How to Get Rid of Puffy Eyes and Bags in 5 Fast Steps
- Use a cold compress. Cooling the area lessens inflammation and swelling by reducing blood flow. You can place anything cold, such as an ice pack, frozen bag of vegetables, chilled cucumber slices or refrigerated spoons, over closed eyes for a few minutes.
- Apply a caffeine-containing product. Caffeine is a vasoconstrictor, meaning it constricts blood vessels. Many cosmetics companies sell eye creams with caffeine to reduce under-eye puffiness. You can also try resting chilled tea bags (caffeinated black tea) on closed eyes.
- Get enough sleep. When you don’t get enough sleep, your body produces more cortisol, a stress hormone that can contribute to puffy eyes. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
- Elevate your head while you sleep. This will help to drain fluid from your eyes and reduce puffiness. You can use an extra pillow or prop up the head of your bed with books or bricks.
- Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated helps to flush toxins out of your body and can help to reduce puffiness. Aim to drink 8 glasses of water per day.
- Avoid smoking. Smoking can damage the blood vessels around your eyes and contribute to puffiness. If you smoke, quitting is the best way to reduce puffiness and improve overall eye health.
- Reduce your salt intake. Too much salt can cause fluid retention, which can contribute to puffy eyes. Try to limit your daily intake of salt to 2,300 milligrams or less.
- Wear sunscreen. Sun exposure can damage the collagen and elastin in your skin, which can lead to puffiness and dark circles. Be sure to wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day, even on cloudy days.
If you have chronic puffy eyes, you may want to see a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.