We all know the eyes are the windows to the soul and all that jazz, but sometimes you wake up feeling like your windows are streaked and could use a polish. Lack of sleep, genetics, dehydration, and even your diet can all contribute to puffy eyes, and they’re notoriously difficult to treat, on top of it. But that doesn’t mean all hope is lost. Rachel Lee Lozina, owner/New York State Licensed Esthetician, Laser Technician & Oncology Esthetician at Blue Water Spa, gives her expert take on the things you can do to combat the puffy eyes you wake up with — AND the steps you can take to help prevent them. Here’s how to brighten and de-puff your eyes, often times with products you already have at home.
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What To Do If You Wake With Puffy Eyes
First off, know that puffy eyes are SO common — and that there are several reasons why you may be experiencing them.
“Tired puffy eyes lacking brightness has plagued us since the dawn of time and many factors play into this such as lifestyle, allergies, lack of sleep, genetics, water intake and how we sleep all factor into the brightness, puffiness and overall appearance of the most delicate tissue on the face,” Lozina says. “Allergies can cause inflammation in the eye area and taking an antihistamine is always the first course of action.”
Aside from opening up your medicine cabinet and taking an antihistamine that you may already have, Lozina stresses the importance of cooling techniques such as ice globes, cold spoons or refrigerated moist green tea bags.
“I love these little pink eye masks that are so easy to use and really help reduce puffy eyes,” Lozina says. “Also, this beaded eye mask that can be put in the fridge is a lifesaver for puffy eyes!”
Eye creams are also extremely helpful in this area, as long as they contain the right ingredients that can de-puff and soothe tired-looking eyes. “Look for eye creams or gels specifically formulated to reduce puffiness,” Lozina says. “These products often contain ingredients like caffeine, cucumber extract, aloe vera, or hyaluronic acid, which can help tighten and hydrate the under-eye area.”
Lifestyle choices such as alcohol consumption, smoking or prescription medicines can cause the delicate eye area to have poor circulation which makes the eyes look dull and tired, Lozina notes. You can utilize a micro-needling roller or ice roller to stimulate collagen, which helps rebuild the structure of the eye area, ensuring thicker skin and healthier appearance.
What Foods Cause Puffy Eyes?
I hate to bring the bad news, but in order to prevent puffy eyes, you may need to cut out a few delicious and pleasurable foods that can dehydrate the skin and make matters worse (or at least keep them to a minimum). These are the foods that Lozina says can make puffy eyes worse”
Salt/Sodium: Consuming excessive amounts of salt can cause water retention.
Alcohol: Alcohol is dehydrating and can cause your body to retain water, leading to puffiness.
Caffeine: While a little coffee intake is fine, too much can dehydrate the body and can contribute to puffiness.
Additional Tips & Tricks
Sleep With An Elevated Pillow
Sleeping with your head slightly elevated prevents the lymphatic fluid from pooling in the eye area, according to Lozina. And sleeping on your back with pillows propped up helps the natural process of free fluid movement.
Perform Gua She Treatments
“Gua sha helps drain lymphatic fluid,” Lozina says. “Use a gua sha tool made of jade, rose quartz such as this one on Amazon for $10, or another smooth-edged stone, and a facial oil or serum of your choice. The oil helps to reduce friction and allows the gua sha tool to glide smoothly over your skin. The best way to use a gua sha is to start at the base of your neck and gently move the tool in an upward motion towards your jawline. Apply light pressure and maintain a gentle but firm grip on the tool. Repeat this 5-10 times. Then, in a separate set of motions, move to the jawline and chin area and continue moving the gua sha tool along your jawline, starting from the chin and moving towards your ears. Be extra gentle when working around the delicate eye area. Use the curved edge of the gua sha tool to scrape from the inner corner of your eye towards your temples. Repeat this motion 5-10 times.”
And there you have it: your handy-dandy guide to preventing puffy eyes and telling them “Nope, not today” when you wake up with them.
