Do you repeatedly watch The Notebook until you’ve bawled your eyes out uncontrollably? Yes, I know, it's all fun and games until you wake up the next morning with eyes so puffy you can barely see.
Whether you have no tears left to cry or you’ve pulled your third all-nighter this week, the unavoidable wake up to puffy eyes can seem like a hard code to crack. Yes, your eyes may gradually de-puff throughout the day but who has time for that?
Getting rid of puffy eyes in the morning all can come down to one question: What does your life look like? I know it may sound deep but getting to the bottom of your lifestyle choices and how they impact your eyes can help you pick the remedy that is right for you.
Are you getting enough sleep? Do you drink enough water? Although this is no interrogation it could make the difference between how you treat puffy eyes. Puffy eyes are generally the result of fluid retention that builds up and causes inflammation. Despite the morning inconvenience of waking up to puffy eyes, there are solutions to drain and calm build-up that will not only de-puff but will leave your skin feeling refreshed and ready for the day.
These are the top ways to get rid of puffy eyes in the morning no matter your skin mood:
Jade and ice rollers actually yield real results. The general purpose of rollers is to give your skin a targeted massage to drain fluid. Because most eye puffiness comes from fluid retention, rolling under the eyes in an upward motion will not only drain the fluid but it will tighten the skin and prevent aging.
Of course, fluid build-up is most prominent in the under eyes but it can be experienced all over the face. Therefore, rolling out your face can help shape and sculpt your features for a natural, yet enhanced finish. Pro tip: although ice rollers have cooling properties as well, jade rollers can be put in the fridge for a cooler morning roll out! (1)
A good night’s sleep might seem like uncharted territory for many, especially because, you know, life! Yes, life has its many ups and downs but puffy eyes aside, getting 7-9 hours of sleep can lead to a dramatic lifestyle boost for the better. Puffy eyes may give off the look of exhaustion, and even if you don’t feel tired, your body probably is. Getting on a structured sleep schedule can help avoid build-up under the eyes and help you feel less groggy. If 7-9 hours of sleep is simply just not in your vocabulary, this remedy is definitely the first step in stopping puffy eyes. (2)
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Drink your water! If there is anything to take away from this list it’s that water is your best friend for life. Water is often the answer to your everyday bodily issues, specifically in the skin. Drinking enough water will not only leave your skin looking flawless but it will also flush out fluid retention under your eyes.
De-puffing under your eyes by drinking enough water can work wonders on its own or can be enhanced with a quick under eye massage. Ultimately, your body needs water to survive so hydrating it can only help your face look and feel its best on a daily basis. (3)
Getting rid of puffy eyes in the morning can literally be the chilliest part of your routine. Cold compresses to the under eyes can decrease inflammation by draining excess fluid while also tightening the skin to reduce puffiness. There are a series of methods to a cool compress, such as chilling under-eye pads, resting a cold washcloth on your eyes, or melting an ice cube into your skin. All these tactics activate the cooling sensation onto the skin that drains fluid and gets rid of puffy eyes, it is just a matter of what feels best on your skin mood. (4)
Witch Hazel is a popular liquid that reduces inflammation and redness in the skin and therefore can get rid of puffy eyes in the morning. Applying a few drops to a cotton pad and then patting the pad into the skin under your eyes can help refresh and calm your under-eye area.
Witch hazel works best when applying to the skin anywhere from 5-10 minutes to target the inflamed skin. This product can cause sensitivity to certain skin moods so it is important that you find the brand that has the ingredients best for you. Some popular witch hazel brands include Thayers and T.N. Dickinson’s. (5)
Even if it is through trial and error, what’s most important is that you find a remedy that works for your skin mood. As tempting as it may sound, a morning cup of joe may make you feel more alert but it won't drain those under eyes. Getting rid of puffy eyes in the morning requires specific attention as well as a specific routine. Most importantly, if you are ever feeling like you need a late-night cry session, there is always a morning solution.
Written by Daniela Rodriguez
