Skip to content A modest elevation may be enough to reduce morning swelling for people who are prone to it.
Stay Hydrated Throughout the Day
Dehydration does not always directly cause under-eye bags, but poor hydration can make the face look tired and may contribute to overall fluid imbalance.
Instead of drinking a huge amount of water right before going to sleep, aim for consistent hydration during the day.
Combined with moderate sodium intake and adequate sleep, this may help the face look less swollen in the morning.
Allergies Are an Often-Overlooked Cause
If your under-eye puffiness comes with:
Itchy eyes
Watery eyes
Sneezing
Nasal congestion
Seasonal flare-ups
allergies may be contributing.
Allergic inflammation can lead to swelling around the eyes.
Frequent rubbing can then worsen irritation and make dark circles appear more noticeable.
If allergies are persistent, addressing the allergy itself will usually be more useful than relying only on cosmetic tricks.
Be Careful With Skincare Around the Eyes
Sometimes the product meant to improve the eye area is actually making it look worse.
The skin surrounding the eyes is extremely sensitive.
Irritation can come from:
Strong retinoids
Fragranced creams
Harsh cleansers
Strong exfoliating acids
Makeup remover
Eye makeup
Certain sunscreens
If you notice burning, redness, flaking, or watering after applying a product, stop using it around the eye area and give the skin time to recover.
Inflamed skin can look darker and more swollen.
What About Cucumber Slices?
Cucumber slices have been used as a home beauty trick for decades.
They certainly feel refreshing.
But a large part of that benefit likely comes from one simple factor:
they are cold.
The same is true for many chilled eye treatments.