Lack of sleep isn’t the only culprit behind puffy under-eyes.
Staying up late binge-watching your favorite show has probably resulted in a case of puffy under-eyes.
But a lack of sleep isnt the only culprit.
Your diet could be causing the annoying (and sometimes hard-to-get-rid-of) problem, too.
What are the main causes of puffy eyes?
There are multiple reasons why you could be experiencing puffy under-eyes.
registered dietitian based in Toronto, Canada
you’ve got the option to even getpuffy eyes from crying.
However, if your puffiness is persistent, these are the main causes to be aware of.
Diet and lifestyle
Can caffeine cause puffy eyes?
How about sugary foods and alcohol?
(More on that later.)
Allergies and intolerances
Wondering what allergies cause puffy eyes?
Theres a lot of them.
Histamine then triggers your body to respond in multiple ways.
Histamines can cause various allergic symptoms, including inflammation and swelling, she says.
registered dietitian based in Toronto, Canada
This swelling can result in puffiness, redness, and itchiness.
If youre looking for a food allergy swollen eyes treatment, antihistamine eye dropsare typically the solution.
Lack of quality sleep is a known factor in the development of puffy eyes, says Allidina.
Dehydration
Staying hydrated is easier said than done.
When it comes to your skineye area, includedmaking sure youre upping your intake is crucial in combating puffiness.
When the body is dehydrated, it tends to retain water as a protective mechanism, she says.
With that being said, its important to note that its not just about limiting certain foods.
Maintaining a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins is equally important.
Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water is crucial, too, says Allidina.
While everyones body reacts differently, here are the most common culprits behind puffiness.
Anything super salty
In terms of foods causing water retention, anything salty can be a problem.
Salt has the ability to attract and hold onto water.
This increased fluid can lead to puffiness, says Allidina.
Alcoholic beverages
There are a few different reasons why drinking alcohol can leave you with puffy eyes.
Limit your alcohol intake to prevent the issue.
And when youdodrink, check that youre staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water alongside those margaritas.
Coffee, energy drinks, and anything loaded with caffeine
Wondering if caffeine can cause puffy eyes?
If you think dehydrating foods and drinks could be causing water retention, simply reduce your intake.
Caffeine is a diuretic, which means it promotes increased urine production and can lead to dehydration.
High-sugar foods
You might already know thatexcess sugar intake can lead to acne.
Unfortunately, thats not the only way it can affect your skin.
Consuming too much sugar can lead to inflammation, affecting the delicate skin around your eyes, says Allidina.
If youre experiencing puffy under-eyes and think sugar may be the culprit, she recommends better moderating your intake.
Instead, do your best to choose whole foods.
Focus on a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
Dairy products
Food allergies cause puffy eyes, especially in the case of dairy.
Undigested lactose can lead to digestive issues, such as bloating and gas.
In some cases, these symptoms may contribute to facial puffiness, including under-eye puffiness.
Fried and processed foods
Of all the foods that cause swollen eyes, French fries might be the saddest.
Foods high in saturated fatsthink anything fried and processedcan contribute to inflammation.
This, in turn, can lead to puffiness.
These foods also tend to be loaded with sodium, which can result in salt-induced eye swelling as well.
5 foods that reduce puffy eyes
Wondering if there are specific foods that reduce puffy eyes?
Cucumbers
Theres a reason why cucumbers tend to be a fan favorite at spas.
Cucumbers are a hydrating superstar with high water content, helping in reducing puffiness, says Allidina.
They also contain antioxidants and silica, which can help soothe and rejuvenate the skin around the eyes.
Placing chilled cucumber slices on your eyes can help nourish the sensitive area.
Chamomile tea
Chamomile teahas numerous benefits, and helping out your under-eye area is one of them.
Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, chamomile tea can help soothe and calm irritated skin, says Allidina.
Place cooledtea bags on eyesto alleviate puffiness and reduce inflammation.
(This is a great hack for soothing tired eyes, too.)
No tea bags on hand?
The cold temperature helps constrict blood vessels and reduce swelling pretty quickly, says Allidina.
Berries
Berriesthink blueberries, strawberries, and raspberriesare rich in antioxidants.
Vitamin C in particular, which Allidina says supports collagen production.
This can contribute to skin elasticity, helping to minimize puffiness around the eyes, she says.
Salmon
When delving into the basics of healthy skin nutrition, salmon always stands out as a favorite.
The anti-inflammatory diet staple is a great pick for reducing eye puffiness.
Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, salmon supports skin health and may reduce inflammation, says Allidina.
The anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3s can potentially help alleviate under-eye puffiness and dark circles.
Youalsoknow to keep your salt, sugar, caffeine, and alcohol intake to a minimum.
But what else can you do to combat the issue?
These additional tips and tricks will leave the area refreshed and revitalized.
First, place a cold compressthink a washcloth or ice pack wrapped in a thin clothto your eye area.
This will help constrict the blood vessels in the area, reducing the swelling and soothing tired eyes.
If you want to level-up, you’re free to also usecold toolsthat depuff the area.
Drink water right when you wake up
Stay away from the coffee potat least until youve chugged some water.
Drinking a glass of water when you wake up has many benefits.
Water will help flush out excess salt and reduce fluid retention, she says.
If youre a coffee person, make it a habit to hydrate before you caffeinate.
give a shot to have a source of protein every time you eat, she says.
Beauty sleep for the win.
Frequently asked questions
How does salt intake affect eye puffiness?
If youre hoping to limit salt-induced eye swelling, ensure foods that cause water retention are eaten in moderation.
(Salty options like chips, processed snacks, and canned soups.)
How does alcohol consumption impact eye puffiness?
A drink here and there is fine.
However, when you go overboard on dehydrating foods like alcohol, you may wind up with puffy under-eyes.
This makes your eyes appear more sunken and contributes to puffiness, says Allidina.
She recommends counteracting the dehydrating effects of alcohol by having a glass of water between drinks.
Can dairy products worsen puffy eyes?
Eating dairy isnt going to cause issues for everyone.
However, for those sensitive to dairy, it could contribute to inflammation and puffiness.
If you suspect dairy might be a culprit, consider reducing your intake, says Allidina.
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