7 Common Causes of Puffy Eyes & How to Depuff Them

Do puffy eyes greet you in the mirror more often than you’d like? They can make you look tired, stressed, or give a more aged look, even on days when you feel perfectly fine. The truth is, the baggy look of your eyes is not always due to lack of sleep; it can also be triggered by lifestyle habits, diet, or even genetics.¹

If you’ve been curious to know about why those under-eye bags keep showing up and what you can do about them, this guide is for you. It’s simple, easy to follow, and will walk you through the most common causes of puffy eyes along with practical ways to depuff them.

Let’s get started!

What are Puffy Eyes?

Puffy eyes are exactly what they sound like. They appear as tired, swollen bags around the eyes. This occurs when excess fluid accumulates in the skin and tissues surrounding your eyes. Sometimes it’s mild and goes away quickly, but most of the time it appears for a longer time. ¹

While puffy eyes are not generally a cause for concern, they might affect your overall appearance, such as how energetic you look.¹ And let’s be honest, no one likes being asked if they’re tired when they’re not.

Causes of Puffy Eyes

From late-night Netflix binges to natural changes in your body, puffiness can show up for all sorts of reasons. Here are some of the most common ones you should know about:

1. Aging

As you age, the skin and muscles around your eyes get weaker and start to sag. This can make the fat around the eyes push forward, making them swollen or puffy.^{1 2}

2. Lack of Sleep

The other reason could be insufficient sleep or rest. When you don’t get enough sleep, the tiny blood vessel under the eyes expands or dilate, resulting in fluid accumulation or swelling. This further shows as baggy eyes.^{1 2}

3. Shadows or Puffy Eyelids

Sometimes the area under the eyes looks baggy or puffy, not because of swelling, but due to shadows. As eyelids sag slightly with age, they can cast shadows that make the eyes appear baggy or darker. Even the natural shape of the nose or brow can create this shadow effect.² And many people mistake these shadows for dark circles; however, they’re not the same.

Dark circles form when the skin under the eyes becomes thinner or develops extra pigmentation. This makes the tiny blood vessels beneath the skin look darker.³  On the other side, shadows are just about how light and shapes fall on the face, giving a darker appearance.²

4. Lifestyle Habits

Smoking, alcohol, and long hours of screen time put strain on both the body and the eyes and lead to a puffy eye appearance.² 

5. Allergies

Skin allergies are a common reason behind puffy eyes. Seasonal triggers, dust, or pollution can cause eye irritation, making them appear red, itchy, and watery. When this happens, the delicate skin around the eyes often swells up, giving a puffy look.^{2 4}

6. Excess Salt intake

Eating junk food or any snacks that are high in salt is another reason for puffy eyes. Too much sodium makes the body hold on to extra water, and that fluid often collects under the eyes. This gives the under-eye area a swollen or baggy look.^{2 5}

7. Genetics

Sometimes, under-eye circles can be hereditary. If your parents or close relatives have puffy eyes, then you might be more prone to inheriting the same appearance.²

7 Simple Tips to Depuff Under-Eye Bags

Now that you know puffy eyes can happen due to multiple reasons, with the right lifestyle tweaks and science-backed tricks, you can help reduce their appearance. Here’s how.

1. Prioritise Sleep

As already mentioned, poor sleep habits are one of the biggest reasons for puffy eyes. When the body doesn’t get proper rest, it eventually shows up around the eyes and face. The eyes can look swollen, and dark circles might pop up, too. That’s why getting enough sleep is essential. ^{1 2}

Adults should aim for more than 8 hours of sleep, while teens should aim for 8 to 10 hours to keep their eyes looking fresh and maintain overall health.^{6 7}

2. Watch Your Salt Intake

Another reason, as already discussed, is consuming too much salt in your diet. That extra sodium causes the body to retain water, and guess where it often accumulates? ^{2 5}

To keep that puffiness in check, always read the nutrition labels of the foods you eat and try to cut back on processed or overly salty snacks. ⁸ Eat fresh fruits instead of chips for healthier-looking eyes.

3. Quit Smoking

Regular smoking can overstimulate the thyroid, a small gland in the neck that controls metabolism and hormonal balance in the body. When it becomes overactive, it can cause swelling in the face, including the eyes and neck. So, if you’re a regular smoker and notice such puffiness around your eyes, it’s wise to stop smoking and seek medical advice. With a doctor’s help, you can manage the puffier look and your overall health.⁹

4. Treat Your Allergies

If you’re allergic to dust, pollen, or any other irritant that causes redness, itchiness, or watery eyes, make sure to address it and inform your doctor. They can guide you with the right treatment. If left untreated, constant irritation can make you rub your eyes more often, which can lead to swelling and worsen puffiness.^{2 4}

5. Use Cold Compresses

The next simple tip for reducing puffiness is to use a cold compress on the affected eye area. Using an ice pack, chilled cucumber slices, or even cold spoons can also help calm swelling and increase blood flow around the eyes. All you have to do is just place them gently over closed eyes for a few minutes and see them depuff gradually.⁵

6. Try Caffeine Boost

Don’t be surprised if someone has told you to use caffeine for your puffy eyes. Topical caffeine is a gentle, effective way to refresh the under-eye area. It acts as a vasoconstrictor, meaning it tightens blood vessels, which helps reduce fluid retention and calms swelling.⁵

If you’re looking for something amazing like this, you can try our Under Eye Serum. It is formulated with Cryo Coffee that helps in visibly reducing dark circles and puffiness. It also includes Sodium Hyaluronate and PENTAVITIN®  that provide long-lasting hydration and lock in moisture for up to 72 hours respectively.

That’s not all! This under-eye serum works even for postpartum tired, baggy eyes. That means new moms can also enjoy brighter, more beautiful eyes, even after countless sleepless nights. With regular use, you’ll notice visibly less puffiness and a refreshed under-eye area in just 4 weeks. It’s a simple, effective addition to your daily skincare routine.

7. Other Cosmetic Options

If your under-eye puffiness continues despite trying the above tips, then it’s advised to consult a doctor. They may suggest some treatment plans suited to your needs. Some of the usual methods include fillers, laser resurfacing, or chemical peels, all of which aim to even out the under-eye region without surgery.⁵

Summing Up!

So dear friends, taking care of puffy eyes doesn’t always need complicated fixes. Sometimes, the simple home remedies and mindful choices are enough to bring relief and freshness back to your face.

And consistency is all that makes a difference. So stick to the routine that works for you, be kind to your skin, and don’t be afraid to ask for expert advice if the problem persists. At the end of the day, your eyes tell your story. Let them shine the way they’re meant to!