Home Remedies for Puffy Eyes

Since we do have control over eye puffiness to an extent, there are some things we can do to keep swelling away:

  • Reduce Salt

Cut down on salt during the day and before bed [source].Extra salt = water retention = swelling. Drink plenty of water to keep your system flushed, as this can also help prevent eye puffiness.

  • Cool Cucumber

Cucumbers have been used for years as a home remedy for puffy eyes because of their detoxifying and diuretic properties. They contain ascorbic acid (vitamin C), antioxidants, and flavonoids that can help soothe and support the skin Plus, since they’re often stored in the refrigerator, the cooling action can help decrease swelling and tighten skin, at least for a little bit of relief. Place a cool cucumber slice on each of your closed lids, and take a rest for 15–30 minutes. Or try cucumber rose eye mask blended to reach the inner and outer corners of the eyes.

  • Raw Potato Slices

Try using sliced potatoes in place of cucumbers. Not only do they stay cool longer than cucumbers, but they also have astringent properties that may help reduce the water buildup under the eyes. You can also make a finely ground potato poultice by grating 1–2 tablespoons of raw potato and place it in a few layers of cheesecloth. Place over your closed eyes.

  • Milk

We use milk in quite a few of our homemade skin recipes because it contains lactic acid, which increases skin firmness. Dip a cotton ball into cold milk and squeeze off the excess. Place on each of your closed eyes to help tone under-eye tissue.

  • Green or Black Tea

Tea bags are another popular home remedy. Green and black teas contain caffeine, which tightens skin and prevents the excessive accumulation of fat in cells, a common cause of under-eye bags as we age Caffeinated tea also contains tannins, which stimulate blood circulation, and antioxidants that protect skin from the effects of aging.

  • Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea doesn’t have caffeine, but it does have significant anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It can also provide relief for conjunctivitis and pink eye.

  • Egg Whites

Beat up an egg white mask and apply it with a brush or your fingers under the eyes (make sure not to get it in the eyes, and wash hands after applying). As it dries, it will tighten and tone the skin. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes, then gently rinse.

  • Aloe Vera Gel

It’s not just for burns! Aloe contains a myriad of antioxidants and has numerous antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and other healing properties. It can help soothe tired eyes by moisturizing the skin and providing relief. It might also help minimize wrinkles.

  • Rose Water

Rosewater contains vitamin C and A, as well as flavonoids. It is a natural astringent with anti-inflammatory properties It is also incredibly rejuvenating and refreshing. And you can even make your own rose water at home. Saturate a cotton ball with the cooled rose water and dab under the eyes to reduce dark circles and refresh the skin.

  • Witch Hazel

Witch hazel is a well-known astringent often used to reduce swelling and redness. Chilled witch hazel is extra refreshing. After cooling in the fridge for a couple of hours, apply a bit to a cotton pad and let sit on closed eyes for 5 minutes for an instant refresh.

  • Cold Water

Wake up your face with a cool water wash first thing in the morning. It will definitely get you going! If your eyes feel extra puffy, dunk your face in ice water or dip a washcloth in cold water, squeeze out the excess, and lay it over your eyes. The cold water works as a vasoconstrictor to restrict blood flow to the area, which in turn reduces any redness and swelling.

  • Chilled Spoons

If you’re not a fan of cold water, try putting two spoons in the refrigerator before you go to bed. In the morning, you can just pull them out and place them gently over your closed eyes. It will produce the same effect as cold water jelly teething rings are also great.

  • Coffee

Erase late nights and tired eyes by adding a dose of coffee to your morning skincare routine. The caffeine in this homemade mask for puffy eyes acts as a diuretic to reduce swelling. Whip a teaspoon or two of ground coffee into an egg white and apply under the eyes. Or try a coffee-infused eye cream. You’ll shrink both eye swelling and fine lines.

  • Turmeric

Turmeric eye masks are excellent for brightening complexions, evening out skin tone, and decreasing inflammation Combine with milk for a bit of gentle exfoliation. Mix 1 tablespoon turmeric with 1 tablespoon milk in a small bowl and apply to under-eyes using a cotton ball. Leave on for 15 minutes and then carefully rinse off.

  • Tap ‘Em Away

Gently tapping your under-eye area with the pads of your fingers can help circulate lymph and encourage the fluid under your eyes to drain. When applying an eye serum, be sure to gently press it into the skin under your eyes rather than just superficially slathering it on top.. Just be sure you don’t tug at the skin, as this can make eye bags worse!

  • Essential Oils

Many essential oils have anti-inflammatory properties that can lessen the appearance of eye puffiness. Try mixing 1–2 drops of argan, chamomile, or and lavender oils and gently applying to the under-eye area. Be careful while applying.