Nothing says "I'm tired" quite like the appearance of puffy eyes. Everyone knows they typically mean you've had a long, rough night, or are uber stressed out.
Being tired can definitely be a huge contributor, but that's not necessarily the only thing that can cause puffy eyes. They can occur as a result of many other reasons too, including inherited facial features, allergies, stress, eye fatigue, and individual skin characteristics such as texture.
How Did Your Eyes Become Puffy?
Typically, swelling is the result of an accumulation of too much fluid in the skin tissue. When that happens around the eyes, the result is immediately noticeable. That's because the skin around your eyes is the thinnest skin on the body.
Fluid can accumulate for a variety of reasons. Factors that contribute to puffy eyes could be:
- Too much salt
- Sinus problems
- Fatigue and lack of sleep
- Hormonal fluctuations
- Viral pink eye
- Crying
- Inherited facial features
- Allergies causing inflammation and swelling
- Sensitivity to fragrances
- Too much alcohol consumption
- Wearing your contacts too long
- Dehydration
- Stress
- Too many artificial sweeteners
- Aging
Sometimes when you wake up in the morning, your eyes may be puffier than normal. This could be a result of not blinking. Sure, you're not supposed to blink while you're asleep because your eyes should be shut tight. But while they're taking their siesta, they're not doing the job of pumping extra accumulating fluid away through circulation. Compare that to someone whose legs get puffy after sitting in a chair for a while. Once they get up and start moving around again, circulation is stimulated and the swelling goes away.
Occasionally, puffy eyes may be a sign that something more needs to be addressed by a doctor, like a possible infection.
How To Combat Puffy Eyes
Get More Sleep!
If the source of your bags is lack of sleep, your best comeback is to get more sleep! That might be easier said than done, so find ways to help your body through meditation, a better diet, or a dedicated bedtime ritual. Your body actually needs around seven to eight hours of sleep a night. Make it a point to allow yourself that time!
Tea For Two
Steep two tea bags in hot water for three to five minutes. Let them cool by placing them in the fridge. Place one over each eye for five minutes to feel refreshed. Make sure you're using caffeinated tea, which contains natural tannins, acting as a diuretic.
Seek Quality
Taking really good care of the delicate skin around your eyes should always be a top priority. When you're looking extra puffy, reach for Glowbiotic's Soothing + Revitalizing Eye Cream. The lightweight formula is designed to instantly cool, comfort, and correct the delicate eye area. It works to revitalize the sensitive skin while imparting essential anti-aging benefits. By soothing and hydrating, it helps to minimize the appearance of dark circles, skin redness, and puffiness to lift, tighten, and restore a youthful appearance.
Hydrate
Being dehydrated can be a big culprit when it comes to puffy eyes, as your body is desperately trying to store water for later. You should be drinking at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day. If you're looking tired, bump that up! That'll also help to flush any extra salt and toxins out of your system.
Chill Out
Place two gel-filled baby teething rings in the freezer until they're ice cold. Place them over your eyelids for about 10 minutes to reduce the puffiness and wake you up!
Cucumber Cool
Cucumber slices are good at de-puffing eyes. Lay down with a slice over each eye for at least five minutes (better for 30), letting the astringent properties of the cucumber work some magic. Your eyes will be brighter, and your body refreshed.
Get a Spoonful
Hold two metal teaspoons under very cold running water for a few minutes, then hold them on your eyes for a minute. The cold will revive your tired eyes and give them an energy boost.
The Secret Trick
Hemorrhoid cream has been used for years by those who know best: models and performers. It tightens the puffy areas quickly for instant gratification. If you don't like the way it smells, you can always mix a little bit into your moisturizer before applying.
For Immediate Assistance, Conceal
After you apply your eye gel or cream, apply a few dots of concealer under the eyes. Make sure it's a shade slightly lighter than your skin tone to brighten your complexion. 
Preventing Puffy Eyes
Sometimes you just can't help it. Maybe you had a rough night up studying for an exam, or the baby was colicky. Perhaps you were out too late drinking sangria with your friends and ate too much bar food.
Sometimes.
But in many cases, avoiding the factors that contribute to puffy eyes in the first place is your best bet. It's often easier to prevent problems than to fix them.
- Drink plenty of water. If you don't like the taste, try infusing it with lemon or cucumber.
- Get plenty of exercise. Sweating helps to remove extra salt from your body.
- Sleep well! Remember, you need at least seven to eight hours every night.
- Be careful what you eat. Avoid anything processed, canned, packaged, or fried. Stay away from sodas and too much alcohol. Eat plenty of variety in fruits, vegetables, protein, and grain and pay special attention to healthy probiotics.
- If you think you may have allergies, or at least sensitive skin, change your beauty products, cosmetics, laundry detergents, and anything else you can think of to hypoallergenic.
You may not be able to avoid waking up with puffy eyes every day, but there are steps you can take to minimize their appearance so you're not quite so self conscious.