How To Get Rid Of Puffy Eyes

February 22, 2024

Puffy eyes, dark circles, and bags can make individuals feel as if they do not look their best. Perhaps they are tired, stressed, or sick. Whatever causes puffy eyes is causing additional stress anytime individuals look in the mirror. Puffy eyes are hereditary for some individuals, and, unfortunately, there is very little to be done about it if that is the cause, though the effects can often be mitigated to a certain extent. Other individuals suffer from puffy eyes due to reasons they can control, and in these cases, puffy eyes cannot only be mitigated but often cured as well. Learn about how to get rid of puffy eyes and increase eye health now.

Drink Lots Of Fluid

Water is important in everyday life, and not drinking enough can cause negative side effects. The body can swell in many areas, skin can dry out, an individual's complexion can become dull, and they may even feel tired when they do not drink enough water. When drinking lots of fluid, individuals should also keep in mind certain beverages are not good for the body, such as soda and other sugary drinks. While drinks like these are okay in moderation, excessive amounts a day can cause the skin to deteriorate, including causing puffy eyes. Thus, it is important to drink a lot of hydrating fluids like water to ensure adequate hydration and minimizing the impact of puffy eyes.

Reduce Intake Of Salt

Consuming a lot of salt can cause the eyes to become puffy because water searches for areas in the body with a lot of sodium content. The eyes are particularly sensitive to this effect, as are other portions of the face. Be careful, though, because the puffiness from salt is not instantaneous. This means individuals will not eat a salty meal and see their eyes begin to puff up right away. Instead, they will often wake up the following morning with puffy eyes, and it might make them think they simply did not get enough sleep. It is a common misconception.

However, it is still a good idea to avoid adding extra salt to food. Individuals who want to add more flavor can search for alternatives, making sure to use low sodium varieties of any products they purchase. Patients should also check ingredients in certain snacks and foods to see how much sodium is included in what they're eating. Skipping at least some foods with lots of sodium can go a long way in getting rid of puffy eyes.

Apply A Cold Compress

Low temperatures are good for body parts dealing with a little inflammation. If individuals use a cold towel or even a few cool cucumber slices over their eyes, they can help reduce the appearance of swelling and find some relief from puffy eyes. It doesn't matter what the cold compress is, provided it's not ice or ice packs placed directly on the eyes (a cloth barrier must be used in these cases). Individuals with puffy eyes should lie down with something cool over their eyes for approximately ten minutes at a time. They should then remove the item and take a break, though they may repeat this a few times throughout the day for the best results. It is helpful to put the compress or cucumbers in the fridge or freezer in between uses to ensure they stay cold, as the face warms these items quickly.

Use Eye Drops For Allergies

Allergies are a leading cause of puffy eyes, and it is not always easy to manage allergies when individuals do not feel them coming on. They can be fine one day and miserable the next, which means they might experience puffiness now and then. The key is to use eye drops for allergies, so patients can reduce the appearance of puffiness around their eyes as needed. Patients can also use other allergy medications to reduce the appearance of puffiness. The added benefit is individuals can also clear up sinus infections along with puffy eyes. Drops for the eyes can reduce some of the redness when allergies are present. If the eyes are itching or burning, patients can also help those symptoms.

Get Plenty Of Quality Sleep

If sleep deprivation is part of the reason for an individual's puffy eyes, the best course of treatment is to get plenty of quality sleep. The average adult needs approximately seven to nine hours of sleep every night. The problem is many individuals have no idea they are not getting enough sleep. Perhaps they feel fine during the day, and that makes them feel as if they are getting enough sleep. Many factors such as kids, job, and an active social life can all make someone feel tired during the day, and it is easy for many to assume their exhaustion is caused by outside factors.

However, sometimes it is simply down to a lack of quality sleep. The skin puffs up and swells when individuals do not get enough sleep, and it is easier to notice the puffiness around the eyes than many other parts of the body. Sleep allows the body to get the rest it needs to regenerate cells and improve production. When individuals do not get enough sleep, their body responds by swelling, lacking energy, and other symptoms that make them feel tired and unhappy.

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