How to Reduce Puffy Eyes Naturally

Cold spoons work to reduce puffy eyes.

Lilly Wallace

Whether from allergies, a night out or hormonal changes, puffy eyes in the morning can be uncomfortable and aesthetically displeasing. Understanding the cause of your puffiness can help you find the best treatment. However, dermatologists and estheticians recommend a few natural remedies when you want to quickly tone down the puffiness.

Cold Spoons/Ice cubes

The old-school remedy of holding cold spoons on your eyes reduces puffiness, just as you would apply ice to swelling on other parts of your body. Keep two spoons in the freezer, and when you experience puffiness just place them on the area of concern for 2 to 3 minutes. Do not apply them straight from the freezer; wait 1 minute for them to warm slightly so the cold spoons don't irritate the delicate skin around the eyes. You can also wrap two ice cubes in a thin towel and gently press them on the puffy area.

Green Tea Bags

green tea

Lilly Wallace

Studies show that green tea has powerful anti-inflammatory properties; there is also evidence that topical application of green tea benefits the skin. You can use green tea bags cooled in the fridge, or you can prepare some green tea ice cubes. To use the bags, place them under cold running water, drain the excess, and then place them in the fridge until they get cold. Apply them to your eyes for about 10 minutes, and then rinse off your face. To make green tea ice cubes, prepare some concentrated green tea and let it cool. Then pour it into an ice cube tray and wait until it freezes. Wrap the green tea ice cubes in thin gauze and gently press them under your eyes.

Rosemary Tea Bags/Rosemary Essential Oil

natural cosmetics and essential oils  for skin care

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Evidence suggests that rosemary, like green tea, has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Rosemary tea bags can also help tighten the skin under your eyes by constricting the capillaries. In the same way described for green tea bags, rosemary tea bags can be used to quickly reduce swelling under the eyes. You can also use essential oil of rosemary. Add one drop of the oil to a teaspoon of your favorite carrier oil, (olive or avocado oil from your pantry works) and gently massage the mix on the puffy area, making sure that you don't get too close to your eyes (it may sting). Cleanse your face afterwards to remove any residue.

Cucumber Slices

Thanks to their flavonoid, caffeic acid and vitamin C content, cucumbers contain anti-inflammatory properties and help soothe irritated, puffy eyes. Slice a fresh clean cucumber, preferably from the fridge, lie down and rest a slice against each eye or gently press them to your skin. The cooling effect of a cold slice provides additional benefits in reducing the swelling. Keep them in place for at least 5 minutes and then rinse your face.