How To Reduce Under Eye Puffiness And Reduce Swelling Around The Eyes

No matter how clear your complexion is, how radiant your face is or how relaxed you feel, it will all be put to waste if you have under eye puffiness. That puffiness and swelling around your eyes can make you look tired, stressed out and feel downright ugly.

That’s why it does not come as a surprise that most women (and even men!) are trying to find ways on how they can banish under eye bags. In fact, you may already have tried plenty of ways to reduce the swelling and other injuries to the eye area but to no avail. Lucky for you, we have already done the research for you! Below is all the information you need to know about reducing the swelling around the eyes.

 

1. What Causes Under Eye Puffiness?

 

 

Do you wish to know how you can get rid of the swelling of the connective tissues around the eye? Before we tell you that, you need to first familiarize yourself with the causes of under eye puffiness. Here they are:

• Heredity

Yes, eye bags can be passed on from one generation to the other, and this is possibly the most frustrating cause of all because there’s not much you can do about it.

• Too Much Consumption Of Healthy Foods

Salt can retain water in the body. If you love to eat salty foods, you may experience swelling of the eyes.

• Weather Changes

The drastic changes in weather may cause fluid to build up under eyes. This is most especially true during hot and humid days.

• Crying

When you cry, you will have swollen eyes—that is common knowledge.

• Aging

As you grow older, the connective tissues around the eyes weaken which may cause the fats in the eyelid to droop down. The weakness may also increase the chances of fluid getting trapped in the lower eyelid area that may result in puffy eyes.

But if you’re under eye puffiness come with eye irritation, redness, dryness or tears, it might be a sign of medical condition like the following:

• Eye Allergies

If you have hay fever allergies, it may most likely result in swelling of the eyes. Other types of allergic reactions that may cause swollen eyes include food or chemical allergies.

This symptom is brought about by the release of a chemical called histamine which occurs during an allergic reaction. The release of this chemical can cause fluid leakage from blood vessels. The fluid will then accumulate in the surrounding tissues that cause the swelling.

• Eye Infection

If you have a pink eye, you are also likely to suffer from swollen eyes too. This swelling is caused by inflammation which can also affect the eyelids.

• Dehydration

Swelling of the eye is the most common symptom of dehydration to watch out for.

 

2. Causes And Symptoms Of Swollen Eyes

 

 

The term swollen eyes of often interchanged with puffy eyes but there is a difference between the two.

Puffy eyes is a term used to refer to the physical appearance of swollen eyes that are caused by water retention, genetics, dehydration, crying or lack of sleep. On the other hand, swollen eyes is the term used to refer to the swelling of the eye brought about by the following medical conditions:

• Allergies

• Conjunctivitis

• Chalazion

• Eye injury (black eye or trauma due to cosmetic surgery)

• Styes

• Blepharitis

• Orbital or periorbital cellulitis

• Ocular herpes

Swollen eyes are characterized by the following symptoms:-

• Scratchy feeling

• Watery eyes

• Sensitivity to light

• Red eyes

• Eye discharge

• Eye flaking or drying

• Pain

Depending on the extent of the infection or injury, it may also come with an obstructed vision. It is recommended that you have swollen eyes checked right away because when left unattended, it may lead to permanent eye damage or worse, vision loss.

 

3. Tips On How To Address Under Eye Puffiness And Swelling Around The Eyes

 

 

Now that you already know what is causing those under eye bags, it will be a lot easier to determine what steps that you can take to reduce its visibility. And of course, we are here to help you out. Below, we have provided some amazing ideas on how you can do that! Here are some of them:
 

1) Reduce Your Salt Intake

 
One of the leading causes of under eye puffiness is fluid retention. Fluid retention is often caused by too much salt intake, so it just makes sense that the first step on how to get rid of bags under eyes is to limit your salt intake. You can do this by avoiding too salty foods like chips, fries, burgers, and many others. If possible, cook your own dishes so you can control the amount of salt that will go into your dishes.
 

2) Drain Your Sinuses

 
This may sound icky, but this is one of the most effective ways on how to get rid of bags under eyes. Other common causes of under eye puffiness and swelling are infections, colds, and allergies and draining your sinuses will help to flush out the extra moisture that causes the swelling. To do this, you can make use of a neti pot. This small teapot is used to pour water with salt into one nostril. Afterwards, you allow it to drain on the other side.
 

3) Protect Your Skin From The Sun

 
As much as we can, we try to protect our body from the sun but do you do the same with your face? Too much sun exposure can cause the skin surrounding the eye area to wrinkle and sag. In addition to that, all the squinting and rubbing that you do when your eyes are exposed to the sun can lead to puffiness. That’s why you should not forget to wear protective gear like sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen when you step out.

 

 

4) Boost Lymphatic System With a Healthy Diet

 

One of the main culprits of under eye bags is no other than lymphatic congestion. This is brought about by all the unhealthy foods that we consume. The best way on how to get rid of bags under the eyes is to stick to a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. This can help ease fluid retention by boosting lymphatic drainage.

 

5) Boost Circulation With Massage

 

Another way to address lymphatic congestion is by improving blood flow, and that is exactly what having a massage can do for you. You do not have to visit the spa as there are some massages that you can do yourself. For one, just place your ring fingers at the corner of your eyes and rotate your fingers along the eye line.

 

6) Conceal With The Right Concealer

 

If you are pressed for time, and you wish to reduce your under eye bags? Here, best under eye cream for dark circles that you can use is no other than makeup. Make sure to use a concealer that is lighter than your skin tone. Apply it on the crease. But before using a concealer, do not forget to use a color corrector that can help neutralize the shade of the bags under your eyes.

 

7) Let Your Eyes Chill For a Moment

 

Sometimes, the best treatment on how to get rid of bags under the eyes can be as simple as letting it chill, and I mean that literally! Give your swollen eyes a cool down with the use of a cold compress. Just put this on the eyes for a few minutes, and you can see instant effects. Other alternatives you can use are chilled cucumber slices, spoons or tea bags.
 

8) Take Medications

 
If the puffy eyes are accompanied by the other symptoms we have mentioned above, then it is most likely that you have either eye allergy or infection. If you have an allergy, then you should take over-the-counter medications like antihistamines. But if you think that it is an infection, it would be best that you consult your doctor so he can prescribe you with the needed antibiotics.

 

9) Change Your Sleeping Position

 

 

There’s also a high chance that the way you sleep can affect how your eyes look. If you are a stomach or side sleeper, gravity may lead the fluid to accumulate on the lids under your eyes which may result to eye bags. If you wish to avoid this, it is recommended that you sleep on your back. You can also prop up an extra pillow on your head.
 

10 )Remove Your Make Up Before Going To Bed

 
Are you always too tired to remove your make up before going to bed? If that’s the case, then you should not wonder too much why you wake up with under eye bags in the morning. This is because the makeup residue can irritate your eyes and may cause it to water which can then result to puffiness in the morning. That’s why, no matter how tired you already are, always take the time to wash off your makeup using water and facial cleanser or a gentle makeup remover.

But please do keep in mind that you should avoid rubbing your face (especially the eye area) too much when removing your makeup as this may cause injury to the surrounding vessels of the eyes which may lead to dark circles and eventually, wrinkles.
 

11) Drink Plenty Of Water

 
If your swollen eyes are brought about by dehydration, then drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day is the best way to address this problem. Aside from drinking plenty of water, you may also want to consume fruits and vegetables like watermelon, lettuce, citrus fruits among others.

Do not let under eye bags get you down! Make a move, take a step, follow the tips that we have mentioned above and you can get rid of under eye puffiness and swelling that you have been struggling with for some time now.