Whether you overindulged on a night out or had a good cry session the night before, waking up with puffy eyes is never ideal. How to get rid of puffy eyes is one of the biggest beauty concerns, especially when you have an important event the day of.
If you have some of the best skin care devices or eye creams on hand, you can certainly combat puffy eyes. Don’t have the time or budget to invest in pricey tools or skin care? Luckily, there are plenty of at-home remedies for how to get rid of puffy eyes that are actually effective.
As for what causes swelling? Board-certified internal medicine physician Zion Ko Lamm, says it can be a combination of factors. “A puffy face is an accumulation of excess fluid in the interstitial spaces of facial tissues, and part of a complex cycle involving inflammation, fluid retention, and compromised lymphatic drainage,” she says. “Consider it as akin to facial bloating, where stagnant fluid predominantly consists of waste.”
Cosmetic dermatologist Paul Jarrod Frank, specifically cites “alcohol, a high-sodium diet, not sleeping, or general stress as a whole” as the leading causes.
Ahead, we spoke to Olga Skydan, a skin care expert and beautician at Luvly Face Yoga, for the best tips on how to get rid of puffy eyes.
Cold spoons
One of the oldest tricks in the book, a cold-spoon massage can work wonders on puffy eyes. “A cold-spoon massage is one of the most simple and efficient treatments to reduce puffiness,” says Skydan. “The coolness of the metal constricts blood vessels, reducing edema and puffiness.”
Simply take two clean metal spoons and place them in the freezer for a few minutes. Once they’re chilled, gently press them to the undereye area. “Using light movements, move the spoons from the middle of the face outward,” says Skydan. “Repeat each movement give times to improve lymph drainage.”
Gentle ice treatment
If cold spoons aren’t quite cutting it, you can intensify the cooling effect with ice packs, ice rollers, or — in a pinch — ice cubes. “An ice pack can work wonders to reduce puffiness,” says Skydan. “The cold helps to constrict blood vessels, alleviate swelling, and make your face feel more toned and refreshed.”
Gel ice packs are most gentle on skin, but Skydan has an easy alternative. “Simply wrap a few ice cubes in a clean cloth or use a gel ice pack, and apply it gently to the areas where you’re feeling puffy, like under the eyes, along your jawline, and around the cheeks,” she says. “Hold it for about 10 to 15 minutes, ensuring you don’t apply direct ice to your skin.”
Lymphatic massage
“This type of facial massage works by encouraging the movement of fluids away from areas where they accumulate, like your cheeks and undereye area,” says Skydan. For smooth movements, you’ll want to apply a lubricant like your favourite face oil or moisturiser.