4 Easy Ways to Reduce Puffy Eyes

You might already have one of these fixes in your fridge.

By Tatiana Bido, Aesthetic Content Manager · Apr 1, 2016

If the eyes are the windows to the soul, the surrounding skin is the delicate frame. Unfortunately, that frame can develop puffiness due to genetics, lifestyle and dietary changes, as well as the aging process. “As we age, the fat that protects our eyes protrudes into our eyelids, causing bags under our lower lids. The skin around our eyes also loses elasticity and develops wrinkles, too,” says New York oculoplastic surgeon James Gordon, MD. While it’s hard to prevent bags from forming, there are ways to smooth the area so the puffiness isn’t as much of an issue.

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If the cause is a salt-laden diet, de-puff your eyes with a natural at-home remedy.

A quick fix for puffiness under your eyes is strawberries. Rather than using the old standby of cucumber slices, try alphahydroxy acid–rich strawberries, which help take down swelling and work to firm your skin. Cut the tops off and chill a few in the refrigerator (you can soak them in chilled milk for more of a constricting effect). Then place the strawberries over your bags for up to 10 minutes to help tighten and smooth your skin.

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If the cause is lack of sleep, hide the appearance of puffy eyes with concealer.

Concealing under-eye bags with makeup makes them less noticeable. Look for an oil-free formula with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which plumps, and illuminating and reflective pigments to reflect light off of the bags, which can be found in By Terry Touche Veloutée ($59). Not only does this concealer lend a highlighting effect, but it’s also packed with botanicals that nourish skin—and the rounded brush makes it even easier to apply.

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If the cause is fluid retention, apply eye cream in the morning when your eyes are the puffiest.

According to New York facial plastic surgeon Konstantin Vasyukevich, MD, a cause of puffiness is a buildup of fluid that accumulates overnight, leaving you with bags and puffiness come morning. And, sleeping on your back causes the fluid to pool even more. Caudalie Resveratrol Lift Eye Lifting Balm ($62) contains an anti-puffiness plant complex, micro hyaluronic acid and stabilized vine resveratrol to help reduce swollen-looking eyes.

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If the cause is poor circulation, rejuvenate the area with electronic massage.

Designed to mimic the manual fingertip tapping that is recommended for applying eye creams and serums (gently pressing product into your skin helps stimulate circulation), the innovative FOREO IRIS ($139) massages your under-eye area with alternating T-sonic pulsations. The massage motion increases the absorption of eye creams while boosting circulation and oxygenating your skin to take down puffiness and improve dark circles, fine lines and wrinkles.