Puffy, tired eyes are a clear sign of fatigue, whether from illness, insomnia or a night out too late. Puffiness around eyes is caused by fluid retention in your face and may be accompanied by redness and dark circles. Simple home treatments and makeup tricks can reduce puffiness or the appearance of it, and help you look rested and refreshed.
Aging causes the tissues around the eyes to weaken, increasing the chances of bags or puffiness in your under-eye area. Fatigue, dehydrating, crying, illness and allergies can worsen the appearance of puffiness, and may increase the chances of fluid retention under your eyes. While aging and heredity may predispose you to or a poor night’s rest.
Dehydration often accompanies fatigue, particularly if you are tired from overindulging the night before. Increasing your fluids may help to relieve or prevent puffiness. If you are drinking alcohol, alternate alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Also consume an adequate amount of water each day, around 13 cups for men and nine cups for women, according to MayoClinic.com. You may find that you’re less apt to look tired, even when short on sleep, if you’re well hydrated.
The simplest way to prevent puffy eyes caused by fatigue is to get an adequate amount of sleep. Try to go to sleep and wake at the same time each night to encourage good sleep habits. Avoid sleeping flat on your back to prevent fluid retention in your face and under your eyes. Try adding an extra pillow or elevating the head of your bed slightly.
Use a cool compress to treat puffy eyes. Simply dampen a washcloth with cool water and lie down with your head elevated and your eyes covered for 10 to 15 minutes. As an alternative, place a slice of cucumber or a cold, wet tea bag on each eye. Try applying a hemorrhoid cream or an anti-inflammatory eye gel to the under eye area, patting it gently into place with your fingertip, suggests EyeDoctorGuide.com.
If lifestyle changes and home treatments don’t resolve your puffy eyes, and you’re tired of looking fatigued when you feel fine, contact your doctor. Skin resurfacing, including laser or chemical peels may tighten the skin around your eyes, while eyelid surgery can remove the bags entirely, according to MayoClinic.com. These procedures may be invasive and are not covered by insurance in most instances.