We all hate when after crying our eyes become swollen and red. The best way to treat them is a nap accompanied by a cold pack. If your eyes have more pronounced puffiness or swell often, a few small lifestyle changes can help.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Treating Puffy Eyes
Step 1. Wash your face with cold water
If you are in a hurry or are in a public place, go to the bathroom to freshen up quickly. Fold a paper towel twice to form a square, then dip it in cold water. Press lightly against your eyelids, for about fifteen seconds. Look up and hold the towel under your lower lashes, then apply gentle pressure for another fifteen seconds on each eye. Let the skin dry. Repeat if necessary.
- Don't rub your eyes and don't use soap.
- Some people mix about a teaspoon (5 ml) of table salt in a cup (240 ml) of cold water. Do not try this solution if you have red, irritated skin.
Step 2. Moisten your eyes using a towel soaked in cold water
Soak a soft, fluffy cloth with ice water. Squeeze it out, then hold it over your eyes for about ten minutes. The cold should constrict the blood vessels around the eyes, reducing swelling.
You can get similar results with an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas. You can also make your own cold pack by filling a sock with brown rice and placing it in the freezer. Do not use a bag of large or chunky vegetables, as you cannot rest it comfortably on your eyes
Step 3. Cover your eyes with two cold spoons
Choose a couple of metal teaspoons with dimensions that match those of your eyes. Freeze them for about two minutes or keep them in the fridge for 5-10 minutes. Put them on your eyes with light pressure, and leave them until they warm up.
If you have time, freeze six tablespoons instead. Replace the teaspoons with a new cold pair when the first two have warmed up. Stop after the third pair to avoid skin damage from prolonged cold
Step 4. Gently tap your eyes
Tap lightly on the swollen areas of the eyelids, using the ring finger. This can stimulate circulation, moving accumulated blood away from the area.
Step 5. Massage the bridge of the nose
Close your eyes and massage the upper area of the nose. Focus on the skin to the right and left of the nose, where the nose pads of the glasses rest. This can relieve the pressure on your sinus, which may have built up while you were crying.
Step 6. Lie down with your head raised
Place two or three pillows under your head to hold it over the rest of your body. Lie down with your neck straight, close your eyes and relax. Even a short break can ease your blood pressure.
Step 7. Apply chilled face cream
Chill a face moisturizer for about ten minutes, then rub it gently into your skin. The cold will treat the swelling, while the cream will soften and brighten the skin.
- Specific eye creams are at the center of a debate. It is unclear whether they are more effective than regular face creams.
- Avoid creams that contain perfume or mint. They could irritate the skin.
Method 2 of 3: Preventing Puffy Eyes
Step 1. Get enough sleep
Although puffy eyes are caused by crying, other elements can contribute to the swelling. Try to get at least 8 hours of sleep every night to reduce puffy or sagging eyes.
Children, teens, and the elderly may need different amounts of sleep. Ask your doctor for advice
Step 2. Stay hydrated
The accumulation of salts around the eyes can increase fluid retention, causing swelling. Drink lots of water to counteract this phenomenon.
Cut back on salt and caffeine, which tend to dehydrate you
Step 3. Treat allergies
Mild allergic reactions to pollen, dust, animals or certain foods can cause swollen eyes. Avoid foods that make you feel itchy, swollen, or uncomfortable. Take anti-allergic medications when exposure cannot be avoided. Visit a doctor for other advice.
Step 4. Go to an eye specialist
If you frequently have puffy eyes, there may be an underlying problem. An optician can check your vision and, if necessary, suggest glasses or contact lenses to reduce eye strain. An ophthalmologist can examine the eyes to assess any health problems.
Step 5. Take breaks with videos and books
When looking at a computer, phone, or book, take breaks every twenty minutes or so. During these breaks, focus your gaze on something on the other side of the room. While eye strain is not the most common cause of puffy eyes, this is still recommended for overall eye health.
Method 3 of 3: Evaluate Home Remedies
Step 1. Use a cold cloth instead of tea bags
Many place a small bag of cold, wet tea over swollen eyes. This works due to the cold temperature. Several professionals swear by the power of different varieties of herbs, green or black tea. Not many of these remedies have been thoroughly researched, but caffeine - the ingredient most likely to work - appears to have no effect. A cloth is probably just as effective and has a lower risk of bacterial infection.
Step 2. Stay away from food-based remedies
Cucumber slices are one of the most common treatments for puffy eyes. This is effective, but only due to the cool temperature of the cucumber. It is best to use a cold washcloth or ice pack to reduce the likelihood of bacterial infection due to food.
If you use a food treat, washed cucumber is probably one of the safest. Stay away from potatoes, egg whites, yogurt, and acidic foods like strawberries or lemon juice
Step 3. Keep irritating medications out of sight
Some home remedies are dangerous to use around the eyes due to the risk of severe pain or damage. Do not treat puffy eyes with hemorrhoid creams (such as Preparation H), warming ointments (BenGay, Icy Hot), or hydrocortisone.
Advice
- If you cried while wearing makeup, you can remove it with a cotton swab dipped in makeup remover. You can use soap and water on a paper towel if you don't have makeup remover on hand.
- A white eye pencil makes eyes appear less red.
- Hide puffy eyes with a bright concealer, or a mixture of a liquid concealer and highlighter.
