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Asya Molochkova / Stocksy
You'd think getting an adequate amount of rest and eating a healthy diet would make under-eye puffiness disappear—but alas, we still see those dreaded bags and dark circles. "Under-eye changes are inevitable as we all age (dark or bluish discoloration, depressed appearance, puffiness, bags, etc.)," says board-certified dermatologist Robert Finney, MD. "And identifying the cause of your under-eye puffiness is required prior to determining how to help treat it."
That's right: Eye changes might be inevitable, but that doesn't mean we can't do anything about them. We asked Finney, board-certified dermatologist Corey L. Harman, MD, and licensed esthetician Ali Tobia to break down the causes of—and their best treatments for—puffy eyes. Read on for what they shared.
Meet the Expert
- Corey L. Hartman, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, AL.
- Robert Finney, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist and clinical assistant professor at New York University.
- Ali Tobia is a licensed esthetician and skincare expert in New York City with over 20 years of professional experience. She is a leading expert at Just Ageless body sculpting and beauty lab.
What Causes Puffy Eyes?
"The eyes are areas of highly specialized skin that are vulnerable to several different systems and susceptible to various changes that affect their appearance," says Hartman. He tells us the state of your upper and lower eyelids can be impacted by:
- Genetics
- Fluid retention
- Allergies
- Sun exposure
- Lack of sleep
- Your diet
How to Treat Puffy Eyes
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Use a Cold Spoons
One of our favorite puffy eye hacks involves a tool you already have in your kitchen: spoons. Leave two clean teaspoons in your freezer, and on puffy mornings, simply press them against your eyes for a few minutes. "This can be done with a spoon kept in the freezer (wet it before applying it to each under-eye area for a few minutes) and will help constrict the vessels and reduce inflammation in the area," advises Finney.
Try Eye Gels With Caffeine
While we couldn't do without our morning java jolt, caffeine has also become a star player in skincare products. "Eye gels with active ingredients like caffeine, licorice, and other antioxidants are helpful," says Hartman. "Especially if they are cooled before application." Try chilling your favorite caffeine-infused under-eye gels overnight, then apply them in the morning while enjoying your morning coffee.
Stay Hydrated
Finney tells us it's crucial to stay hydrated for overall health, but one of the more cosmetic reasons is to help keep puffiness at bay. "When you are dehydrated, your body tries to hold on to all the fluid it can, which could contribute to under-eye puffiness," he explains. Studies have found that the ideal water intake is 3000 mL for those assigned male at birth and 2200 mL for those assigned female.
Invest in a Great Eye Cream
When shopping for under-eye remedies, "Look for a good moisturizing eye cream with ingredients such as green tea, caffeine, niacinamide, peptides, and other antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and constrict blood vessels to reduce puffiness," advises Finney.
"My absolute favorite is Alastin's Restorative Eye Treatment ($99), which has anti-inflammatory properties [and] contains a peptide that stimulates collagen to help improve wrinkles and other signs of aging," he continues. "The best part is that it is non-irritating. Many eye creams that promise wrinkle reduction contain retinol, and although retinol is great for anti-aging, it can often be irritating in the eye area, given that the skin around the eye is the thinnest and most sensitive anywhere on the body."
Byrdie Tip
For an all-natural eye cream to soothe and de-puff eyes, turn to cold aloe vera gel, which contains anti-inflammatory properties. Keep a bottle in your fridge and then apply it as you would any eye cream.
Use Rollers—Gently
"[The under-eye area] is one area on the body where our natural drainage system (lymphatic system) for excess fluid is not the best, with some suffering worse than others," Finney explains. "There are different ways to accomplish [drainage], including ice rollers (dual action by helping to massage and directly cool the area), jade rollers, etc." However, he does warn that "frequently rubbing the skin in this area can result in discoloration and a wrinkled appearance."
Hartman echoes this sentiment: "Eye rollers are a way to provide a gentle massage to the area and are quite effective if used regularly. Just don't apply too much pressure, or it can trigger more inflammation."
Watch Now: How to Get Rid of Puffy Eyes
Try a Double Tap or Facial Massage Technique
Did you know that the way you apply eye moisturizer affects the state of your under-eye area? "Rubbing cream or moisturizer on your eyes can cause [them to get] puffy," Tobia tells us. "Instead, try lightly tapping the area of your eyes and massaging the pressure points to encourage lymphatic drainage." Hartman agrees, noting that a simple, gentle tapping motion with your ring finger can go a long way toward draining the lymph buildup that causes puffiness.
Tobia instructs: "Starting with your neck to get the drainage started, drag the backs of your knuckles down along the sides of your neck. Then, work your way up your face, sweeping your fingertips outward from the center of your face to your ears. When you reach your eye area, you'll want to make sure that you have your fingertips gliding across the bone just under your eye with a feathery touch." We recommend using face oil to avoid tugging on your skin.
Address Any Allergies
While we welcome spring—with its blooming flowers and pleasant weather—we could do without the allergies that come with it. "If you have seasonal or other allergies, it is very common to have extra puffiness under your eyes," says Finney. His recommendation: "If you notice a seasonal change in your eyes, try an over-the-counter antihistamine such as Zyrtec or Allegra daily during the time of year when your allergies are heightened."
Get More Sleep...
Hartman advises getting eight to 10 hours of sleep per night to help control puffiness. Finney agrees: "If you are sleep deprived, it usually makes puffiness worse," he says.
... and Sleep Elevated
Speaking of sleep: Hartman and Finney recommend keeping your head elevated overnight. "An often overlooked fix to de-puffing the eye area that can yield amazing results is to simply sleep in a more elevated position," says Finney. "Try adding an extra pillow to help elevate your head and allow the fluid to drain easier at night."
Consider an In-Office Treatment
If at-home options aren't working, consider a professional treatment with a board-certified dermatologist. The ideal treatment for you may vary based on your individual concern, but in general, Hartman says that the best treatment for under-eye puffiness is typically radiofrequency microneedling. "Radiofrequency microneedling devices like Lutronic Genius insert tiny needles (after the application of a potent numbing cream) that heat the dermal tissue, reduce fat and edema, and tighten the skin to provide a firm, smooth surface," he says. Be wary of medical spas offering this treatment; visit a board-certified dermatologist instead.
