get the blood circulating.
8. Changing the diet
Eating a healthful diet and staying hydrated may reduce the appearance of puffy eyes. For example, people can try the following:
- Hydration: Try to drink around eight to 10 glasses of water per day. Eat water-rich foods, such as cucumbers, and plenty of other fruits and vegetables.
- Moderation: Avoid consuming too many alcoholic, caffeinated, or energy drinks. They act as diuretics and signal dehydration.
- Salt reduction: Cut back on salt in processed foods. Consuming additional sodium causes the body to retain water. Fluid retention may lead to eye puffiness.
- Parsley leaves: Anecdotal sources suggest eating parsley to help flush out toxins from the kidneys.
- Herbal tea: Although placing tea bags on the eyes can soothe puffiness, drinking herbal tea may also have benefits for the skin.
