11 DIY Home Remedies for Puffy Eyes

Last Updated: April 13, 2018

As we age, the tissues and muscles around our eyes weaken, and natural fats and fluids migrate down to our lower lids, leaving them puffy and swollen. Mild swelling, dark circles, saggy or loose skin are some of the symptoms puffy eyes.

Dark circles and puffy lower lids also result from lack of sleep, poor diet, stress, hormonal changes, and other triggers.

You’re about to discover how you can get rid of puffy eyes and dark circles safely and effectively without spending money on expensive over-the-counter creams.

Home Remedies for Puffy Eyes:

1. Cucumber

Cucumber is a natural astringent. It cools and soothes and reduces inflammation by constricting blood vessels.

Process:

• Slice a refrigerated cucumber.
• Place a slice over each eye.
• Leave on 10-15 minutes.
• Repeat many times a day to reduce puffiness.
• It also reduces under eye wrinkles.

2. Potatoes

Potatoes contain starch and it’s anti-inflammatory property prevents under eye bags.

Process:

• Peel, wash, and finely grate a potato.
• Wrap the grated potato in a clean cloth and wrap like a poultice.
• Place the poultice over your eyes.
• Leave on 10-15 minutes.
• Repeat daily.

3. Egg White

Egg white masks tighten the skin to reduce puffiness.

Process:

• Whip 2 egg whites.
• Use a cotton ball to apply whipped egg whites to lower eyelids.
• Leave on 5 minutes.
• Rinse off with water.
• Repeat daily.
• Optional: add 3 drops witch hazel for astringent effects.

4. Tea Bags

Caffeinated black or green tea will constrict blood vessels to reduce puffiness, and chamomile tea soothes redness and irritation.

Process:

• Steep tea bags in hot water for 3-5 minutes.
• Allow them to cool until they’re warm to the touch.
• Lie down and place them over your closed eyes.
• When it’s summer, refrigerate steeped tea bags for a pleasant cooling effect.

5. Strawberries

Strawberries contain alpha-hydroxy, which reduces swelling and gives skin a youthful radiance.

Process:

• Slice refrigerated strawberries.
• Lie down and place the slices on your eyes.
• Leave on 5-10 minutes.
• Repeat daily.

6. Milk

Milk cools and soothes skin and discourages water retention. It is used when you have extreme puffiness.

Process:

• Dip the cotton ball ina chilled milk and place over your eyes.
• Leave on 20-30 minutes, then rinse with water.
• Repeat daily.

7. Cold Water

Cold water reduces swelling and inflammation by constricting blood vessels.

Process:

• Wash you face with ice cold water several times daily.
• Wrap ice cubes in a clean cloth and apply it to your eyes daily.
• Repeat several times a day to get relief from swelling.

8. Spoons

Spoons will help tighten skin around the eyes and relaxes the blood vessels.

Process:

• Refrigerate 4 to 6 spoons.
• Lie down and place the spoons on your eyes, back side down.
• Use another chilled spoon once it gets
• Repeat twice a day.
• Or simply use the bags of frozen vegetables or peas in place of cool metal spoon.

9. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera contains antioxidants and vitamin E, which reduce puffiness and improve circulation, flushing away fluids that cause swelling.

Process:

• Apply fresh aloe vera juice or gel to your lower eyelids.
• Leave on 15-20 minutes.
• Rinse with water.
• Avoid contact with eyes.

10. Massage

• Close your eyes and place your ring finger at the inner corner of your lower lid.
• Slowly and gently move it from the inner corner to the outer corner.
• Repeat 10-15 times for each eye right before going to sleep.

11. Salt

Salt discourages the water retention that causes swelling.

Process:

• Dissolve ½ teaspoon salt in 1 quart warm water.
• Soak 2 cotton pads in the solution.
• Lie down and place the cotton pads over your eyes.
• Leave on 10 minutes.
• Rinse with water.
• Repeat daily to get rid of the puffy eyes.

Tips for Preventing and Reducing Puffy Eyes

• Drink 8-10 glasses of water daily to keep hydrated and flush out toxins that encourage water retention.
• Limit consumption of salty foods.
• Avoid caffeine and sugar.
• Sleep with your head elevated.
• Give your eyes a 5 minute break for every hour you spend looking at a computer. Simply close them and relax.
• Keep bedding clean.
• Use hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, color-free soaps.
• Get regular exercise to improve circulation.
• Get 8 hours of sleep each night.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol.
• Make sure to properly treat allergies.
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, and proteins that contain the vitamins and minerals your body needs.
• Add almond oil to your milk treatments.
• You can also apply tomato or mint juice to lower lids to reduce puffiness.
• Add few drops of vitamin E oil in chilled water. Dip a cotton ball and place over eyes and rinse it off after 20 minutes.
• If these treatments do no work, or if you experience itching, burning, or blurred vision, consult a doctor immediately.

Have you tried any of these home remedies for puffy eyes? Do you know of others we haven’t mentioned? Share your experience with us!

Rajee Datti

Hi everyone, this is Rajee!

I live the beautiful city of Baltimore, where my husband works.

I’m from India. I have been visiting India on and off for past few years and my mom was an inspiration for me to start this site. She has a wealth of knowledge on home remedies for a large number of health problems, and we grew up in an environment where frequent visits to the doctor just wasn’t logistically or financially feasible.

Despite this, she managed to raise a family of healthy kids, and my goal here at Home Remedies for Life is to pass on some of her knowledge of natural remedies.