5 Natural Ways to Conceal Puffy Eyes

Many people struggle with puffy eyes, which may make a person look older. While makeup products may conceal under eye bags slightly, finding ways to get rid of the puffiness is usually the preferred approach. Here’s a look at five natural ways to handle puffy eyes.

Address Your Allergies

More than 100 million Americans experience allergies, and they can lead to a variety of symptoms, including puffy eyes. There are some natural options that may help you reduce your allergy symptoms, including eating honey, using nasal irrigation, or wearing a mask.

If natural options aren’t working, over-the-counter or prescription allergy treatments may reduce reactions that can lead to puffiness. Additionally, simple steps like using an air purifier, frequently washing bedding and towels, and changing clothes after being outside may help.

Allergies may also lead you to rub your eyes – which can lead to puffiness – as eye discomfort commonly occurs. By treating the allergies, you can achieve less itching and eye rubbing.

Drinking more water may also reduce water retention. Dehydration prompts the body to hold onto as much water as possible. By consuming sufficient amounts of water during the day, your body is less likely to retain water, as the chance of dehydration is lower.

Change Your Sleep Position

The way you sleep can impact the ways fluid builds up in specific areas of the body. Lying flat on your belly could lead to more puffiness. In this position, gravity is working against you, and fluid buildup is more likely. You’re also more likely to flip your eyelids open while sleeping in this position, which can cause direct irritation of your eye against he pillow. 

If you notice eye puffiness that seems worse in the morning, it could be caused by your sleep position. Try sleeping on your back or your side to see if this helps. If you have an adjustable bed, elevating the head end by a few extra inches may help. If your bed doesn’t adjust, try adding another slim pillow or a wedge.

Apply a Cold Compress

A cold compress can decrease puffiness as it naturally reduces blood flow to the area. Often, this reduces swelling, and it can also assist with eliminating redness.

When you use a cold compress, don’t use ice directly on your skin. Instead, use a clean cloth that’s dipped in cold water and wrung out. Simply lay the cold compress across your eye area and let it sit for several minutes. Repeat as needed to help the swelling reduce more.

Use Sun Protection

Applying an eye cream or gentle facial moisturizer with sun protection is a great way to prevent swelling under the eyes and to protect your skin from the sun’s damaging UV rays. It’s also a good idea to wear sunglasses that have UV blocking lenses to protect both your eyes and the delicate skin around your eyes. 

Products with SPF also reduce skin damage that could make puffiness look worse. For example, sun damage may weaken the delicate skin under the eyes, which can increase the odds of eye bags. By using SPF, the product may slow the degradation of the skin, hinder the development of wrinkles, and reduce other signs of aging. You should use sunscreen on your face and skin every day to prevent UV damage from developing.

Medical content reviewed by Brittany Stopa, MPH.

Further Reading:

1. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. “Allergy Facts.” Last updated Mar 2023. https://aafa.org/allergies/allergy-facts/
2. Asha’ari ZA, Ahmad MZ, Jihan WS, Che CM, Leman I. Ingestion of honey improves the symptoms of allergic rhinitis: evidence from a randomized placebo-controlled trial in the East coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Ann Saudi Med. 2013 Sep-Oct;33(5):469-75. doi: 10.5144/0256-4947.2013.469.
3. UCLA Health. “Risks and rewards of nasal rinses: What you need to know.” Published 02 May 2022. https://www.uclahealth.org/news/risks-and-rewards-of-nasal-rinses-what-you-need-to-know
4. UCLA Health. “Seasonal allergies? Wear your face mask for relief.” Published 11 Jun 2011. https://www.uclahealth.org/news/seasonal-allergies-wear-your-face-mask-for-relief
5. Johns Hopkins Medicine. “How to get rid of bags under your eyes.” Reviewed by: Desai, S.C. Accessed 11 Apr 2023. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/how-to-get-rid-of-bags-under-your-eyes
6. Sami MS, Soparkar CN, Patrinely JR, Tower RN. Eyelid edema. Semin Plast Surg. 2007 Feb;21(1):24-31. doi: 10.1055/s-2007-967744.
7. Wroten, C. “Use aesthetics to treat lid and periorbital conditions.” Optometry Times Journal. 2019;11(9):1. https://www.optometrytimes.com/view/use-aesthetics-treat-lid-and-periorbital-conditions