Puffy Eyes In The Morning: Causes & Solutions
We’ve all experienced it: that first glance in the bathroom mirror that reflects your puffy panda eyes back at you - and not in a cute way. Don't stress, puffy eyes in the morning happens to all of us! Sometimes, the causes are biological, like our genes and the aging process; and other times it’s our lifestyle: a night of partying, lack of sleep, too much salt, or dehydration.
Sometimes, despite sufficient rest and a balanced diet, puffy eyes become a permanent fixture, which can be super frustrating. According to many dermatologists, changes in the under-eye area, such as dark circles, puffiness, and bags are common as we age. Identifying the underlying cause is crucial for effective treatment. But don’t worry, while these changes may creep up on our eye area as we get older, there are effective remedies available. We’re here to share the root causes of under-eye puffiness, and share some insights, solutions, and skincare that may help.
What Are The Causes Of Puffy Eyes?
Genetics
Inherited traits such as under-eye bags or dark circles can contribute to puffiness. There’s not much you can do about this unfortunately, but sometimes there are cosmetic solutions, such as laser or injectables, that may help. You might want to consult dermatologist for more in-depth information.
Fluid retention
Excess fluid accumulation, often due to dehydration or hormonal fluctuations, can cause puffiness. Women often experience puffy eyes in the morning during their period.
Allergies
Allergic reactions, like hay fever, pet and dust allergies, as well as food allergies can lead to inflammation and swelling around the eyes upon exposure, resulting in puffiness.
Sun Exposure
Prolonged exposure to UV rays can accelerate skin aging and cause the skin around the eyes to lose elasticity. Since the skin is less bouncy, eyes can appear puffier.
Lack of Sleep
Not getting enough sleep disrupts the body's natural healing processes, resulting in fluid retention and puffiness around the eyes.
Your Diet
Consuming foods high in salt or alcohol can lead to water retention, exacerbating puffiness around the eyes. Adopting a low-sodium diet and cutting back on alcohol can help.
How Does Aging Cause Puffy Eyes?
Aging is a significant factor contributing to puffy eyes due to the thinning of the delicate skin under the eyes. When we age, the tissues in the eyelids weaken, causing upper eyelid fat to descend to the lower eyelid, while fluid retention, or edema, becomes more common. The thin skin around the eyelids accentuates fluid retention, leading to noticeable puffy eyes in the morning. However, blinking and increased movement typically reduce the appearance of puffiness as the day progresses.
Lifestyle Solutions For Puffy Eyes
Get Plenty of Sleep
An adequate amount of sleep boosts your body’s healing response and reduces fluid retention, helping you to wake up with less puffy eyes in the morning.
Address Your Allergies
Keeping your home free of dust and dirt, vacuuming regularly (especially if you have pets), and taking allergy medications can effectively reduce inflammation and swelling, minimizing puffiness in the eye area.
Drink Enough Water
This is super important! Staying hydrated helps maintain the optimal fluid balance in the body, reducing the likelihood of water retention and puffiness around the eyes.
Cut Down on Salt
Limiting salt intake in your daily diet helps prevent water retention, which can contribute to puffiness around the eyes. An easy way to cut back on salt is to limit processed, junk and take-out foods.
Use Cold Compresses
Applying chilled eye compresses in the morning can constrict blood vessels and reduce swelling, reducing puffiness around the eyes. Keep your compress in the fridge overnight for use the next day.
Skincare Solutions For Puffy Eyes
Apply an Eye Gel with Caffeine
Caffeine-infused eye gels help constrict blood vessels, increase water drainage, and reduce puffiness by improving circulation around the eyes.
Try An Overnight Eye Mask
Overnight eye masks deeply penetrate to hydrate and soothe the delicate under-eye area, reducing puffiness and promoting skin repair while you sleep.
Use A Great Eye Cream
Eye creams containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and peptides help hydrate, firm, and rejuvenate the skin around the eyes, reducing the appearance of puffiness.
Apply De-Puffing Undereye Masks
De-puffing under-eye masks deliver cooling and soothing ingredients to reduce inflammation and puffiness, leaving the eyes looking refreshed in a short time.
Use An Eye Serum With a Rollerball
Eye serums with rollerball applicators help massage and stimulate the under-eye area, reducing puffiness and promoting lymphatic drainage for a brighter, more refreshed appearance.
