Puffiness under the eyes may be caused by fluid retention or sagging skin. Bags due to fluid retention can be treated at home and may be caused by consuming too much sodium, caffeine or alcohol, exposure to allergies, sleeping flat on your back, or inadequate sleep. Sagging skin, on the other hand, is due to heredity or aging, and cannot be treated with home remedies.
Cold Compresses
“Real Simple” magazine recommends applying a cold compress underneath the eyes to reduce puffiness. Cut two thin cucumber slices and place them in the freezer for several minutes. Remove them and immediately place them over your eyes for 10 minutes.
If you don’t have cucumber on hand, soak a washcloth in cold chamomile tea for one minute, then wring it out and apply the washcloth directly to the under-eye area for 10 minutes. Repeat as necessary throughout the day to reduce swelling.
Prop Your Head Up
Placing an extra pillow underneath your head while sleeping may help reduce puffy eyes, says the Mayo Clinic. Propping your head up will encourage fluid drainage from underneath the eyes while you sleep, rather than allowing it to pool underneath the eye area. If you don’t have an extra pillow, use a rolled up towel or blanket to slightly raise your head above the level of the rest of your body.
Reduce Allergens
Allergies may be causing your eyes to swell up, according to the Mayo Clinic. To prevent puffy eyes due to allergies, take an over-the-counter antihistamine medication or avoid the source of your allergies all together. If you are not sure what food, medication or environmental item is causing your allergic reaction, consult an allergist for an allergy test.
Change Your Diet
Changing your diet may help reduce eye puffiness, says Marianne O’Donoghue, M.D., and associate professor of dermatology at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Medical Center in Chicago. Consuming sodium, caffeine or alcohol may cause water retention, which may accumulate underneath the eyes.
Limit your intake of salty foods, canned vegetables, fast food, and do not add extra salt to your food. Avoid alcoholic beverages when possible, and limit beverages like black tea, coffee and sodas.
