Do you often wake up to puffy eyes, wondering what’s causing them? They seem to tell tales of restless nights and perhaps even a touch of excess salt in last night’s dinner. Puffy eyes can be a real bother, making you look tired even when you’re not. In this article, we talk about the causes of puffy eyes and list home remedies to treat them.
Causes Of Puffy Eyes
According to the Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science, one of the thinnest areas of skin on the body is under the eyes. As a result, the blood vessels may easily be seen through the skin, giving the eyes their puffy and black appearance.
- Fluid Retention: Fluid tends to accumulate around the eyes when you’re sleeping or after a night of salty snacks or excessive alcohol consumption. This retention can give rise to that telltale morning puffiness.
- Allergies: Allergic reactions can cause the blood vessels around the eyes to dilate and lead to swelling. Seasonal allergens like pollen or even certain skincare products might be the undercover culprits.
- Sinus Congestion: When your sinuses are congested due to colds or allergies, the blood vessels around the eyes can become inflamed, leading to puffiness.
- Ageing: As time passes, the skin around the eyes thins out and its elasticity decreases. This can cause fat deposits around the eyes to shift, resulting in puffiness.
- Sleep Deprivation: Lack of quality sleep can cause blood vessels to dilate, leading to fluid retention and puffiness.
- Salt Intake: Excess salt consumption can cause your body to retain water, leading to puffiness around the eyes.
Home Remedies for Relief
Cucumber Slices
The classic remedy that’s not just for movies – cucumber slices contain antioxidants and have a cooling effect that can help reduce puffiness. Place chilled cucumber slices on closed eyelids for around 10-15 minutes.
Tea Bags
The caffeine and antioxidants in tea can constrict blood vessels and reduce inflammation. Apply cool, damp tea bags (chamomile or green tea work well) to your closed eyelids for a refreshing treat.
Cold Compress
Using a cold compress can shrink blood vessels and lessen swelling. Just wrap a cloth around a couple of ice cubes, then gently apply it to your closed eyelids for a brief period.
Potato Slices
Potatoes contain enzymes and starch that can have anti-inflammatory properties. Place thin slices of potato on your eyes for around 10 minutes for a soothing effect.
Elevation
Sometimes simple gravity can be your ally. Try propping up an extra pillow while sleeping to prevent fluid accumulation around the eyes.
Hydration and Diet
Staying hydrated can prevent water retention. Also, maintaining a balanced diet with limited salt intake can help reduce puffiness.
Cold Milk
The cold temperature and fat content in milk can help soothe and hydrate the skin. Dab chilled milk on cotton pads and place them on your closed eyelids.
Aloe Vera Gel
The anti-inflammatory properties of aloe vera can help reduce puffiness. Gently massage the area around the eyes with a small amount of aloe vera gel.
Also Read: What Is Your Eye Telling You? Expert Explains Eye Twitching, Its Causes And How To Stop It
Prevention and Lifestyle Tips
- Hydrate: Drinking plenty of water can help flush out excess salt and toxins, preventing fluid retention.
- Limit Salt Intake: Keeping your salt intake in check can prevent water retention and subsequent puffiness.
- Sleep Well: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep to prevent blood vessels from dilating due to sleep deprivation.
- Allergy Management: If allergies are causing your puffiness, managing them through antihistamines or avoiding triggers can help.
- Gentle Skincare: Avoid harsh rubbing or tugging around the eyes, and opt for gentle skincare products.
- Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine: These can contribute to dehydration and exacerbate puffiness.
When to Seek Medical Advice
In most cases, puffiness is temporary and can be managed with home remedies and lifestyle changes. However, if your puffiness is persistent, severe, or accompanied by other symptoms like pain, changes in vision, or difficulty breathing, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional. These can be symptoms of a serious medical disease that needs to be addressed.
Disclaimer
This article contains information for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult with your expert before trying any remedies, especially if you are dealing with any skin condition.
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