How to Get Rid of Puffy Eyes from Crying

Co-authored by JoAnn Solomon

Last Updated: October 23, 2022 References Approved

We all hate those puffy red eyes you get after crying. Fortunately, the best way to reduce them is a short lie down with a cold pack. If you have more severe or frequent puffy eyes, a few minor lifestyle changes may help.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Treating Puffy Eyes

1
Wash your face with cold water. If you're in a rush or a public place, visit the bathroom for a quick refresh. Fold a paper towel twice to make a neat square, then soak it in cold water. Press it lightly against your eyelids, for fifteen seconds each. Look upward and place the towel just beneath your lower lashes, pressing gently for another fifteen seconds on each eye. Let your skin eye dry. Repeat if necessary.
- Do not scrub your eyes or use soap.
- Some people like to mix in about 1 tsp (5 mL) table salt in 1 cup (240 mL) ice water. Don't try this if you have red, irritated skin.
2
Soak your eyes with a cold washcloth. Wet a soft, fluffy cloth with ice cold water. Wring it out, then fold the cloth over your eyes for about ten minutes. The cold should constrict the blood vessels around your eyes, reducing the swelling.
- You can get similar results with an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas. You can even make your own cold pack by stuffing a sock full of raw rice and tossing it in the freezer. Don't use a bag of large, chunky vegetables, since it can't mold around your eyes.
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3
Cover your eyes with cold spoons. Choose a pair of metal teaspoons that fit closely over your eyes. Freeze them for about two minutes or keep them in the fridge for 5—10 minutes. Place them over your eyes with slight pressure. Leave them until they warm up.
- If you have time, freeze six spoons instead. Replace the spoons with a new, cold pair once they warm up. Stop after the third pair to avoid skin damage from prolonged cold.
- You can also try adding cold teabags to your eyes to reduce puffiness.
4
Tap your eyes gently. Lightly tap the puffy areas of your eyelids, using your ring finger. This can stimulate blood flow, moving pooled blood out of the area.
5
Massage the bridge of your nose. Close your eyes and massage the upper area of your nose. Focus on the skin to the right and left of the nose, where a pair of glasses would rest. This can relieve sinus pressure, which may have built up as you were crying.
6
Lie down with your head elevated. Place two or three pillows underneath your head to keep it above the rest of your body. Lie with your neck straight, close your eyes, and relax. Even a short break can lower your blood pressure.
7
Apply chilled face cream. Refrigerate moisturizing face cream for about ten minutes, then rub gently into skin. The cold will treat puffiness, while the cream will soften and brighten your skin.
- Specialized eye creams are controversial. It's unclear whether they are more effective than normal face cream.^{[1]
  X
  Research source}^{[2]
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  Research source}
- Avoid creams that contain fragrance or mint. These may irritate your skin.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Preventing Puffy Eyes

1
Get plenty of sleep. Even if your puffy eyes are caused by crying, other factors can determine their severity. Get at least eight hours of sleep each night to reduce swollen or baggy eyes.
- Children, teenagers, and adults may require different amounts of sleep. Ask your doctor for a recommendation.
2
Stay hydrated. Salt buildup around your eyes can increase fluid retention, causing puffiness. Drink plenty of water to counteract this.
- Cut down on your consumption of salt and caffeine, which dehydrate you.
3
Treat allergies. Mild allergic reactions to pollen, dust, animals, or food can cause swollen eyes. Avoid any foods that make you feel itchy, puffy, or uncomfortable. Take allergy relief medication when you can't avoid exposure. Visit a doctor for more advice.
4
Visit an eye doctor. If you frequently get puffy eyes, there may be an underlying cause. An optometrist can check your vision and possibly prescribe glasses or contacts to reduce eye strain. An ophthalmologist can examine your eyes for medical conditions.
5
Take breaks from screen and books. When looking at a computer, phone, or book, take breaks every twenty minutes. During these breaks, focus your eyes on something across the room. While eye strain is not the most common cause of puffy eyes, this is recommended anyway for general eye health.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Evaluating Home Remedies

1
Use a cold washcloth instead of tea bags. Many people place a cold, wet tea bag over puffy eyes. This works simply because of the cold temperature. Different practitioners swear by black tea, green tea, or various herbal varieties. Many of these have not been studied, but caffeine — the ingredient most likely to work — seems to have no effect.^{[3]
X
Research source} A washcloth is probably just as effective and has a lower risk of bacterial infection.
2
Stay away from food remedies. Cucumber slices are one of the most common treatments for puffy eyes. This is effective, but only because of the cucumber's cool temperature. ^{[4]
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Research source} It's best to use a cold washcloth or ice pack to reduce the chance of bacterial infection from food.
- If you do use a food treatment, rinsed cucumber is probably one of the safest. Stay away from potatoes, egg whites, yogurt, and acidic food such as strawberries or lemon juice.
3
Keep irritating medications away from eyes. Some home remedies are dangerous to use around your eyes, due to the risk of severe pain or damage. Do not treat puffy eyes with hemorrhoid cream (Preparation H), heat rubs (BenGay, Icy Hot), or hydrocortisone.^{[5]
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Research source}^{[6]
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Research source}

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Expert Q&A
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Question

How do you get rid of a swollen and puffy eye in 10 mins?

Camille Sanghera
Beauty Stylist
Camille Sanghera is the Owner of Lash Envy Cosmetics and Esvee Beauty in the Vancouver, British Columbia area. Camille is trained and certified in microblading, scalp micropigmentation, eyelash extensions, hair and makeup, and lash lifts. She is listed on Microblading Map Canada and has also been featured on TuneIn Radio and in Bridal Fashion Week Magazine.

Camille Sanghera

Beauty Stylist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Use a cold compress and place it on your eyes in addition to washing your face with ice cold water.
Question

How do I stop my puffy eyes from getting worse?

Camille Sanghera
Beauty Stylist
Camille Sanghera is the Owner of Lash Envy Cosmetics and Esvee Beauty in the Vancouver, British Columbia area. Camille is trained and certified in microblading, scalp micropigmentation, eyelash extensions, hair and makeup, and lash lifts. She is listed on Microblading Map Canada and has also been featured on TuneIn Radio and in Bridal Fashion Week Magazine.

Camille Sanghera

Beauty Stylist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Sometimes you can take an allergy pill when you wake up to reduce puffiness throughout the day.