Do you wake up in the morning with the area underneath your eyes swollen and puffy? Swollen eyes can make you appear constantly tired and unhealthy.
Most of the time, puffy areas aren’t a result of some hidden disease. Instead, they are merely a cosmetic issue that many people find unattractive. There are several everyday explanations for those dark circles. Common explanations include fluid retention, allergies, aging, and lack of sleep. Because the skin around your eye is so thin and sensitive, any sort of swelling or discoloration becomes immediately noticeable.
If you’re tired of always looking tired, it is time to take care of those puffy eyes and start looking healthy. Here are some remedies that you can try.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking enough water comes with a number of benefits, including getting rid of puffy eyes! Dehydration can lead to all sorts of skin issues, including acne, wrinkles, and dark circles. Drinking the recommended amount of water a day is usually enough to make those puffy eyes disappear. The amount of recommended water varies depending upon your age and weight, but the general recommendation is eight glasses a day. If you’re struggling to drink enough water each day, consider carrying a reusable water bottle around to help remind you.
Chill with Cucumbers
If you need to quickly get rid of puffy eyes, soothe your skin with cucumbers. Simply take a chilled cucumber, cut it into slices, and place a slice over both of your eyes for about fifteen minutes. This is a nice way to pamper yourself right at home. Cucumbers have a high water content, which helps hydrate your skin. The cool temperature of the cucumber will also decrease the flow of blood to your eyes. This has an anti-inflammatory effect, which can help reduce puffy eyes. This method is safe enough to use every day.
Use a Neti Pot
If your puffy eyes are primarily the result of allergies, it could be time to try a Neti Pot. A Neti Pot is a device that is meant to flush a saline solution through your sinuses. This solution can flush out mucus and break up congestion. Once your sinuses are clear, the blood vessels near your eyes begin to lighten and shrink, so your eyes look less puffy. A Neti Pot is different than a squeeze bottle. To use it, all you do is fill the pot with the solution, stand over the sink, tilt your head, and pour the solution into your nasal cavity.
Remove Makeup Before Bed
You’ve probably already aware of the importance of removing makeup before bed. Leaving makeup on overnight can cause extensive damage to your skin, including puffy eyes. When you leave makeup on overnight, your skin doesn’t get the chance to breathe or renew itself. This can irritate the delicate blood vessels under your eyes, leading to swollen eyes. Get in the habit of removing your makeup before you sleep, even if you’re exhausted. Ideally, you will use a cleanser and water wash your face. If you’re in a rush, you can also use makeup remover wipes.
Use Sunscreen
Exposure to UV rays damages your skin in multiple ways, including causing the area under your eyes to swell. To help prevent damage, always use sunscreen on your face, both when you’re inside and outside. Most people will need to apply a nickel-sized amount of sunscreen to fully protect their face. Apply it before you go outside and reapply throughout the day. To further protect your eyes, you should wear sunglasses when outside. Some individuals further protect the delicate skin on their faces by wearing sun hats.
Facial Therapy
If you want to treat yourself, consider facial therapy. Facial therapy uses advanced cleansing techniques to deeply cleanse your skin. In the process, your skin is exfoliated, nourished and oxygenated. This treatment can help firm and hydrate your skin, which will smooth out wrinkles and reduce puffiness. Some salons also offer specific packages that focus just on your eyes. The cost of facial therapy will vary by the salon, but it can be pricey, so this might be something you can only do on occasion. However, pairing the occasional salon visit with some of the other techniques mentioned will help improve the overall health of your skin.
Conclusion
If you’re struggling with puffy eyes, some simple changes to your daily routine can help. If you start incorporating some of the above suggestions and are still struggling with swollen eyes, talk to your doctor to determine if there is an underlying cause.