How to Get Rid of Puffy Eyes in an Instant

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Whether you overindulged on a night out or had a good cry session the night before, waking up with puffy eyes is never ideal. How to get rid of puffy eyes is one of the biggest beauty concerns, especially when you have an important event the day of.

If you have some of the best skin care devices or eye creams on hand, you can certainly combat puffy eyes. Don’t have the time or budget to invest in pricey tools or skin care? Luckily, there are plenty of at-home remedies for how to get rid of puffy eyes that are actually effective.

As for what causes swelling? Board-certified internal medicine physician Zion Ko Lamm, MD, says it can be a combination of factors. “A puffy face is an accumulation of excess fluid in the interstitial spaces of facial tissues, and part of a complex cycle involving inflammation, fluid retention, and compromised lymphatic drainage,” she says. “Consider it as akin to facial bloating, where stagnant fluid predominantly consists of waste.”

Cosmetic dermatologist Paul Jarrod Frank, MD, specifically cites “alcohol, a high-sodium diet, not sleeping, or general stress as a whole” as the leading causes.

Ahead, we spoke to Olga Skydan, a skin care expert and beautician at Luvly Face Yoga, for the best tips on how to get rid of puffy eyes.

Cold spoons

One of the oldest tricks in the book, a cold-spoon massage can work wonders on puffy eyes. “A cold-spoon massage is one of the most simple and efficient treatments to reduce puffiness,” says Skydan. “The coolness of the metal constricts blood vessels, reducing edema and puffiness.”

Simply take two clean metal spoons and place them in the freezer for a few minutes. Once they’re chilled, gently press them to the undereye area. “Using light movements, move the spoons from the middle of the face outward,” says Skydan. “Repeat each movement give times to improve lymph drainage.”

Gentle ice treatment

If cold spoons aren’t quite cutting it, you can intensify the cooling effect with ice packs, ice rollers, or—in a pinch—ice cubes. “An ice pack can work wonders to reduce puffiness,” says Skydan. “The cold helps to constrict blood vessels, alleviate swelling, and make your face feel more toned and refreshed.”

Gel ice packs are most gentle on skin, but Skydan has an easy alternative. “Simply wrap a few ice cubes in a clean cloth or use a gel ice pack, and apply it gently to the areas where you’re feeling puffy, like under the eyes, along your jawline, and around the cheeks,” she says. “Hold it for about 10 to 15 minutes, ensuring you don’t apply direct ice to your skin.”

Lymphatic massage

“This type of facial massage works by encouraging the movement of fluids away from areas where they accumulate, like your cheeks and undereye area,” says Skydan. For smooth movements, you’ll want to apply a lubricant like your favorite face oil or moisturizer.

“To do a lymphatic massage, place your fingers gently on the center of your face, near your nose, and move them outward toward your temples and down along your jawline.” Repeat the outward motion for three to five minutes. Don’t apply too much pressure—otherwise you could irritate your skin even further.

Hydrate

Indulging in alcohol or high-sodium foods can cause dehydration and make your body hold onto extra fluids, which in return leads to puffiness. “Hydration can get you back on track but you have to do more than just water,” says Skydan.

She recommends drinking herbal teas like dandelion or ginger. “These have natural diuretic properties and help flush out excess fluid,” Skydan says. “Electrolyte-infused water is a good option as well because it rehydrates your body while balancing your sodium and potassium levels, which can help reduce water retention.”

Revitalizing face mist

“Sometimes all your skin needs is a little pick-me-up, and a good face mist can do just that,” says Skydan. “A refreshing spritz of face mist not only hydrates your skin but can also help to cool down any redness or puffiness caused by overindulgence.”

Skydan recommends mists with soothing ingredients like aloe vera, cucumber, or rose water, which calm the skin and reduce swelling. “Keep it in the fridge for an additional cooling effect, then lightly mist your face throughout the day for instant relief and refreshed skin,” she says.

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Originally Appeared on Glamour