Let’s face it, none of us want to wake up, stagger into the bathroom, look in the mirror and be greeted by a pair of swollen, puffy eyes staring back. Whether you’ve had a late night, a few too many wines, or just a rough sleep, puffy eyes in the morning can make you look (and feel) like you've been hit by a bus. Not ideal.
But fear not — you don’t have to suffer through it or pile on the concealer hoping no one notices. There are some ways to fight the puff, and better still, stop it from happening in the first place. So, stick the kettle on, grab your eye cream, and let’s talk about the best ways to put a stop to those pesky morning eye bags.
first things first – what causes puffy eyes?
Before we dive into the solutions, it helps to understand what’s causing the problem. Puffy eyes are usually the result of fluid retention around the eye area. The delicate skin under your eyes is super thin, which means any swelling, irritation or tiredness shows up loud and clear.
There’s a few usual suspects:
- Lack of sleep – An obvious one, but still a major culprit.
- Too much salt – That late-night Chinese might taste great, but salt causes your body to retain water.
- Alcohol – Dehydration = puffiness. Sad but true.
- Allergies – Hay fever or dust mites can cause swollen eyes.
- Crying – We've all been there. Emotional Netflix binges leave their mark.
- Genetics – Some people are just more prone to it, thanks to the magic of DNA (1).
The good news? You can do something about most of these causes. Let’s get into it.
sort your sleep
Yes, you’ve heard it a million times, but getting a decent kip really is step one. Aim for 7-9 hours of proper, uninterrupted sleep. Easier said than done, I know – especially if you’ve got little ones, work stress, or a late-night TikTok habit. But even the smallest changes will help.
Try this:
- Wind down in the evening with a book instead of your phone
- Keep your bedroom cool and dark
- Elevate your head slightly with an extra pillow – this helps prevent fluid from pooling around your eyes
hydrate like a pro
Your body naturally holds onto all the available water when you’re dehydrated. When you don’t drink enough, your internal system panics and holds onto every drop it gets – especially around the face.
How to combat this?
Drink as much water as you can throughout the day. Herbal teas count too. If you’re feeling a bit sluggish in the morning, a mug of warm water with lemon helps kick things into gear. Oh, and go easy on the caffeine and booze – they’re both dehydrating.
keep an eye on salt
That bag of crisps or cheeky takeaway might not seem like much, but too much sodium can really ramp up puffiness. The more salt in your system, the more water you retain – and it often shows up right under your eyes.
Try to cut back on mega processed foods, ready meals, and salty snacks where you can. Fresh is best, and your face will thank you for it.
cold compress = instant fix
If you wake up looking like you’ve been stung by a bee, a cold compress is your best friend. It shrinks blood vessels, reduces swelling, and gives your eyes a fresher look in minutes.
Quick fixes you probably already have:
- A cold spoon (stick two in the fridge overnight)
- Chilled cucumber slices – the classic spa look
- Cold, damp tea bags – especially green tea, which has anti-inflammatory properties
-
A flannel soaked in cold water
Hold it over your eyes for 5–10 minutes and you’ll look significantly more awake (even if you’re not feeling it).
eye cream: use it right
You don’t need to splash out on a £60 eye cream with unicorn tears and gold dust – but a decent one with some built in caffeine, peptides or hyaluronic acid can help de-puff and hydrate that delicate under eye area.
Pro tip:
Store it in the fridge for an extra cooling effect. Use your ring finger to gently dab (not rub!) a small amount under the eye. Always go from the inner corner outwards to encourage natural drainage.
try a gua sha or roller
These tools aren't just Instagram props – when they’re used properly, they can help reduce puffiness by boosting circulation and lymphatic drainage.
How to use them:
- Always apply a serum or oil first so it glides smoothly across the skin
- Use gentle, upward and outward strokes
- Focus on the area under your eyes and cheekbones
It takes two minutes and feels like a mini facial. Total game changer if you’re feeling a bit bleary-eyed.
allergy-proof your bedroom
If you suspect allergies are playing a role, your bedroom might be the problem. Dust mites, pet dander, or even your pillow can be causing irritation.
Steps to take:
- Change pillowcases regularly
- Consider hypoallergenic bedding
- Keep pets off the bed (I know, easier said than done)
- Use an air purifier if you're prone to allergies
don’t overdo the night cream
Thicker moisturisers are great for locking in hydration overnight, but if you slather them on too close to your eyes, they can cause fluid to gather and lead to puffiness.
Stick to:
- Lightweight eye-specific products
- Applying creams at least an hour before bed
- Skipping overly rich products if you’ve noticed puffiness getting worse
watch out for hidden culprits
Sometimes, the puff isn’t from what you did last night, but an ongoing habit. Think poor diet, stress, or even an undiagnosed thyroid issue (2). If you’re regularly waking up with swollen eyes and nothing seems to help, it might be worth scheduling a chat with your GP.
final thoughts
Look, we all get puffy eyes now and then – it’s a normal part of life. But with a few small changes and some clever tricks, you can seriously reduce how often it happens and how bad it gets when it does.
Remember: perfection is overrated and it doesn’t really exist. A bit of puffiness doesn’t mean you’re not beautiful. But if you want to feel a bit fresher and more awake in the mornings, these tips are a good place to start.
So moving forward, make sure to drink your water, avoid having too many salty snacks, chuck your eye cream in the fridge – and before you know it you’ll be waking up looking (and feeling) a little more alive.
Until next time, eve Sleep.
sources
- https://www.specsavers.co.uk/eye-health/puffy-eye
- https://www.btf-thyroid.org/thyroid-eye-disease-leaflet
