Many factors contribute to the presence of dark, puffy eyes. Dark circles may stem from the hollowness of the eye sockets, from the thinness and transparency of the lower eyelids, revealing the underlying dark-blue veins, or the natural dark coloring of the skin. The puffiness may consist of fluid retention or the sagging of the skin with fat. Depending on the exact cause, you can try one of several home remedies to free yourself of dark, puffy eyes.
Avoid Rubbing
Sleeplessness, allergies and crying may encourage you to rub your eyes, but Marianne O’Donoghue, M.D., associate professor of dermatology at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Medical Center, says you should resist the urge. Rubbing causes eyes to become irritated, reddening the skin and exaggerating the issue of puffiness. Instead, gently dab the skin with a cool tissue or rinse your face with warm water until the irritation desists.
Cold Compress
The cool temperature of a damp washcloth or paper towel will reduce the dilation of any swollen blood vessels, producing a reduction in eye puffiness and darkening. Take any soft fabric, dip it into a cold, yet not freezing cup of water and pat any bags or dark circles for a few minutes. Even holding the cold against your skin for a 20-second period will help, but do not maintain extremely cold contact for extended periods as it may damage skin cells.
Cold Teabag
Like a washcloth or tissue, a cold teabag will reduce swelling and vein dilation aiding in the removal of puffiness and dark circles. However, O’Donoghue adds that a teabag contains certain astringents that may help to return skin to its original tautness, reducing the effects of sagging and puffiness.
Avoid Salty Foods
Salt increase the water-retaining abilities of cells. As a result, salty foods cause increases in fluid retention beneath the lower eyelids. As you reduce your consumption of salty foods and increase your consumption of water, excess salts will flush out the body, and your eyes will become less baggy.
Vitamin K
Increase your intake of Vitamin K with foods, such as spinach, Brussels sprouts, broccoli and lettuce, according to Jill Haynes, an aesthetician at the University of California, Davis Medical Center. The Medline Plus website suggests that Vitamin K may improve dark circles by repairing damaged blood vessels and capillaries associated with bruising and darkening of the skin.
Elevate Your Head While Sleeping
A lowered head allows for fluids to collect more easily in the eyelids. Consequently, you wake with puffier eyes the lower your head has been. To reduce morning puffiness, keep your head elevated throughout the night. Also, the Mayo Clinic recommends sleeping about eight hours a night to prevent the fatigue associated with paler skin and darker eyes.
About this Author
Sky Smith has been writing on psychology, electronics, health, and fitness since 2002. He graduated from the University of Florida with honors in 2005, earning a B.S. in psychology and statistics with a minor in math. He writes articles for LIVESTRONG and eHow.
