While you may associate puffy eyes with a lack of sleep, there are actually a number of other factors that can cause swelling under the eyes. In addition to needing some extra rest, allergies, alcohol, and crying can also cause swelling and irritation. Even something as small as having too much salt in your diet can contribute to puffiness. That's why, in addition using one of the best eye creams for puffiness, drinking more water can help decrease fluid retention under the eyes.
When refilling your water bottle alone won't do the trick, there are several key ingredients to look for in an eye cream. Caffeine is one of the most popular and expert-approved ingredients for temporarily reducing eye puffiness. Not only does it work as an anti-inflammatory to calm skin and decrease swelling by constricting the blood vessels under the skin, but it can also help reduce the appearance of dark circles, too. Other ingredients that work as vasoconstrictors include peptides, green tea, and antioxidants like vitamin C. Meanwhile, ingredients like hyaluronic acid can help plump up the thin skin around the eyes, while a retinol specifically formulated for the delicate skin under your eyes can help increase cell turnover and boost collagen production.
While many believe applying eye cream at night is the way to go, it can actually seep into your eyes while you sleep, causing puffiness when you wake up. That's why it's a better idea to apply your eye cream in the morning. Another tip is to store your eye cream in the fridge for a cooling effect when you apply it in the morning, which can help decrease puffiness.