I despise those mornings when I wake up, stagger to the bathroom, and stare in the mirror at some seriously puffy, tired eyes. Not a great way to start the day! But over the years, I’ve discovered a few things that can help. If your under-eye bags and dark circles are dragging you down, give them a wake-up call with these simple, natural remedies.
What causes puffy eyes?
When it comes to puffy eyes, there’s good news and bad news.
The good news is that experts say eye puffiness is not necessarily a result of lack of sleep, but that your daily habits do play a role. The bad news is that eye bags are partly related to aging, and genetics may bear a lot of the blame.
Fortunately for most of us, we can reduce the size of puffy or swollen eyes—or at least lessen their appearance—by modifying our habits and getting into a healthy routine.
But what are they? Well, there is a slight difference between eye puffiness and baggy eyes. As you age, the muscles around the eyes become a little weaker, so the fat moves down and creates those bags [source]. That’s not something you can really change (short of surgery), but there are a few things you can.
Puffiness is generally thought of as something that can come and go, depending upon a few things. It can be a result of excess fluid caused by water retention.
Or, if there is swelling accompanied by irritation and redness, it could be caused by rubbing, allergies to makeup or something like dust, pet dander, etc. in the environment. And there are a few other causes that you can read about below.
How to prevent or treat puffy eyes
Since we do have control over eye puffiness to an extent, there are some things we can do to keep swelling away in the first place.
Use gravity
Get gravity on your side by sleeping with your head elevated, and preferably on your back, to prevent excess fluid buildup [source].
Attack allergies
If you often have puffy eyes in the morning when you wake up, get an air purifier for your bedroom, change your pillowcase, and wash your sheets often to reduce allergens. If your eyes are itchy, try not to rub them, and take an over-the-counter allergy medication to help curb any redness or itchiness.
Rubbing your eyes may lead to hyperpigmented dark circles—another problem—so definitely avoid that. If you think you might be sensitive to something in your eye makeup, try a simple mineral clay eyeshadow and switch to a nontoxic mascara.
Reduce salt
Cut down on salt during the day and before bed [source]. Extra salt = water retention = swelling. Drink plenty of water to keep your system flushed, as this can also help prevent eye puffiness. Water itself will help remove toxins from the body, but water displacement will cause puffiness.
Have your thyroid checked
If you notice upper eyelid puffiness, especially if it is associated with loss of the outer 1/3 of your eyebrows, you may have a low-functioning thyroid [source]. Check with your doctor if you think you might have a problem like this.
Quit smoking
Yes, there is a boatload of things that smoking can cause, and you probably are aware of most of them. But perhaps you didn’t know that it worsens the problem of baggy eyes. The smoke contains substances that break down collagen, which forms the backbone of body tissues, and contributes to sagging skin [source].
Get some sleep
Sure enough, this one does affect the appearance of your eyes. If you find that you are working too late, getting up too early, or just not getting good zzz’s, make sure to improve your sleep hygiene, which is the combination of things you do before you go to bed at night.
Take a warm bath, lower the lights, put away the electronics, have a cup of herbal tea, and relax your mind. But, most of all, get to bed early enough to get your beauty sleep at least most nights of the week.
16 Natural Remedies for Puffy Eyes
16 Natural Remedies for Puffy Eyes1. Cool Cucumber
Cucumbers have been used for years as a home remedy for puffy eyes because of their detoxifying and diuretic properties. They contain ascorbic acid (vitamin C), antioxidants, and flavonoids that can help soothe and support the skin [source]. Plus, since they’re often stored in the refrigerator, the cooling action can help decrease swelling and tighten skin, at least for a little bit of relief.
Place a cool cucumber slice on each of your closed lids, and take a rest for 15–30 minutes. Or try this cucumber rose eye mask blended to reach the inner and outer corners of the eyes. Afterward, you’ll feel nice and refreshed.
2. Raw Potato Slices
Try using sliced potatoes in place of cucumbers. Not only do they stay cool longer than cucumbers, but they also have astringent properties that may help reduce the water buildup under the eyes.
You can also make a finely ground potato poultice by grating 1–2 tablespoons of raw potato and placing it in a few layers of cheesecloth. Lay that over your closed eyes and reap the benefits.
3. Milk
We use milk in quite a few of our homemade skin recipes because it contains lactic acid, which increases skin firmness [source]. Dip a cotton ball into cold milk (I prefer whole milk, but any kind should do the trick) and squeeze off the excess. Place on each of your closed eyes to help tone under-eye tissue.
4. Green or Black Tea
Tea bags are another popular home remedy. Green and black teas contain caffeine, which tightens skin and prevents the excessive accumulation of fat in cells, a common cause of under-eye bags as we age [source]. Caffeinated tea also contains tannins, which stimulate blood circulation, and antioxidants that protect skin from the effects of aging.
To make it work, place two tea bags in a cup of hot water. Remove and let the tea bags cool to room temperature, then place them on your closed eyes for 15–30 minutes. Doing this once or twice a week can help tighten the skin under the eyes, as well as provide soothing benefits.
5. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea doesn’t have caffeine, but it does have significant anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties [source]. Chamomile is used to treat maladies all over the body, so no surprise that it also revives tired, puffy eyes and reduces redness. It can also provide relief for conjunctivitis and pink eye [source].
6. Egg Whites
Beat up an egg white mask and apply it with a brush or your fingers under the eyes (make sure not to get it in the eyes, and wash hands after applying). As it dries, it will tighten and tone the skin. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes, then gently rinse.
It can also stimulate circulation and reduce inflammation. For a serious de-puffing eye treatment, puree an egg white, some cucumber, and a tablespoon of rose water together. Dab under your eyes gently for cooling relief.
7. Aloe Vera Gel
It’s not just for burns! Aloe contains a myriad of antioxidants [source] and has numerous antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and other healing properties [source]. It can help soothe tired eyes by moisturizing the skin and providing relief. It might also help minimize wrinkles.
8. Rose Water
Rose water contains vitamin C and A, as well as flavonoids. It is a natural astringent with anti-inflammatory properties [source]. It is also incredibly rejuvenating and refreshing. And you can even make your own rose water at home.
Simmer rose petals in just enough distilled water to cover them. When the petals have lost their color, strain the liquid and let it cool. Pour into a jar or bottle. Saturate a cotton ball with the cooled rose water and dab under eyes to reduce dark circles and refresh the skin.
9. Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is a well-known astringent often used to reduce swelling and redness. Chilled witch hazel is extra refreshing. After cooling in the fridge for a couple of hours, apply a bit to a cotton pad and let sit on closed eyes for 5 minutes for an instant refresh.
10. Cold Water
Wake up your face with a cool water wash first thing in the morning. It will definitely get you going! If your eyes feel extra puffy, dunk your face in ice water or dip a washcloth in cold water, squeeze out the excess, and lay it over your eyes. The cold water works as a vasoconstrictor to restrict blood flow to the area, which in turn reduces any redness and swelling.
11. Chilled Spoons
If you’re not a fan of cold water, try putting two spoons in the refrigerator before you go to bed. In the morning, you can just pull them out and place them gently over your closed eyes. It will produce the same effect as cold water. And while we’re at it, jelly teething rings are also great. :)
12. Coffee
Erase late nights and tired eyes by adding a dose of coffee to your morning skincare routine. The caffeine in this homemade mask for puffy eyes acts as a diuretic to reduce swelling. Whip a teaspoon or two of ground coffee into an egg white and apply under the eyes. Or try a coffee-infused eye cream. You’ll shrink both eye swelling and fine lines.
13. Jade Roller
I swear by my jade roller for kicking eye puffiness to the curb. Massaging your face with a jade roller stimulates circulation, flushes toxins, and encourages lymphatic drainage, making skin look tight and lifted. When you are working around the delicate eye tissue, just make sure to keep a light touch and be as gentle as possible.
14. Turmeric
Turmeric eye masks are excellent for brightening complexions, evening out skin tone, and decreasing inflammation [source]. Combine with milk for a bit of gentle exfoliation. Mix 1 tablespoon turmeric with 1 tablespoon milk in a small bowl and apply to under-eyes using a cotton ball. Leave on for 15 minutes and then carefully rinse off.
15. Tap ‘Em Away
Gently tapping your under-eye area with the pads of your fingers (just imagine you’re doing “jazz hands”) can help circulate lymph and encourage the fluid under your eyes to drain. When applying an eye serum, be sure to gently press it into the skin under your eyes rather than just superficially slathering it on top.
Not only will it sink in better, but it can also help combat pesky bags. Just be sure you don’t tug at the skin, as this can make eye bags worse!
16. Essential Oils
Many essential oils have anti-inflammatory properties that can lessen the appearance of eye puffiness [source]. Try mixing 1–2 drops of argan, chamomile, rosehip seed, and lavender oils and gently applying to the under-eye area.
Just be super careful not to get it anywhere near the lash line or the corners of your eyes, as these oils can burn or make sensitivity worse. I apply it along the crease where my under-eye area meets the top of my cheeks. An easy way to apply is by using round makeup sponges as reusable eye packs.
What’s your favorite remedy for treating pesky puffy eyes?
Because so many of the ingredients used to treat tired eyes are ones commonly found in your kitchen or medicine cabinet, it’s easy to make your own masks and eye creams. Here are some of our favorite recipes:
This post was medically reviewed by Dr. Jennifer Haley, a board-certified dermatologist with extensive experience in medical, cosmetic, and surgical dermatology. Learn more about Hello Glow’s medical reviewers here. As always, this is not personal medical advice, and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.
474
I have a chronic issue of anemia and that’s why dark circles and puffy eyes. Always look for home based remedies. Your articles got me some new ones.
As I’ve been getting older I have noticed unsightly bags under my eyes. I don’t mind getting older but I hate the bags. There’s a lot of “snake oil” on the market and I just wanted a product that wouldn’t drain my bank account and something that really worked. Well, I found dermalmd under eye treatment serum! This Serum is easy to use and easy on the pocketbook. I’ve been using it for about two weeks now and I’ve seen a noticeable difference already. I’m hoping that with continued use they will either be completely gone or barely noticeable.
I’ve struggled with dark circles and baggy eyes for years now, but recently they’ve started looking particularly bad. I’m only 28, but I guess no age is too early to start taking care of your skin. After careful research, I decided on Dermalmd Eye care Serum to try to make things better.
Within a few days, I noticed a world of difference. Not only do my eyes look a million times better, Dermalmd serum feels very refreshing afterward. My self-confidence is much higher and I would absolutely recommend this serum to anyone doing comparative shopping.
I have had some issues lately with puffiness and dark circles under my eyes. I have tried several products that claim they can fix this problem but none of them worked. I was hesitant to buy yet another product that claimed the same. But I have to say that after using under eye treatment serum of dermalmd 2x a day for a few days I saw a noticeable difference in both puffiness and the dark circles. Now they aren’t entirely gone, but they are noticeably reduced and that’s a great thing.
This is great. Thanks!
Excellent post. I have also read that drinking alcohol before bed can cause puffy eyes. I haven’t had to deal with puffy eyes much, must be my genetics :) These are great natural remedies though.
What the hell are you talking about?? What does this have to do with skin care??
Ok, the advice with two pillows is amazing. I have never tried this and I am sure I will have some time that I won`t be able to sleep while I am adapting. Have you considered non surgical eye bag removal? Online there is plenty info how successful procedures are
I have to admit the tea bags work wonders. I usually notice the difference right away. Beauty Steep makes these adorable eyes mask filled with tea. They work great b/c I don’t have to worry about tea bags falling off my face.
Applying this thick juice to the under eye area will help you get rid of the dark circles effectively. Wash off your face after keeping it for 2 hours daily.
Thank you for information, Best remedies for eyes.
I just had a baby and he won’t let me sleep at night. I been struggling with puffy swollen eyes..
I just had a baby and he won’t let me sleep at night. I been struggling with puffy swollen eyes..
nice article
Thanks for the wonderful tips. Came to know how to get rid of black circles.
I am almost 38 years old. I never really cared or looked for anti-wrinkle, eye puffiness cream before but I needed to do SOMETHING about the bags, slightly dark circles and wrinkles under my eyes. I was thrilled to use dermalmd anti-aging serum the first time. I noticed a difference right away. I only used it 4 times but really notice my face tightening and the puffiness under my eyes is much better. The serum is a light gel that smells light. I leave it on under my makeup. I wash my face with soap and warm water prior to applying. This is so worth the price!!
Let me start by saying I am a working mom of a two-year old. I always have bags under my eyes and a large coffee in my hand. I have been using the Somaluxe Triple Collagen Eye Gel for 2 weeks and it helped plump up my eyes. I then purchased the Somaluxe Brightening Gel – to lighten the dark areas under my eyes. First I apply the Somaluxe Brightening under my eyes, and then the Triple Collagen Eye Gel all around my eyes.
It is making such a difference in the dark circles. I don’t wear makeup to work so any help I can get in the baggage department I am appreciative of. In just a few days, the puffiness has gone down and the purple circles have started to lighten. I’ve already had people say something at work! Also loving the fact that one pump is enough for both eyes. It won’t take me half the bottle to notice results.
I have dark circles for long time.After start using dermalmd its gone completely.
I ‘m very irritated since have dark circles.After using it i got rid of completely.Thank you!!!!!!!!!!
I’m only 23 but I’ve had noticeable bags under my eyes for the past 5 months now, which have made me appear fatigued. I now use the Somaluxe Triple Collagen Eye Gel and my bags almost disappeared ENTIRELY within a couple days. No other eye cream/serum has worked as well. I’m so grateful to look my age again!
I’m only 23 but I’ve had noticeable bags under my eyes for the past 5 months now, which have made me appear fatigued. I now use the Somaluxe Triple Collagen Eye Gel and my bags almost disappeared ENTIRELY within a couple days. No other eye cream/serum has worked as well. I’m so grateful to look my age again!
Love the article! I had the same issue last year. It makes me uncomfortable many times. But after using natural remedies they disappeared permanently. Now I can say natural treatment is best for eye care and it is also safe. Thanks for the wonderful article.
Can I ask what natural remedies you used to get rid of them?
I’ve used some of the “best” pricey eye creams from Saks, Barneys, & plastic surgeons ….I used the SOmaluxe Triple Collage Eye Gel for the last week and I saw notable improvement in skin texture around my eyes. Dark circles show marked improved also after waking up from 1 single application.
I am in my thirties and getting used to my new skin. The majority of eye creams irritate my sensitive skin. But I now have been using the Made from Earth Chamomile Eye Therapy and my eyes look great! I am using this with their Vitamin Enhanced Firming Serum and my skin has never looked better. Fine lines reduced and less tired looking than I actually feel! And I love that its organic and all natural ingredients. Nothing toxic!
I inherited dark eye circles from my German mother. These dark circles just JUMP out at you on my face and I’ve had them my whole life regardless of what I eat, how much I sleep etc. I never could leave the house without concealer and no creams ever worked for me in the past.
I had heard great things about Somaluxe products, and I tried the Somaluxe Triple Collagen Eye Gel with the Somaluxe Brightening Serum TOGETHER. I used BOTH twice a day every day after washing my face. There is so much more of an improvement than I’ve ever seen before! You can’t expect a miracle from any cream. I still will wear concealer when going out, but I don’t feel so ashamed of my dark circles anymore. :-)
Bonus fact: I have very sensitive skin and this was very soothing and not irritating in the least.
I love using natural remedies for under eye problems and have found a potato, cucumber, and green tea a big help.
Thanks for this remedy. I’m sleeping with two pillows filled. But honestly, I didn’t know that Raw Potato Slices can help as well. I’m going to try that one.
Dermalmd under eye serum by Dermalmd is an amazing serum to reduce puffy eyes, bags and dark circles. I have neglected my skin for a few months and was beginning to see some signs of dark circles and wanted to combat them. I have been using this eye serum twice a day for the past 5 days and actually see some difference. I feel refreshed and bright-eyed.
These are great remedies. Great post
I did not get paid to write this review. I’ve been using the Somaluxe Triple Collage Eye Gel 20 days and deep eye lines are going away. They have faded, I will continue to use because I like that they are beginning to fade. My dark circles are diminishing and my eyes look so much brighter.
Got a lot of knowledge from your article. Great stuff, thankyou for writing.
Dermalmd under eye First serum that i’v tried that actually seems to be working on reducing eye bags! It also seems to be lightening the area. The best eye serum I’ve tried.
I’m a guy who doesn’t us products like this but I noticed my eyes were tired in the morning and the bags under my eyes were getting worse as I age. I though I’d give the Somaluxe Renewal Serum a try and the bags under my eyes are lessening. Not exactly scientific but I do think it is helping. Goes on a bit oily but absorbs quickly. The 2oz size should last a year at the rate I use it so based on the rate of consumption is is pretty cost effective.
I definitely am going to try out these tricks and see if it makes a difference
I’ve found that eating a whole food diet and avoiding things with additives and pesticides prevents my under eye problems from developing in the first place These are the vitamins that help you prevent eye bags
Puffy eyes are best dealt with by sticking with natural products.
I have been using dermalmd under eye treatment serum for about 2 months. i really like the way it goes on smoothly and absorbs into skin quickly. I have dark circles and puffiness under my eyes, I have noticed about a 20% reduction in dark circles and 50% reduction in puffiness.
Thanks I am going to try that product. My eyes just started getting puffy when I wake up in morning. I am also going to try the natural remedies.
Sonya, is that the product that charges your account each month without your convent?
Since I was 10 I have been aware that I always look tired. Even when rested. I look tired. Even when I first wake up in the morning. I look tired. This is because of my genetic eye bags. These little suckers have given me the appearance that I have, as one acquaintance put it, “been through the wringer.” Looking tired does no one favors. Seeing exhaustion on my face day after day really did a number with my self-esteem. I spent hundreds or maybe thousands on ways to conceal my eye bags (cream, lotions, concealer, magic potions, eyebag ice packs, make-up, teas, and more) I bought eyeglasses before I needed prescription glasses because they helped me look less tried and hid my bags. All the while I fielded the usual ongoing comments such as “You look SO tired, are you ok???” Yet, I unconvincingly kept trying to tell myself it’s what’s inside that counts! But it has become harder and harder as I aged. 40, 41, 42, 43…. approaching 47 I finally felt that the time was right. Mostly I felt fed up; and happily I had finally met the right doctor Dr Ken who save me from this problem if you are into similar problem you can contact him with this his website drkensolutiontempl5.wixsite.com/drken call +22349052116690
I have had puffiness under my eyes most of my life and dermalmd under eye treatment serum does help with that and also with some of the redness. One pump is more than enough for my entire eye area so this product will last a long time! The biggest plus for me is that most eye creams I have tried were too heavy and I ended up with those little bumps around my eyes, but that is not be a problem with this product.
I use egg whites every night before bed. Has done wonders under my eyes.
I’ve used dermalmd under eye serum for years to smooth out my under eye bags. I used to buy it as the drug store. It works well when I pat it on. For some reason better than spreading it. I’m very fair skinned so I don’t notice any white powdery look to it. I also use it on my neck. People never guess I’m as old as I am. I was getting ready for work this morning and my grandson was there. He told me I look like a tv star. Can’t get any better complement than that.
Even though I’ve heard a lot of natural remedies- there are some new ones here that I haven’t heard of before!
I have tried a lot of home remedies and exotic expensive product for my dark sports on my face. Dermalmd under eye treatment serum is only amazing product. my spots are completely faded and gone .I would definitely recommend.
Excellent post. I have also read that drinking alcohol before bed can cause puffy eyes. I haven’t had to deal with puffy eyes much, must be my genetics :) These are great natural remedies though.
I have been using DermalMD Under Eye Treatment Serum for several years now. I was very pleased to find it on google site at a lower price. It not only helps to lighten my dark circles, but is a good moisturizer under the eye.
dermalmd serum natural treatment for under eye I’m getting to the age where I am needing to take better care of my skin in general and especially around my eyes. dermalmd serum goes on creamy smooth and feels wonderful! I have no doubt that dermalmd serum is going to lighten up the dark circles!
Were can I find the cream,
I was wondering that too. I hope it’s not the site that charges you each month for it. Do you think it is?
I have really bad dark circles and don’t have time in the morning to cover them up properly before work with running round sorting me out and the kids what’s the best night time remedy
egg white at night just lighty wisk 1 egg and put all on your face it gets rid of grease,wrinkles,and dark circles and leaves your face feeling smooth so just leave it on for 20-30 mins
My eyes are puffy on top best treatment for this is?
Cucumbers have a subtle, mild skin lightening effect. This is why cucumber on eyes is so often used for the dark circles under the eyes. This will reduce the swelling and puffiness around the eyes. I use raw cucumbers from the super market, but when i dont have time for that, I use Made from Earth’s Cucumber Cooling Gell. It has real cucumber in it, and its not cold like a real cucumber. Its my daily moisturizer now and I love how “fresh” it has made my eyes look.
Do you order that online?
I’ve been using DermalMD Under Eye Treatment Serum for about 5-6 weeks and it works pretty well. I’m starting to notice a difference in my dark circles so I feel like it was money well spent.
HI! PLEASE TELL ME HOW CAN I BUY THIS DERMAL MD PLEASE..
I have been using DermalMD Serum for about a week now and have already seen a difference in the fine lines around my eyes. I have got several compliments on my skin since I have started using DermalMD Serum. I love this stuff! I use this serum every night before bed. The serum blends into my skin very fast and easy does not leave my skin feeling greasy. I have already recommended this product to several family members. A little goes a long way so, this will last a long time . I highly recommend this eye serum
Great tips. My eyes are not so puffy generally but look very swollen when I smile. Can you please suggest something for this and what actually causes this.
Wow, so many remedies in one post! I knew a few of them and learned a bunch of new ones; thanks!
Fantastic post! Will be emailing it to my sister who always suffers from puffy eyes. I use blag tea to treat my cat’s runny eye and it works a treat every time.
Flo x
I was hoping for an equal number of strategies for dark circles :(
Tel me basic region of Eye Bag
Tea and raw potato can be an effective remedy to puffy eyes. Really? I didn’t know that, thank you for sharing all of these natural remedies that I can use. It’s a big help.
This is amazing, just shared this on my instagram page with my followers !! Thanks for the great post.
@mybeautyroots
Have you heard about SwellNoMore?
A slight massage around the eyes with almond oil also works more effectively.
Thanks, Tabitha. :) I shoot with a Nikon D300. These were all shot with a 50mm f/1.8 lens.
Okay cool! Thanks so much! :)
I’ve found that eating a whole food diet and avoiding things with additives and pesticides prevents my under eye problems from developing in the first place :). But thanks for the tips for those days when I go bonkers eating the wrong foods. Like spending several hours in an airport!
great
Bookmarking this post! Gosh, I feel like I struggle with puffy eyes on a daily basis. I’ve been sleeping with 2 pillows most of my life for this very reason! haha! Thanks for all these other remedies – haven’t heard of the witch hazel or rose water ones, but definitely will try! Hope you had a wonderful weekend!
Does the 2 pillows seem to help? I can definitely tell a difference in sinuses too when I sleep elevated!
I found that cornflower water does wonders to puffy eyes and dark circles too.
Loving all these tips! :)
Ive looked all over the net but cant find any Dermalmd ?