How To Reduce Puffy Eyes

Go into any chemist and you’ll see shelves upon shelves of miracle cures for all manner of things but the truth is, many can be solved with cheap home remedies.  Puffy eyes are no different – and they are something that we all experience from time to time!  Late nights and tough times, partying hard and holiday seasons (Christmas and New Year being the busiest!) can leave the skin around your eyes swollen, red, and unsightly.  As tempting as the lotions, potions, creams, and fancy eye pads may sound, you can often achieve the same results with these simple yet effective methods:

Spoons

Teaspoons are excellent for helping to reduce puffy eyes: most people already have some at home, so they are easily accessible and they are the perfect alternative to expensive creams!  Pop the spoons in ice cold water for a few minutes or alternatively, keep a few in the freezer ready for whenever you need them.  Pressing the rounded side against your eyes for several minutes should visibly reduce puffiness.

Used Teabags

This is a fantastic way to recycle those old teabags that seem to get left on the side or dotted on a dish.  Any tea will do, although chamomile works best as it has natural anti-inflammatory properties and is perfect for soothing tired and swollen eyes.  Simply lie back and place a used teabag on each eye for around ten minutes – just make sure you let it cool first!

Cotton Pads and Iced Water

Although pads work best with this technique, cotton wool balls or washcloths can work just as well.  Submerge the pad into the water until it is saturated and ice-cold.  Squeeze out the excess liquid and place over each eye for approximately ten minutes to reduce the symptoms of puffy eyes.  Keep the pads cool by dipping them into the water because the lower the temperature, the better the results.

Cucumber

As clichéd as it might be, cucumber really does do wonders for your eyes!  Like chamomile tea, cucumber has natural anti-inflammatory properties, meaning that placing a couple of cold slices on your eyes for 10-15 minutes really will reduce puffiness and swelling.  Also, the high water content of cucumber will have a hydrating effect on your skin and eyes, leaving you looking and feeling great.  It’s not advised that you put the slices in your salad afterwards though!

Rest

The best, and perhaps the easiest, method to reduce puffy eyes is to get a good night’s rest.  Try to get 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep and you’ll wake up feeling rejuvenated and ready for the next party!