The alarm goes off. You roll out of bed, head to the bathroom, look in the mirror, and…Yikes! Look at those puffy eyes! You touch your face in dismay and wonder how it got this bad. Waking up with puffy eyes (or even dealing with puffiness throughout the day) is a common experience, and there are many potential causes – including diet or allergies, to name just a few. However, there are many natural ways to reverse this condition so you can face your day with confidence.
Here are 10 easy, at-home home remedies you can use to soothe, smooth, and de-puff your eyes and keep this delicate skin looking healthy and hydrated.
Apricot oilÂ
Apricot oil is light, non-greasy, easily absorbed, and deeply moisturizing. Rich in vitamins A and E, it moisturizes and firms dry & sensitive skin while reducing the appearance of wrinkles, under-eye puffiness, and darker pigmentation. It’s the perfect way to condition under-eye skin and remove makeup simultaneously. Speaking of which, you should never hit the hay with your eye makeup on. It can make your eyes water, and cause a case of morning-after puffiness. Apricot oil makes an excellent, all-natural eye makeup remover.
Egg whites
Egg whites work as an astringent to temporarily tighten swollen, puffy skin. Whisk two chilled egg whites until smooth and gently apply them to your under-eye area with your fingertips. Leave on for five to 10 minutes – you may feel a tightening effect, similar to what you experience during a purifying face mask – then rinse off with lukewarm water.
Cucumber
There is a reason why we associate this humble vegetable with the spa and relaxation. Chilled slices of this refreshing veggie can de-puff eyes with the help of its caffeic acid. This compound restricts blood vessels (along with the cold temperature). Cucumbers contain several antioxidants, including vitamin C, beta-carotene, and manganese, as well as flavonoids, triterpenes, and lignans that have anti-inflammatory properties to soothe irritated skin. Keep a cucumber in the fridge and slice up two, half-inch pieces. Remove the peel for comfort. Lie down, apply the slices to your eye area, and take a few minutes to unwind.
Almond oil
Almond oil benefits the skin with fatty acids, phytosterols, and vitamins. Almond oil has been used for centuries to treat skin conditions, including acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Plus, it can lighten dark circles under eyes and reduce under-eye puffiness. The oil’s fatty acid content may help dissolve excess oil on the skin, while the retinoids in the oil improve cell regeneration and reverse sun damage. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties keep the delicate skin under the eyes smooth without irritating.
Chilled almond milk
Almond milk is not just tasty but also incredibly rich in vitamin B, calcium, protein, and iron. Smoothing chilled almond milk under the eyes or using a compress soaked in cold almond milk will naturally help reduce inflammation and puffiness in delicate skin, relieving those aging signs of fatigue.
RosewaterÂ
Rosewater contains vitamins A and C and acts as a natural astringent with anti-inflammatory properties. Whether you have computer eyestrain, eye allergies, or another condition, rose water is a natural remedy that may help. Rosewater can help prevent dry eyes and cleanse the eyes of dust and debris, refreshing and cooling the skin. This helps prevent the urge to rub the eyes, which, in turn, prevents puffiness. You can make rose water at home and use it to treat eye puffiness and dark circles. Add some rose petals in water and wait until the petals lose their color. Strain the liquid and store it in a jar.Â
Green tea bagsÂ
Green tea is amazing for skin. It’s packed with antioxidants that combat free radicals to protect skin cells. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, making it an optimal treatment for swelling. The tea’s tannins act as a gentle astringent, and its caffeine constricts blood flow that causes puffiness. To treat tired eyes, simply soak two teabags in ice water for several minutes, then place them on the under-eye area for 15 to 20 minutes for best results.
Chamomile tea bags
Chamomile is reported to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, and treating your eyes with a chilled chamomile tea bag gives the benefit of a cold compress as well. For a doubly relaxing treatment, brew a cup of chamomile tea, remove the bag, and chill it in the freezer while you sip the tea – then let the teabag rest on your eyes for several minutes. This simple treatment is very refreshing and gives a nice second use to old teabags while also relieving tired and delicate under-eye skin.Â
Witch hazel
You may have witch hazel hanging around in your medicine cabinet. This astringent helps with inflammation and redness, making it a good choice to combat puffy eyes. To use, apply an alcohol-free witch hazel extract to a cotton pad and apply the pad to your eye area for 5 to 10 minutes.
Sliced potatoes
Potatoes contain the anti-inflammatory enzyme catecholase, which can reduce puffiness and diminish dark circles. Grab a potato from your pantry (or even better, from the fridge), and cut about four to six half-inch-thick slices; each should be large enough to cover the eye area. Lie down and place one slice on each eye for 10 minutes; repeat with fresh slices on each eye until under-eye puffiness has been reduced.Â
Cold waterÂ
Short on time? Run your fingers under very cold water or put them on some ice cubes. Start at the inner corners of your eyes and press down on the skin until you get to the outer eye corners. Repeat. This process helps drain fluid that’s beneath your eyes, relieving puffiness.
Other ways to de-puff your eyes
Taking steps to treat under-eye puffiness may help in the short term, but it’s also worth considering the underlying factors that could be causing the unsightly symptoms in the first place. Here are some ways to adjust your lifestyle and encourage firm, healthy skin…naturally.
- Manage allergies: Allergic symptoms can irritate eyes, causing inflammation and swelling, so take care to reduce exposure to anything that might trigger allergies.
- Go easy on alcohol: Toxins like alcohol and cigarettes can cause water retention, so avoid them to keep eyes feeling and looking healthy.
- Check your sleep: Use a silk pillowcase and a pillow with natural filling, and try to sleep without putting undue weight on your face so that you can wake up with fresh eyes and skin.
- Get more movement: Exercise can encourage lymphatic drainage, which prevents puffiness and fluid retention.
- Hydration: Eye puffiness can be the result of dehydration. Make sure you drink plenty of water every day to keep your skin healthy.Â
- Get more sleep: Unsurprisingly, tiredness can contribute to puffy eyes, so ensure you’re getting at least 7 to 8 hours of rest each night.
- Check your products: Personal care products such as makeup and hairspray can leave behind residues and particles which cause puffiness around the eyes. Consider switching to a hypoallergenic variety.
If puffy eyes have been a problem for you, try some of these simple suggestions to soothe and refresh skin. You’ll look and feel better and will be able to put your best face forward each day.
-Liivi Hess
