Treating and Preventing Embarrassing Puffy Eyes
Reduce and Avoid Unsightly Bags with These Tried and True Techniques
Jun 8, 2009
While puffiness around the eyes is unappealing, it is usually nothing to be concerned about. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Though mild puffiness under your eyes can be annoying or embarrassing, it's usually only a temporary cosmetic concern and rarely a sign of a serious underlying medical condition.” Fortunately, there are remedies for the treatment and prevention of swollen, tired eyes.
Treating Puffy Eyes
Massage and pat the puffy area with the fingertips. This encourages the fluids that have pooled in the area around the eye to flow elsewhere. Follow this by applying a soothing compress of cold milk, chilled damp teabags, cold cucumber slices, or a mild astringent. Use a refrigerated gel mask if one is available.
Apply moisturizers sparingly around the eyes since they plump up the skin and can acerbate the problem. Use an eye cream specially formulated instead. Wrinkle removers should also be avoided as they can actually create bags by puffing up the surrounding areas. Frosted eye shadow emphasizes baggy eyes so omit its use. By clever use of a concealer, the puffiness of upper lids can be minimized. Apply a darker shade on the upper lid and a lighter shade on the lower.
If eye puffiness is accompanied by redness and itching, it could be allergies or dermatitis. Try using an antihistamine.
Avoiding Puffiness in the Future
- Raise the head of the bed or prop the head up with pillows. By elevating the head, fluid is kept from collecting around the eyes.
- Don't drink a large amount of water at bedtime. Have only a few sips as too much liquid can pool around the eyes.
- Water retention may be the problem. Cut down on salt and eat more bananas and grapefruit as these are natural diuretics. For information on maintaining a low sodium diet, go here.
- Cut down on alcohol. It can greatly increase swelling around the eyes.
- Get enough sleep. With lack of sleep often cited as the primary reason for bags under the eyes and puffiness, experts recommend 7-8 hours of sleep per night.
Note: If continued and serious puffiness or swelling is observed elsewhere on the body, see a doctor. A physician will determine if there are other possible causes, such as thyroid or kidney problems. Medications can also sometimes be responsible for swelling.
Puffiness around the eyes can also make an individual look years older than they actually are. By treating and preventing eye puffiness, a person can look healthier, well rested, and years younger.
These tips and guidelines are easy to follow and will leave a person feeling happier, more attractive, and full of confidence.
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