What Causes Puffy Eyes, According to Dermatologists

We've all been there — waking up with puffy eyes (or even a puffy face) the morning after a night of crying or an overly salty dinner. But those aren't the only common culprits; puffy eyes can also be caused by allergies, eye rubbing or even medical causes. Having puffy eyes can sometimes feel uncomfortable, but there are plenty of solutions to treat them, from eye creams to undereye patches.

Ahead, we've broken down all things puffiness — from the causes of puffy eyes, best ways to get rid of puffy eyes instantly, best products to treat puffy eyes and even some at-home remedies that you can try with items in your kitchen — so that you can de-puff as easily and quickly as possible. Improve pesky undereye bags and look refreshed no matter how long your days are with these secrets from GH Beauty Lab experts, dermatologists and an aesthetician.

Plus, read on to learn how to remove eye bags permanently.

Sometimes, lack of sleep is enough to cause puffy eyes. Other times, it may be a sign that your body is trying to tell you to drink more water or to follow a lower-salt diet. There are many possible causes, but here are some experts say may be causing your puffy under-eyes.

• Medical conditions: Some autoimmune disorders, infections and inflammatory issues may lead to chronically puffy eyes, including thyroid disease, Epstein-Barr virus, hepatitis B, Lyme disease and Lupus, says Naana Boakye, M.D., M.P.H., Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey-based board-certified dermatologist. Contact your physician if you have concerns.
• Salty food: "Eating foods with excess salt can cause you to retain fluid, leading to puffy eyes," says Joshua Zeichner, M.D., New York City-based board-certified dermatologist and Associate Professor of Dermatology and Director of Cosmetic & Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital.
• Allergies: Rashes or allergic reactions, such as "contact dermatitis from skincare products, eye drops and eye makeup," may also trigger puffiness, Dr. Boakye says. These allergies "can cause blood vessels to become leaky, leading to swelling," Dr. Zeichner adds.
• Dehydration: Insufficient hydration, especially alongside a high-salt diet, can make eyes puffy, Dr. Boakye says. When you're dehydrated, salt can become concentrated in the body, which pulls in water around the eyes, Dr. Zeichner adds. To stop swelling, drink more water and reduce salt intake.
• Crying: Conversely, "eyes become puffy when there's excess fluid [like tears] in skin," Dr. Zeichner says. "This happens when fluid builds up or doesn't drain normally."
• Face anatomy: Fat compartments under eyes can create a puffy look, says Dr. Zeichner: "With age, fat pushes closer to skin's surface, making it more visible."
• Rubbing eyes: "Frequently rubbing eyes or aggressive eye makeup removal can cause low-grade trauma," Dr. Zeichner says, bringing on puffiness.

Puffy eyes are common in the morning due to "reduced blood flow and lymphatic drainage around the eyes," says Dr. Boakye. In other words, this means that your blood hasn't been flowing as much while you've been still and sleeping, causing some puffiness.

From cold therapy to strategic use of cosmetics, a few smart tricks and home remedies can deflate bags in (almost) no time. Here are four ways to instantly revitalize eyes:

1. Chill out. Applying an ice pack to the area will "constrict blood vessels and remove excess fluid to improve puffiness quickly," Dr. Zeichner says. For a similar effect, glide a skincare tool like an ice roller — or even a clean spoon chilled in the freezer — under eyes, advises GH Beauty Lab Senior Chemist Danusia Wnek. Eye treatments with metal
   rollerball applicators, like her go-to Garnier SkinActive Clearly Brighter Anti-Puff Eye Roller, can also cool and depuff.
2. Try cucumber slices. This spa secret "can help calm puffy eyes," says Genalyn Staines, an aesthetician at NakedMD Med Spa in Newport Beach, CA. Place a chilled cucumber slice over each closed eye until the slices feel warm. Or, stick on undereye patches (like GH Beauty Lab Test winner Patchology Rejuvenating Eye Gels), which are formulated to depuff eyes by delivering active ingredients, Dr. Zeichner says.
3. Turn to tea bags. The classic remedy helps reduce puffiness thanks to the caffeine in the tea, which constricts blood vessels, Dr. Boakye says. Place cooled, steeped caffeinated tea bags over closed eyes while lying elevated on a pillow, Staines recommends.
4. Cover carefully. Concealer can hide bags — if used correctly. "Choose a matte formula that matches your skin tone," advises Jenny Patinkin, a makeup artist and founder of the eponymous brand in Chicago. "Shades that are too light and the reflective finish of a radiant concealer can make you look more swollen."

Many over-the-counter products can help reduce puffy eyes. Be on the lookout for products with ingredients like green tea and caffeine, says Dr. Boakye. Other powerhouse ingredients you'll want to watch for include:

• Peptides and antioxidants
• Vitamin C
• Niacinamide
• Hyaluronic acid
• Arnica

Check that these active ingredients are listed towards the beginning of the ingredient list, which signals greater potency in the product itself.

Yes, but there's a price. Lasting eye bag reduction requires professional treatments. Injectable fillers can improve the look of puffy undereyes, Dr. Zeichner says. Filler can be injected in the area between your undereye and the top of your cheek, "smoothing the area and hiding the puffiness," he says.

Another treatment option is platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), based on a healing and regenerating substance produced by the body. "During this procedure, a small amount of blood is drawn and processed to extract platelet-rich fibrin, which is then injected into the undereye area to stimulate collagen and elastin production," Staines explains. "This results in a more refreshed appearance, reducing dark circles and wrinkles." This treatment can be helpful, but results may be mild and often take multiple treatments over time, explains Dr. Zeichner.

In some cases, the only solution is a blepharoplasty, a "surgical correction, often performed by plastic surgeons, in which the fat compartments [under skin] are removed or repositioned," Dr. Zeichner says. If you have chronic or pronounced undereye puffiness or bags, consult a physician to identify the best treatment for you.

In the meantime, if you're not ready for permanent options, you can keep using eye creams and cooled skincare tools to decrease puffiness.