Puffy eyes are often the quintessential symbol of a tired, sleepy face after a long or rough night. Being tired definitely could have a lot to do with it, but that’s not necessarily the only thing that can cause puffy eyes.

Puffy eyes can occur as a result of many other reasons too, including inherited facial features, allergies, stress, eye fatigue, and individual skin characteristics such as texture.

What Makes Eyes Puffy?

Typically, swelling is an accumulation of too much fluid in the skin tissue. When it happens around the eyes, the result is pretty noticeable. That’s because the skin around your eyes is the thinnest skin on the body.

Fluid can accumulate for a variety of reasons. Factors contributing to puffy eyes include:

Too much salt



Sinus problems



Fatigue and lack of sleep



Hormonal fluctuations



Viral Pink Eye



Crying



Inherited facial features



Allergies causing inflammation and swelling



Sensitivity to fragrances



Too much alcohol consumption



Wearing your contacts too long



Dehydration



Stress



Too many artificial sweeteners



Aging

Sometimes when you wake up in the morning your eyes are puffier than normal. This can be a result of not blinking. Of course you’re not supposed to blink while you’re asleep. But while you’re not blinking, your eyes aren’t doing the job of pumping extra fluid away through circulation. It’s similar to someone who’s legs get puffy after they’ve been sitting for a while. As soon as they stand up and start moving around, circulation is stimulated again.

Occasionally, puffy eyes may be a sign that something needs to be addressed by a doctor. This could indicate an infection.

How To Combat Puffy Eyes

Get More Sleep!

If the source of your bags is lack of sleep, the fix is easy: get more sleep! Though that is easier said than done. Your body actually needs around seven to eight hours of sleep a night. Make it a point to allow yourself that time!

Baby Yourself

Place two gel-filled baby teething rings in the freezer until they’re ice cold. Place them over your eyelids for about 10 minutes to reduce the puffiness and wake you up!

Time For Tea

Steep two tea bags in hot water for three to five minutes. Let them cool by placing them in the fridge. Place one over each eye for five minutes to feel refreshed. Make sure you’re using caffeinated tea, which contains natural tannins to act as a diuretic.

Cool As a Cucumber

Cucumber slices are good at de-puffing eyes. Lay down with a slice over each eye for at least five minutes (better for 30), letting the astringent properties of the cucumber work some magic. Your eyes will be brighter, and your body refreshed.

Go For Quality

Taking good care of the delicate skin around your eyes should always be a top priority. When you’re looking extra puffy, reach for MDSUN Intensive Eye Gel. It’s formulated with antioxidants to help support natural collagen and elastin, necessary to maintain your skin’s shape and function. It’s packed with special antioxidants that help to reduce under-eye puffiness and dark circles significantly so your skin looks much more well-rested.

Spooning

Hold two metal teaspoons under very cold running water for a few minutes, then hold them on your eyes for a minute. The cold will revive your tired eyes and give them an energy boost.

Drink It In

Being dehydrated is a big culprit when it comes to puffy eyes, as your body is desperately trying to store water for later. You should be drinking at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day, but when you’re looking tired, bump that up. That’ll also help to flush any extra salt and toxins out of your system.

Just Say Aaaahhhhh

Hemorrhoid cream has been used for years by those who know best: models and performers. It tightens the puffy areas quickly for instant gratification. If you don’t like the way it smells, you can always mix a little bit into your moisturizer before applying.

Hideaway

After you apply your eye gel or cream, apply a few dots of concealer under the eyes. Choose one a shade slightly lighter than your skin tone to brighten your complexion.

Preventing Puffy Eyes

Sometimes you just can’t help it. You had a rough night up with the baby, or were out with your girlfriends for Margarita Monday and had a couple of the House Special and too many tortilla chips.

But in many cases, avoiding factors that contribute to puffy eyes is your best bet. It’s better to prevent than to fix.

Get plenty of sleep. Remember: at least eight hours.

Drink plenty of water. Try infusing it with lemon or cucumber if you’re not a fan.

Watch what you eat. Avoid anything processed, canned, packaged, or fried. Stay away from sodas and too much alcohol. Check out some smoothie ingredients packed with exactly what your skin needs!

Get plenty of exercise. Sweating helps to remove extra salt from your body.

If you suspect you have allergies, or at least sensitive skin, change all of your beauty products, cosmetics, laundry detergents, and anything else you can think of to hypoallergenic.