How to improve puffy eyes on your own
Nov 17, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Shuai
Introduction
Methods for self-improvement of puffy eyes generally include cold compresses to reduce swelling, adjusting sleeping positions, reducing high-salt diets, performing eye massage and care, and using lightweight, refreshing eye creams. Wrap an ice pack in a clean towel or soak a cotton pad in icy water, then gently apply it to the eyelids for 10–15 minutes, one to two times daily. The low temperature helps constrict blood vessels around the eyes and reduces eyelid tissue edema.
Methods to self-improve puffy eyes generally include cold compresses, adjusting sleeping posture, reducing high-salt diet, eye massage and care, and using lightweight eye creams. Specific details are as follows:
1. Cold compress: Wrap an ice pack in a clean towel or soak a cotton pad in icy water, then gently apply it to the eyelids for 10–15 minutes, once or twice daily. The low temperature helps constrict blood vessels around the eyes, reducing eyelid tissue swelling and quickly alleviating puffiness. Avoid direct contact between the ice pack and skin to prevent frostbite.
2. Adjust sleeping position: Elevate your pillow slightly during sleep so that your head is higher than the rest of your body. This reduces resistance to blood flow back from the eyes and prevents fluid accumulation in the eyelids, thereby reducing morning puffiness at its source. Also ensure adequate sleep and avoid staying up late, which can worsen eye swelling.
3. Reduce high-salt diet: Control salt intake in daily meals and limit consumption of salty foods such as pickled products and processed snacks. Excessive salt intake may lead to water and sodium retention in the body, causing eyelid edema. A light diet helps maintain the body’s fluid balance and relieves puffy eyes.
4. Eye massage: Gently press acupoints around the eyelids with your fingertips, massaging from the inner corner of the eye outward along the eye socket for 5–8 minutes per session, using gentle pressure. Massage promotes blood circulation around the eyes and accelerates absorption of excess tissue fluid. With consistent practice, it can reduce eyelid swelling and enhance eye contour firmness.
5. Use lightweight eye cream: Choose a light-textured eye cream containing caffeine or green tea extract. Apply after cleansing the face each morning and evening, gently patting until absorbed. Such eye creams help constrict blood vessels and soothe the delicate eye area, aiding in reducing puffiness. Avoid overly rich or heavy eye creams that may burden the sensitive eye region.
If puffy eyes persist for a long time or are accompanied by symptoms such as redness, swelling, or pain, there may be underlying eye inflammation or other medical conditions, and a visit to an ophthalmologist is recommended. For daily improvement, consistent long-term efforts are essential; relying on a single method is less effective, while combining multiple approaches yields better results.
