How to Get Rid of Puffy Eyes and Dark Circles
- Get enough sleep. Most adults need 7-8 hours of sleep per night. When you don’t get enough sleep, your body produces more of the stress hormone cortisol, which can lead to puffy eyes and dark circles.
- Elevate your head while you sleep. This will help to prevent fluid from pooling under your eyes. You can do this by using an extra pillow or by propping up the head of your bed with a few books.
- Apply a cold compress. A cold compress can help to reduce inflammation and swelling. You can use a cold washcloth, a bag of frozen peas, or a chilled spoon.
- Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated helps to keep your skin looking plump and prevents fluid retention.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Caffeine and alcohol can dehydrate your skin, making puffy eyes and dark circles worse.
- Use a moisturizer. A good moisturizer can help to plump up the skin around your eyes and reduce the appearance of dark circles.
- Use an eye cream. There are a number of eye creams on the market that are specifically designed to reduce puffiness and dark circles.
- See a doctor. If your puffy eyes and dark circles are severe or don’t improve with home treatment, see a doctor. There may be an underlying medical condition that is causing your symptoms.