Nourished Journal

Puffy eyes? Here’s what you can do to reduce them

Jun 02, 2025

Puffy eyes? Here’s what you can do to reduce them

Puffy eyes, we all deal with them from time to time. After a short night’s sleep, a stressful week, or sometimes you have them for no reason at all. But what exactly are puffy eyes -also known as under-eye bags-? Why do they appear and more importantly: how can you get rid of them? We explain it all in this article so you can look fresh and glowing again!

What are puffy eyes?

Under-eye bags are mild swelling or puffiness caused by fluid retention, fat buildup, or skin laxity. They can make you look tired or older, and let’s be honest, nobody wants that.

Did you know that puffy eyes are often confused with dark circles? While they frequently appear together, they are two different skin concerns. Dark circles are caused by pigmentation or blood circulation issues. Puffy eyes are usually a matter of volume (swelling), whereas dark circles stem from pigment or visible blood vessels under the skin.

Causes of puffy eyes

Before you can reduce puffy eyes, it’s important to understand where they come from. Several factors can contribute to their appearance, including lack of sleep, genetics, skin aging, allergies, smoking, or stress. Sometimes a single factor is the culprit, but often it’s a combination.

How to reduce puffy eyes

Depending on the cause, there are several ways to reduce puffiness. Here are the most effective tips:

1. Hydrate inside and out

Drink plenty of water and use a good eye cream. Look for ingredients like caffeine (boosts circulation), hyaluronic acid (hydrates), and green tea extract (anti-inflammatory). Looking for an eye cream with these ingredients? The UpCircle Eye Cream contains hyaluronic acid and coffee!

2. Sleep and sleeping position

Aim for 7–8 hours of sleep per night and try sleeping on your back with an extra pillow. This helps prevent fluid buildup under your eyes. Sleeping on your back generally provides better support for your body.

3. Massage the eye area

A gentle massage with your fingers or a soothing eye roller helps drain fluid and stimulate blood flow. Always massage from the inner to the outer corner of your eyes with clean hands. You can also use an eye serum, like the Grape Eye Serum from Ere Perez, to make application smoother.

4. Watch your salt intake

Salt retains water, and you’ll often see the effects directly under your eyes. Choose fresh, unprocessed foods more often to give your body (and skin) the balance it deserves.

5. Cold compresses

A cold washcloth, spoon, or eye mask can temporarily reduce swelling. Cold helps constrict blood vessels and soothes the skin. Follow up with a hydrating eye cream.

Best eye creams for puffy eyes

Discover our best natural-based eye creams for tired eyes:

+ INIKA Organic Phytofuse Renew Resveratrol Eye Cream – Want a refreshed look? This cream contains plant-based active ingredients that target dark circles and puffiness.

+ PURE Papaya Care Papaya Eye Serum – Rich in antioxidants, this eye serum is a must-have. Key ingredients Calendula and Papaya reduce puffiness and soothe the under-eye area.

+ Retreatment Botanics Firming Eye Contour Cream – Ideal for mature skin, improves elasticity, reduces dark circles, calms irritation, and protects the skin barrier.

+ Biologi Bk Vitamin C Face & Eye Serum – Firms delicate skin and reduces fine lines, pigmentation, and redness. Perfect for sensitive skin.

Under-eye bags can be annoying, but they’re definitely not impossible to treat. By taking good care of yourself and your skin, you can reduce puffiness naturally. Use the right products, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and be kind to your skin.