Puffy eyes are really quite common and are known to create the look of being over tired, unhealthy, or a few years older than we really are. Causes such as poor sleep habits, allergies or allergic reaction, a diet high in salt or alcoholic beverages, or fluctuation in hormonal stability can contribute to the look of puffiness above and below the eye. However, it is not all that complicated to get rid of puffy eyes. This very common and simple problem has some very common and simple solutions.

Since puffy eyes can be caused by a variety of possible causes, it might take a little experiment with different variables to get rid of puffy eyes. Start with the three most obvious, if possible. Drink more water to hydrate your entire body (avoid caffeine as this can then dehydrate) reduce your salt intake, and get more or better sleep. These three variables alone are likely to at least help if not eliminate your puffy eye problem.

When attempting to get rid of puffy eyes, eye creams and gels may or may not work. However, a variety of cold compresses are known to show dramatic improvement in short periods of time. Ice cold milk, ice cold water, ice cubes, eye creams and gels chilled in the refrigerator, and cold facial masks can all help to get rid of puffy eyes when used as a compress. When using liquids such as milk or ice water, use a cotton ball and then squeeze out nearly all the liquid before applying. Compresses usually require about 10 to fifteen minutes to get rid of puffy eyes while ice cubes should not be used for more than is readily tolerated by the skin.

Using cold remedies to get rid of puffy eyes tends to work faster with longer results. This is simply because the colder temperatures reduce swelling, which is part of the cause of a puffy eyed appearance. By reducing swelling, many people find their puffy eyes disappear altogether while other people find their puffiness has reduced but discoloration remains.

Fruits and vegetables such as strawberry, apple, cucumber, and potato slices can help with both the puffiness and the discoloration. Each has its own variety of nutrients which can ultimately feed the eyelid and under eye area. These nutrients are healthy for the skin when applied to the outside of the eye as well as when eaten.

When working to get rid of puffy eyes, time, patience, and experimentation are vital factors. What works for one person may not work as well for another. Most remedies are likely to present immediate assistance and produce long term effects over time. When puffy eyes are left unchecked, damage to the blood vessels is possible, which unfortunately can not be remedied.

Over time, a gradual reduction in morning time puffiness should occur when the right combination of applicable remedies is given a few months to work. Dietary factors should be considered when there is no improvement at all in the look of the eye puffiness. With patience and consistent effort, puffy eyes can be significantly diminished or nearly eliminated.