Best DIY Solutions for Puffy Eyes

No doubt about it, your eyes work incredibly hard for you. The skin around your eye contour is the thinnest on your face and it has no collagen, elastin fibers or sebaceous glands. Add to this a tough workload – 10,000 blinks a day and 22 muscles in constant motion – and it’s no wonder signs of stress and aging appear first around the eyes.

Puffy eyes are especially annoying because no matter how effective your trusty concealer, it can do nothing to disguise the lumpiness of under-eye bags – usually caused by common health topics such as water retention and poor lymphatic circulation, diet, allergic reactions to makeup or the environment, fatigue and rubbing the eyes, dehydration, or genetic factors.

But here’s the good news. There are a number of skincare products on the market that work well to reduce puffy eyes. If you find yourself in a pickle without your science-based eye cream or gel, there are a number of humble and sometimes surprising bits and pieces you can find around the house to flatten and de-puff your eyes in no time at all.

Aloe Vera Gel

This wonder plant has 18 essential amino acids as well as antibacterial, antifungal and other healing properties. No wonder it does a good job of soothing and moisturizing puffy eyes.

Coffee grounds

Mix half a teaspoon of ground coffee beans with a teaspoon of coconut oil and a pinch of powdered black pepper then apply under the eyes. Do not get this mixture in your eyes! The anti-inflammatory properties in coffee reduce under-eye puffiness, the black pepper increases blood circulation while the coconut oil nourishes the skin.

Coconut oil

The whiz kid of superfoods, coconut oil contains lauric acid and other anti-inflammatory properties that nourish the skin. Wash hands then with a light touch massage the oil around your eyes in a clockwise and anti-clockwise motion for a few minutes.

Cucumber

A favorite eye de-puffer with good reason. Cucumbers are packed with antioxidants and flavonoids that can reduce redness and swelling. Just pop a cool slice on each eye and relax for 30 minutes. They’re even more effective when taken straight from the fridge before slicing.

Egg whites

A beaten egg white applied under the eyes with a soft brush or fingertip will tighten and tone as it dries on the skin. Rinse off after 15 minutes to stimulate circulation and reduce under-eye inflammation.

Gel-filled baby teething rings

New mums need all the help they can get! Two gel-filled baby teething rings fresh from the freezer will reduce eye puffiness and reinvigorate tired mums after just 10 minutes on closed eyelids.

Milk

Dip a cotton ball into cold milk – whole or soy – and wipe the eyes gently to shrink the under-eye tissue.

Pillow

A pillow with good support that allows you to sleep with your head elevated will help to prevent excess fluid buildup overnight. And it’s a good idea to change your pillowcase often to avoid eye-irritating allergens.

Potatoes

It’s the astringent properties in the humble potato that help to drain water from under the eyes. Grate a raw potato and wrap in cheesecloth for a decongesting potato poultice.

Preparation H

Although it’s said hemorrhoid cream is used by models and actors to reduce puffiness around the eyes, be careful to read the package’s warnings. The cream was never meant to be used on the face and has ingredients that could harm your health or cause damage to the sensitive skin around the eyes.

Rosewater

A joy that’s used in beauty treatments for thousands of years, rosewater is high in vitamin C and A, as well as flavonoids. It not only is a natural astringent and anti-inflammatory but smells great and is marvelously refreshing. You can buy a bottle at your pharmacy or make your own by simmering organic rose petals in just enough distilled water to cover them. Once the petals no longer have any color, strain the liquid and let it cool. Keep in a jar to dab on with a cotton ball whenever you need some de-puffing.

Spoons

Metal spoons that have been left to chill in the refrigerator will have a similar effect to water when placed over the eyes for 10 minutes

Strawberry jam

The anti-inflammatory polysaccharides in an organic jam do the trick. Pat the jam beneath the eyes and leave for 10 minutes before rinsing with cool water.

Sunglasses

Sun damage causes the skin around your eyes to lose elasticity which can turn into saggy eye-bags over time. Using a high shield sunscreen and wearing sunglasses is one of the kindest things you can do for the health of your eyes.

Tea

Green or black tea work to reduce puffy eyes, but have you heard of red tea? Rooibos or red bush, grown in a mountainous area of South Africa, contains powerful antioxidants, no caffeine and no oxalic acid which makes it especially good for your kidneys. Steep two tea bags in hot water, remove and allow to cool to room temperature before placing them over the eyes for 30 minutes.

Water

This one works inside and out. Staying hydrated helps to eliminate water retention under the eyes. Or you could splash your face with cold water, restricting blood flow to the area to reduce redness and swelling for an instant cooling effect.

Witch Hazel

Witch hazel has been used as a soothing, natural astringent for hundreds of years. Simply soak cotton balls in cold witch hazel, wring out the excess and place the pads on the eyes for 15 minutes.

To Conclude

Your eyes work incredibly hard for you so it’s no wonder signs of stress and aging appear in this area first. Science-based skincare products work well to reduce puffy eyes but if you’re ever without an eye cream or gel, there are some bits and pieces you can find around the house to flatten and de-puff your eyes.