Get Rid of Puffy Eyes: Bright Eyed Mornings with these Simple Strategies

Megan Dominion

Are you tired of looking in the mirror and seeing puffy or dark circles under your eyes that make you look tired or aged? You are certainly not alone! There are some simple, effective solutions to reduce puffiness and brighten up your look that you can try out. We’ll outline why your eyes may be puffy, go over some simple strategies to combat puffy eyes, as well as some ingredient recommendations to help reduce puffiness and brighten your complexion. So whether you’re looking for an instant fix for your puffy eyes or for long-term solutions that will help you keep your eyes looking healthy and refreshed, we have you covered. Farewell, puffy eyes!

Why do your eyes look puffy in the morning?

First, let’s explore why your eyes may look puffy in the morning and what causes it. Oftentimes, puffy eyes in the morning are caused by fluid retention. This accumulates as you sleep, as your body lies in one position for an extended period of time. Also, when your body is in a horizontal position, the pressure in the veins of your eyes increases, leading to puffiness and bags. If you have dark circles under your eyes, have a look at some solutions here.

There are both ingredients as well as strategies you can try out in order to get rid of puffiness. As always, everyone is different and trialing a few things will help you find the solution that works best for you, your skin, and that fits into your skin routine.

Strategies to combat puffy eyes

Woman using gua sha tool in the bath

Try a Cold Compress

Applying a cold compress can help to decrease the appearance of puffiness around the eyes. This is because it helps to constrict blood vessels, reducing the accumulation of fluids. You can use a cold compress in the form of chilled cucumber slices, a bag of ice or cold tea bags. Just pop them in a tupperware in the fridge and grab them when you are doing your morning skincare routine.

Leave them on for around 3-5 minutes (longer if you would like and have the time!) to immediately reduce puffiness around your eyes.

Gua Sha or Facial Massage

Massage can help to reduce puffiness and dark circles by promoting increased lymphatic drainage and boosting circulation. Gua Sha can also help to drain accumulated fluid around the eyes and improve circulation in the area, leading to decreased puffy eyes. You can leave your gua sha tool or facial roller in the fridge for additional cold press benefits.

 

Get enough sleep

This is often frustrating advice, I know. Who of us wouldn’t love a bit of extra sleep? Ensuring that you get enough sleep can  help to reduce eye puffiness in the morning though. Try to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep every night if you can.

Use an Eye Cream or Skincare Product

Using a targeted eye cream or product can help to reduce puffiness and dark circles too. Caffeine is a great ingredient to reduce puffiness, while hyaluronic acid is great at plumping up and hydrating the under-eye area for those with dark circles caused by thin skin under the eye.

Ingredients to combat puffy eyes

You can try incorporate any of the following ingredients into your morning skincare routine, and see which works best. Eye creams, products or straight natural ingredients can all have a positive effect on reducing puffiness. You can try under eye patches with any of the below ingredients as a method of application too!

Caffeine is well known to reduce puffiness and dark circles. It’s a vasoconstrictor, meaning it helps to constrict the blood vessels in the area, reducing swelling.

Hyaluronic Acid is a great ingredient to help combat puffiness. It helps to hydrate and plump the area, reducing the appearance of dark circles.

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that can help to brighten dark circles and reduce puffiness. It helps to strengthen the skin’s collagen and elastin, minimizing the appearance of wrinkles and puffiness.

Green tea is great for combatting puffiness around the eyes as it is rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Additionally, green tea helps to reduce water retention, which often contributes to bloating, and swelling in the face.

Cucumbers are a popular eye treatment as they are naturally cooling and reducing inflammation. Their high water content helps to flush toxins and reduce puffiness.

woman with under eye patches

So, don’t be afraid to say goodbye to puffy eyes. With simple tips and natural ingredient options, you can wake up with bright, refreshed eyes every morning. Take some time to try out different methods and ingredients to see which one works best for you!

Megan Dominion

Megan Dominion is SILKUP's Managing Editor. She's been down both the curly hair and skincare rabbit holes many times and loves that there's always something new to learn; a new science, method, product or personal experience.