Puffy Eyes

What causes Puffy Eyes?

Puffy eyes often occur from lack of sleep, stress, or anxiety. Puffy eyes, or periorbital puffiness, happens when the tissue around the eyes swells in appearance. Usually, puffy eyes are only a cosmetic worry that is temporary, however, severe puffy eyes could be a sign of another serious medical condition.

Diet can also play a role in puffy eyes. Excessive salt in the diet could cause fluid retention that can lead to puffy eyes. An increase in alcohol intake can lead to swelling around the eyes due to the toxins that they contain, which can lead to fatigue, stress or hormonal changes. Tobacco products may also have the same effect as salt and alcohol. Puffy eyes may also be caused by allergies, mononucleosis, crying, normal ageing, periorbital cellulitus (an infection of the eyelid), fluid retention, and hypothyroidism.

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Home Remedies to reduce the Appearance of Puffy Eyes

The good thing about puffy eyes is there are many home remedies to help relieve the puffiness. Try any of the following home remedies to assist in reducing your puffy eyes:

  • Drink lots of water- Staying hydrated will flush your system and allow any puffiness to disappear. Avoiding drinks that dehydrate you, such as alcohol and coffee, will help.
  • Apply cucumber to the eyes- Cold cucumber slices can reduce eye puffiness. Lie down and place a cold cucumber slice on each eye for 15 minutes. If cucumber slices are not available, you may use two metal spoons that have been chilled, or two wet tea bags.
  • Use a potato- Potatoes have an astringent property to them that will reduce eye puffiness. Place half a raw potato on the eye for 10 minutes. Any swelling in the eyes will be decreased.
  • Exercise- This will promote circulation in the body, so fluids can better move through the body itself. Yoga, walking or light exercising is often sufficient enough.
  • Get some sleep- Get at least 8 hours of sleep a night to deter eye puffiness that is related to sleeping issues. Elevate your head with an extra pillow. If you sleep on your stomach, try to make an effort to move to your back, as those that sleep on their stomachs tend to have the puffiest eyes. If you sleep on your side, you may find that one eye is puffier than the other eye.
  • Eat a healthy, balanced diet- Avoid cooking with salt, and avoid foods that contain salt, such as potato chips, nuts, canned soups and others. Eating raisins and bananas will help with water retention, and cranberry juice will help to remove excessive fluid from the body since it is a natural diuretic.
  • Use egg whites- Egg whites whipped are perfect for puffy eyes. Simply whip 1-2 egg whites until they are stiff and then apply to under the eyes. This will tighten the skin around the eyes and make them appear less puffy.

Another thing to remember is not to rub the eyes at all during the day, especially right after waking up in the mornings.  Avoid touching the eyes all during the day. Also check the beauty products that you are using. Many makeups, finger nail polishes and hair sprays contain formaldehyde, which can cause the eyes to swell or get puffy.

Check over your bedroom as well. Wash all sheets and bedding at least once a week in hot water to remove any dust, animal dander and pollen. Consider covering the mattress and pillows with dust mite protection, and do not allow your pets to sleep on the bed with you. Instead of opening the window, use an air conditioner during peak pollen counts.

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