How to Get Rid of Puffy Eyes: Our Top 10 Tips

Bags, bags, bags. We don't mind them, but only if they're Prada. Under the eyes? Not so much. The simple truth is, puffy eyes aren't fun and they can make you look tired and older than your years (thanks, but no thanks).

Before we look at how to get rid of puffy eyes, let's quickly look at their many causes: tiredness, crying, stress, genetics, hormonal changes, dermatitis, weather changes, sinusitis, hangovers, allergic reactions and poor diet are all culprits.

The fancy name for puffy eyes is periorbital puffiness – where excess fluid builds up in the connective tissues around the eye. You may suffer from it temporarily – say, when you're up all night with little kids – or you may be genetically predisposed to the condition.

If you are predisposed to it, you might be able to reduce or completely get rid of your puffy eyes through diet and lifestyle changes. 

OUR TOP 10 TIPS TO GET RID OF PUFFY EYES:

1. Cut out /Limit alcohol intake – We don't need to tell you the overall effects of alcohol on the body, especially when it comes to your skin, but don’t drink into the wee hours of the morning. Swap out drink for drink with sips of water. Overdoing the grog can weaken and dilate blood vessels and capillaries, creating more fluid retention beneath the eye area.

2. Remove eye makeup gently – Use a damp cotton pad with a few drops of oil. Try using a Micellar Water or Cleansing Oil as an anti-aging eye makeup remover. The skin is fine and delicate around the eye area so avoid pressing and rubbing.

3. Limit salt and sugar – Eating too much salt and sugar can cause fluid retention, so be aware of the hidden salt in snacks, fast food and any processed food. Become an avid label reader. If it's in a packet, your body can't hack it! (Unless it's a packet of chia seeds, nuts or seaweed).

4.  Apply products gently – Place a small amount of your skincare product the size of a grain of rice on the ring fingers, and use a gentle tapping and patting motion as opposed to dragging the skin. Light pressure increases circulation and stimulates the lymph nodes to drain fluid, and transport toxins away. 

5. Sleep time – Avoid sleeping on your stomach and sleep with your head slightly elevated. This will assist drainage and prevent rubbing. Use a silk or satin pillow case. As obvious as it sounds, try to bed down by 10pm and aim for a solid 7 to 8 hours. Your eyes will sparkle from within. 

6. Check your laundry detergent – Use all natural and fragrance-free laundry liquid to prevent sensitivities and wash pillowcases frequently as sebum, sweat and dead skin cells accumulate on the fabric. 

7. Keep your distance – When applying eye products, focus placing the cream or serum on the bottom of the brow and orbital bones rather than too close to the eyes. The product will disperse naturally on its own. 

8. Use a depuffing eye mask – Use tea bags filled with a specially formulated blend of dried herbs to naturally heal and rejuvenate the delicate skin around your eyes.refresh the eye area. 

9. Drink water – The easiest way to get rid of puffy eyes is to drink a great big glass or two of water. If you're well hydrated, there's less chance of water retention, which can contribute to the puff problem. Avoid caffeinated and carbonated drinks, which can be dehydrating, and go for pure water, which will also help flush out toxins.

10. Chill out – Use an ice roller with high quality surgical stainless steel, it helps calm inflammation, increase blood circulation.