Health Notes: Puffy eyes
Q. I tend to have puffy eyes, which are worse in the mornings. Is there anything I can do to subdue the swelling?
A. This is likely to be because, while we sleep, we stop blinking so a layer of tears (which we make all the time) stays on the eye, rather than being drained away through the tear ducts. However, as always, just check in with your GP or eye health professional to make sure there is no underlying condition that needs treating.
Although there are few scientific studies about at home remedies, according to a feature on Medical News Today (one of Sarah’s favourite reads… that might be sad). However, it adds, there’s a bunch of tips that, anecdotally, may help. Many of these we’ve tried over the years and yes, they do help.
Teabags Infuse two caffeinated tea bags in warm water then cool in the fridge. Close your eyes and put a teabag on each eye for about five minutes. The caffeine may help by constricting the blood vessels and reducing the swelling.
Cucumber slices Put a thick-ish slice of cold cuke over each eye for about half an hour to reduce irritation and soothe swollen eyes.
Grated raw potato Grate a raw potato, empty two tea bags and put one tablespoonful in each. Put them on closed eyelids for about 10-15 minutes. Potatoes contain an enzyme that can help reduce puffiness.
Ice cubes Wrap an ice cube in a cotton hanky and lay on eyes, stroking across and around each, pressing down gently. Repeat until eyes feel and look less swollen.
Eye cream Products with anti-inflammatory ingredients may help reduce puffiness. However, this is very individual. It’s worth reading through the Eye Treatment sections in Beauty Bible Awards to see our testers’ reactions. For instance, both Albiva ECM Advanced Repair Eye Lift/£37 for 15 ml and Murad Renewing Eye Cream/£65 for 15 ml, had a significant effect on our testers’ puffy eyes.
Haemorrhoid cream Usually linked to piles rather than puffies, this is an old remedy that can work by tightening the skin. Try mixing it with a dab of moisturiser to make it smell better.
Other tips in this Medical News Today feature including cutting back on salt and sugar plus drinking plenty of water and avoiding alcohol.
If the puffiness tends to occur or get worse because of hayfever, try a product such as Similasan Allergy Relief Eye Drops/£16.95 for 10ml. We also like Eye Logic Eye Spray for Dry Eyes (formerly Clarymist)/£12.95, which has helped Sarah with sore puffy hay fever eyes over the years.
Finally, on a cosmetic note, if there is a visible crease under the puffiness, try patting in a tiny bit of light-reflecting concealer to fill and camouflage it. Here’s what one of our testers said about Erborian CC Eye/£34 for 10ml, the Gold Award winner in that category: ‘The product in this little tube smoothed out the “ditch” under the puffy area so my eyes didn't look as “baggy”. Definitely less visible crease after application. It’s not drying and doesn’t cake.’ Erborian CC Eye, in two shades Clair and Doré, £34 for 10ml.
