Eyes can swell from multiple causes, such as allergies, hereditary factors, lack of sleep and, of course, the wee hours. If it's a chronic problem, talk to a doctor to determine why. When it happens to you because you stayed up late, there are many ways to freshen your eyes, from applying cucumber slices to massaging the affected area. Read on to learn more.
Steps
Method 1 of 6: Using Cucumbers
Step 1. Slice a cucumber
It is a classic and popular method to deflate the eyes. Cucumber contains antioxidants that help fight irritation, while the cold reduces swelling. Place the cucumber slices in a plastic bag and place it in the refrigerator (or freezer, when in a hurry).
Always keep some cucumber slices in the refrigerator - you'll have them on hand to reduce swelling around the house
Step 2. Place the cold cucumber slices on your closed eyes
You should be able to cover the entire eye with a slice; if not, make sure it covers the swollen area. To keep them from moving, you have to lie down. Take the opportunity to give yourself a few minutes of relaxation.
Step 3. Hold the cucumber slices over your eyes for about 15 minutes
Throw them away after removing them, do not reuse them. You can also have a damp cloth available to wipe off any cucumber residue that remains on your eyes after removing the slices.
Method 2 of 6: Use a Spoon
Step 1. Cool 2 tbsp
Spoons can help you make a nice cold compress for the eyes, especially in the area below. Put some ice and water in a cup, then put the spoons in it. Leave them for about 5 minutes to cool down. Alternatively, put 2 tablespoons in the freezer for about an hour.
Step 2. Place the back of the spoon under the eye or on the lid
Apply light pressure to hold it in place. Try not to press too hard, as it is a very delicate area. To make the procedure more relaxing, lie down on an armchair or bed.
You can try to freshen both eyes at the same time, but it may be difficult to hold each spoon steady with one hand
Step 3. Keep the spoon on the eye for a few minutes
Take it off after you are done or once it has become hot. After finishing with one eye, repeat the same procedure with the other. You may want to have a towel handy to dab the water from the spoons that wets the skin during the process.
Cold spoons are only a temporary remedy to deflate the eyes. Always keep them in the freezer, so you can have cold packs available when needed
Method 3 of 6: Using Tea Bags
Step 1. Infuse 2 tea bags in a cup of hot water for 5 minutes
Green tea is ideal for its anti-inflammatory properties. If you don't have it, classic black tea will still be fine. After steeping the sachets, take them out of the hot water and place them in a plastic bag.
Step 2. Cool the tea bags
Put the bag containing the sachets in the fridge (or in the freezer if you need them quickly). Let them cool well, then take them out of the fridge (or freezer).
The tea bags can be stored in the fridge for up to a week
Step 3. Apply cold tea bags to closed eyelids
Place them on the swollen area of your eyes. To keep them from moving, you need to lie down on an armchair or bed. Take the opportunity to give yourself a few minutes of relaxation.
Squeeze excess water out of tea bags before applying them to your eyes
Step 4. Leave the tea bags on your eyes for about 15 minutes
After removing them, throw them away, do not reuse them. You could also use a damp cloth to wipe off any remaining tea residue on your eyes after removing the tea bags.
Method 4 of 6: Using Ice
Step 1. Make an ice pack
Ice is a home remedy known to treat many types of swelling or pain. You can also use it to reduce swelling around the eyes. Put some ice in a plastic bag and close it tightly. If you have little, you can also use a bag of frozen vegetables. A pea bag is a good substitute for an ice pack.
Be sure to wrap the bag, ice or frozen vegetables in a clean paper towel or tea towel before applying the compress to your eyes. Do not apply ice directly to the skin without a cloth acting as a barrier
Step 2. Apply the ice pack to closed eyelids
If it is big enough, then you can rest it on both eyelids at once. If not, you will have to alternate. You can sit or stand while holding the compress in place, but you could also lie down on an armchair or bed to make the process more relaxing.
Step 3. Keep the ice pack over your eyes for about 10-15 minutes
If it starts to feel too cold, take it off and take a break for a few minutes. When you apply ice to one eye at a time, then you have to repeat the procedure with the other after you are done with the first one.
Method 5 of 6: Using Cosmetic Remedies
Step 1. Use anti-eye and swelling-fighting patches
Apply under-eye patches in the morning to reduce swelling after a sleepless night - or nearly so. Keep in mind that these treatments last around 20 minutes, so you need to take some extra time to complete the process. These products can be found in perfumery or on the internet.
Follow the instructions on the package
Step 2. Use an eye contour against bags and dark circles in cream or roller
There are numerous cosmetic products available on the market that can help reduce swelling; choose an eye area specifically formulated for this purpose. Massage a small amount into the eye area making a slight circular motion.
Step 3. Use concealer to disguise bags and dark circles
The concealer will not help you get rid of them, but it will help you reduce them from an aesthetic point of view. Choose one that is a shade lighter than your complexion. Apply it to the area under the eyes to at least apparently decrease the swelling.
If you are concerned that the swelling is caused by allergies, do not use concealer to hide it. Wait until you have ruled out the possibility of having a cosmetic allergy
Step 4. Massage the area under the eyes every morning
Doing a daily mini-massage is relaxing and also helps you reduce swelling. The skin of this area is very delicate, so apply light pressure. Use your middle finger to massage it in a gentle, circular motion. You can also use a cotton ball for this if you think your finger is not delicate enough.
For best results, you might want to get a full face treatment or go to the beautician for a facial massage
Method 6 of 6: Change Your Habits
Step 1. Reduce your salt intake
Overdoing it with salt causes the body to retain excess fluid, which can cause bags and dark circles. Stay away from processed foods to decrease your salt intake and do not salt the foods you eat.
Step 2. Prefer water to alcohol and caffeine
Water is needed to maintain optimal hydration - when you are hydrated, your skin looks healthier overall. Overdoing alcohol and caffeine can cause dehydration, so eye swelling may be more noticeable.
Step 3. Don't smoke
Smoking cigarettes not only causes wrinkles to appear around the eyes, it can also cause swelling in this area. If you smoke, make an effort to quit. In addition to improving the condition of the skin, getting rid of the habit has many other health benefits.
Step 4. Sleep in a different position
Sleeping on your stomach can make swelling worse. In fact, your sinuses may fill with fluid, which can make your eyes look swollen. To prevent excess fluids from accumulating in the sinuses, try sleeping on your back instead.
Sleeping with your head raised slightly can also prevent fluids from collecting around your eyes. Place an additional pillow under your head to keep it elevated when you sleep
Step 5. Get 8 hours of sleep a night
Not getting enough rest is a major cause of swelling. Make sure you get a full 8 hours of sleep each night to reduce bags and dark circles.
Advice
- As soon as you get up in the morning, wet your face with lots of cold water.
- Do not rub your eyes: it may cause irritation.
- If you often have puffy eyes, talk to a doctor. Maybe you have allergies or have other ailments that a specialist can tell you how to manage.
