How to treat puffy under eyes
Do the pockets under your eyes ever get so puffy in the morning that they look more like marshmallows? Don't worry: puffy under eyes happen to the best of us, especially in the morning. And while it can be bothersome, having a little extra poof around your eyes won't cause any harm to your vision. But if you want to reduce the appearance of puffy eyes, we have several solutions to try.
What causes puffy eyes?
There are many different causes of puffy eyes, from your diet to the amount of sleep you get, to your genetics. Here are a few reasons you might be experiencing puffy eyes:
Aging: As we get older, we naturally lose firmness in our skin tissues and facial muscles, leading to sagging skin.
Mornings: It's normal to get puffy skin after we wake up.
Fatigue: Lack of sleep can result in dry skin and puffy eyes.
Crying: Your eyes may look puffier after crying.
High-sodium diet: If you eat a lot of salty foods, your body may retain water, leading to puffy skin.
Medical conditions: Allergies, inflammation, thyroid problems, and other conditions can cause under eye swelling.
Genetics: Your genes can determine the elasticity of your skin around your eyes.
What causes puffy eyes in the morning?
Ever had a staring contest with someone and then instantly regretted it? (Us too. But for some reason we keep doing it.) That's because your eyes need to blink regularly in order to stay clean and moist. Each time your eyelids close, your tear glands flush the surface of your eye to lubricate and remove lingering particles.
When you're asleep, your eyes are resting, and you're no longer blinking, which may cause temporary puffiness in the mornings. As you wake up and start blinking, some puffiness will go away on its own.
Swollen eyelid vs. puffy eyes: what's the difference?
Puffy eyes usually occur due to genetics, aging, and lack of sleep. It may look like you're a little more tired than usual, like you've been crying, or it may not be noticeable to others at all. But unlike puffy eyes, swollen eyelids appear suddenly and may even look infected. Swollen eyelids are commonly caused by these conditions:
Blepharitis, or eyelid inflammation
Pink eye or other common eye infections
Allergic reaction
Thyroid eye disease
Dry eyes
Kidney disease
If you have swollen eyelids or your eyes look puffier than normal, it's always a good idea to get in for an eye exam or health checkup. Your doctor will be able to determine the cause and suggest any medical care if necessary.
How to get rid of puffy eyes
Thankfully, there are several options to treat puffy eyes, from simple at-home treatments to permanent surgical solutions. If you get occasional puffy lids in the morning, these at-home treatments may help:
Cold compress: Gently use an ice pack (or even frozen peas) on the eyes to reduce inflammation.
Eye creams: These are creams specifically designed for safe use around the eyes. Always use caution when applying products near your eyes.
Caffeine: Caffeine constricts blood vessels which help reduce inflammation. Try a caffeinated cosmetic eye cream or apply chilled black tea bags to puffy eyes.
Lifestyle changes: Lower your salt intake, drink plenty of water, and get regular sleep to help reduce puffiness related to your lifestyle.
Medical treatments for puffy under eyes
While creams and cold compresses can temporarily reduce the appearance of puffy skin, there are also more permanent options available. These non-surgical treatments include:
Laser resurfacing: firms and tightens skin
Fillers (injections): fills and smooths under-eye bags
Chemical peels: removes top layers and exposes new skin underneath
You can receive treatments at a medical spa or dermatologist near you. There are surgical options available for more severe cases, which involve restructuring the skin around the eyes to completely remove under-eye bags.
Keeping your eyes happy
Even healthy, happy eyes experience puffy skin every so often. As long as you're taking care of yourself and practicing good contact lens hygiene, you're in a great spot. If you wake up to swollen eyes; however, it's always a good idea to schedule an eye exam and get it checked out.
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