1. Consider an Eye Mask
If you wake up with puffy eyes, a cooling eye mask can be a quick fix. The cold temperature helps reduce blood flow to the area, which calms swelling and inflammation. You can buy a reusable gel mask and keep it in the freezer overnight—then just pop it on in the morning for a few minutes to refresh tired eyes. It’s also great to use before bed if you tend to wake up with puffiness. Some masks even come with gentle pressure to help drain excess fluid.
2. Make a Cold Compress
Don’t have an eye mask? No problem. A simple cold compress works just as well. Take a clean washcloth, soak it in cold water, wring out the excess, and gently press it over your closed eyes for 5–10 minutes. The coolness tightens blood vessels and reduces swelling.
For an extra soothing effect, try chilled cucumber slices—they’ve been used for years to de-puff eyes because they’re cooling and contain antioxidants. Another trick? Keep two spoons in the fridge and press the rounded backs against your under-eyes for a few minutes. Just never put ice or frozen items (like frozen peas) directly on your skin—always wrap them in a cloth to avoid irritation.
3. Give Under-Eye Patches a Try
Under-eye patches are like little miracle workers for puffiness. These gel or hydrogel patches stick under your eyes and deliver hydrating or firming ingredients directly to the skin. Some contain caffeine (to shrink blood vessels), hyaluronic acid (to plump skin), or even gold (for a brightening effect). You leave them on for 10–20 minutes, then peel them off—no rinsing needed. They’re perfect for a quick fix before an event or when you need to look less tired fast.
4. Get Some Sleep
Not sleeping enough is one of the biggest reasons for puffy eyes. When you’re tired, blood circulation slows, and fluid can pool under your eyes, making them look swollen. Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep every night. To improve your sleep:
- Avoid screens (phone, TV, laptop) at least an hour before bed—the blue light messes with your sleep hormones.
- Cut back on caffeine, especially in the afternoon.
- Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet—blackout curtains and white noise machines can help.
- Stick to a schedule—going to bed and waking up at the same time every day trains your body to sleep better.
5. Elevate Your Head at Night
Sleeping flat can cause fluid to settle under your eyes, leading to morning puffiness. Try propping your head up slightly with an extra pillow or using a wedge pillow. If your bed is adjustable, raising the head by a few inches can help. This slight incline prevents fluid buildup and can even help with snoring!
6. Apply Retinol Eye Cream
Retinol (a form of vitamin A) is a skincare superstar—it boosts collagen, thickens skin, and can reduce under-eye puffiness over time. Use a gentle retinol eye cream at night (never during the day, since it makes skin more sensitive to sunlight). At first, you might notice slight dryness, but with regular use, it helps smooth and firm the under-eye area.
7. Take Advantage of Caffeine
Caffeine isn’t just for waking you up—it’s great for shrinking swollen under-eye blood vessels. Many eye creams contain caffeine because it tightens skin and reduces puffiness. For a DIY version, chill two caffeinated tea bags (green or black tea), lie back, and place them over your closed eyes for 5–10 minutes. The caffeine and coolness work together to refresh tired eyes.
8. Manage Allergies
If you have allergies, the constant rubbing and inflammation can make under-eye bags worse. Pollen, dust, or pet dander can cause “allergic shiners”—dark, puffy circles under the eyes. To help:
- Take antihistamines as prescribed.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes—it makes swelling worse.
- Use a cold compress to calm irritation.
If over-the-counter meds don’t help, see a doctor—you might need a stronger allergy treatment.
9. Pass on the Salt
Eating too much salt makes your body hold onto water, and that extra fluid can settle under your eyes. Try cutting back on salty snacks, processed foods, and restaurant meals (which often have hidden salt). Drinking more water helps flush out excess sodium, too. Avoid drinking a lot of fluids right before bed—this can also contribute to morning puffiness.
10. Reduce Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol dehydrates your skin and dilates blood vessels, making under-eye puffiness more noticeable. Studies show that people who drink eight or more alcoholic drinks a week tend to have more under-eye bags and wrinkles. Cutting back helps your skin retain moisture and look fresher.
11. Quit Smoking
Smoking breaks down collagen—the protein that keeps skin firm—making under-eye skin thinner and more prone to sagging. It also reduces blood flow, leading to dullness and puffiness. Quitting smoking improves skin texture and can prevent under-eye bags from getting worse. If you need help quitting, ask your doctor about programs or nicotine replacements.
12. Apply Sunscreen Around Your Eyes
Sun damage weakens the thin skin under your eyes, making puffiness and dark circles worse. Always apply a gentle, fragrance-free sunscreen around your eyes (look for mineral formulas with zinc oxide). Wearing sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat adds extra protection.
13. Experiment With Antihistamine Eye Drops
If allergies are causing puffiness, antihistamine eye drops can reduce redness and swelling. Use them as soon as you feel irritation coming on—don’t wait until your eyes are already puffy.
14. Use Cosmetics
While makeup doesn’t fix puffiness, a good concealer can hide dark circles. Choose a shade that matches your skin tone (not too light, which can make bags more obvious). A peach-toned corrector neutralizes bluish shadows under the eyes.
15. Assess Your Lifestyle
If puffy eyes are a regular problem, ask yourself:
- Am I sleeping enough?
- Do I drink too much alcohol or eat too much salt?
- Do I rub my eyes often?
Small changes—like drinking more water, getting better sleep, and protecting your eyes from sun and smoke—can make a big difference.
16. Look Into Health Conditions
Sometimes, persistent puffiness can signal health issues like thyroid problems, kidney disease, or infections. If home remedies don’t help, or if you have other symptoms (redness, pain, vision changes), see a doctor.
Summary
Applying a cold compress is the quickest way to get rid of bags under your eyes. A good night’s sleep is one of the best ways to prevent them. Other methods include using eye creams, managing allergies, and reducing or eliminating alcohol use.
Bags under the eyes are usually temporary and not cause for concern. But if they’re a frequent problem or you have other symptoms, such as redness, dry eyes, or itchiness, a healthcare provider can help determine the cause and potential solutions.