Tired, puffy eyes are actually a form of edema or water retention. However, lack of sleep, crying, intake of salty food, or even keeping your head down for too long also could cause puffiness of eyes. Puffy eyes make you look tired.
12 Natural Remedies for Puffy Eyes
There are many ways to reduce puffiness around the eyes. Many people use a concealer to hide the problem. However, chemicals in cosmetic products might not be suitable for sensitive skin types. Here are some simple, natural remedies to get rid of those unsightly eye bags and dark circles:
- Drink lots of water: Dehydration can result in eye puffiness. So the simplest natural tip to lessen your swollen eyes is drinking lots of water. Try lemon water first thing in the morning and throughout the day. The general recommendation is to drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily.
- Consume adequate iron: Iron deficiency is a key cause of fluid retention and can be a key factor in puffy eyes. Check your iron levels and make sure you are consuming enough.
- Check your thyroid: Thyroid malfunction can cause consistently puffy eyes. When thyroid hormones fail to suppress the cells normally, they release too many water-binding molecules into the ground substance of the skin and other connective tissues. The excess water expands the eye tissues, causing them to feel and appear puffy.
- Cucumber slices: Cucumbers are stuffed with enzymes and the astringent properties that can soothe skin and reduce the appearance of puffiness. Keep refrigerated slices of cucumbers on your eyes for about 5-10 minutes until they turn warm.
- Egg white: Applying egg white on the affected area can work wonders. Egg whites are infused with skin-tightening properties, which helps in banishing under-eye bags and also prevent wrinkles. Apply a mixture of egg whites (whip till a stiff consistency is reached) and a few drops of witch hazel to the eye area. Leave the mixture on for about 15 minutes till it dries and wash off.
- Aloevera gel: Enriched in essential vitamins as well as antioxidants, aloevera gel is an amazing home remedy that can reduce under-eye puffiness, tone the skin, and reduce pigmentation under the eyes if any. Apply aloe vera gel under the eyes and let it dry for about 8-10 minutes. Afterwards, rinse it with cold water. Do this twice a day for excellent results.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking: Limit or avoid alcohol and other drinks that can make you dehydrated and cause puffy eyes. Quit smoking as it can dry and weaken the skin on your face, resulting a wrinkled or droopy eyes.
- Curb the salt: Eating too much salt can cause additional fluid retention in your body. That’s why a dinner loaded with salt often results in morning-after puffiness. The American Heart Association recommends limiting sodium to 1,500 mg per day.
Reduce your salt intake by avoiding prepackaged foods like instant soups, salty snacks, cured meats, cheese, pickles, and other processed foods.
- Tea bags: Use green or black tea bags as a cold compress on your eyes. Tea contains antioxidants that can constrict blood vessels and reduce puffiness.
- Remove make-up before bed: Wash off your makeup before you sleep, or else you might wake up in the morning with puffy eyes.
- Avoid artificial sweeteners: Some studies have found that sweeteners like aspartame and saccharin cause fluid retention. If you regularly have puffy eyes, avoid diet soda and see if it helps.
- Get a good night sleep: A good night’s sleep is very important to your health and wellbeing, and will also reduce puffiness around the eyes. Sleeping with your head raised would keep fluids from accumulating under your eyes and reduce puffiness.
