How to Alleviate Puffy Eyes

Late nights, allergies, high salt intake or general stress can cause the unsightly phenomenon of puffy eyes. Luckily, there a number of tips and tricks to help with this common problem. Try any or all of these remedies to alleviate the look of puffy eyes.

Things You'll Need

• Ice cubes
• Puffy Eye Moisturizers
• Cucumbers
• Aloe Vera Ointment
• Tea Bags

Instructions

1. Splash your entire face with the coldest water you can stand immediately after you wake up. Use either cold tap water or a mixture of cold water and ice cubes in a large bowl or tub. Splash your face for up to 5 minutes, if possible.

2. 

   Prepare two tea bags by soaking them in water, wringing them out and chilling them in the refrigerator or freezer. Once they are chilled, lie down and place the bags on closed eyelids for 5 to 10 minutes.

3. 

   Cut two slices off a cold cucumber, each approximately 1 /2 inch thick. Place a slice on each eyelid for 5 minutes.

4. Drink lots of water. Puffy eyes often indicate water retention, which you can alleviate by drinking plenty of liquids; this flushes excess salt from your system.

5. Remove contact lenses each night before bed to avoid puffiness caused by lens irritation and drying.

6. Use an aloe-based eye-soothing gel or cream.

7. Avoid rubbing eyes.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't use a hemorrhoid cream near the eye area. It's unsafe and won't diminish puffiness.

• If the problem persists, see your doctor. You may be reacting to dust, pets, medication or other irritants, or you may have an underlying medical condition.