It’s a nightmare to see the annoying bags around the eyes when you look at the mirror in the morning. Puffy eyes can result from a number of causes, including: heredity, fluid retention such as due to pregnancy, hormonal variation, weather changes, allergies or other medical conditions. Cheer up! You don’t have to go under the knife, there are a number of steps you can take to prevent and reduce under-eye puffiness.

You can place cooling agents on your eyes. The cucumber trick works. Use sliced raw cucumbers and place on closed eyes for over 15 minutes. You can put them in the freezer for a few minutes before use. You can also use a refrigerated gel mask or a tea bag soaked in cold water. Like the chilled cucumber, the coolness lessens circulation. You can also take a metal tablespoon, put it in the fridge or run it under cold water and place the back against your eyes.

Get enough sleep. Puffiness under the eye is the most common symptom of lack of sleep. Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep a night. And when you go to bed, elevate your head using several pillows to prevent fluid from settling under your eyes.

Drink plenty of water! People with puffy eyes are usually dehydrated. You can also try eye exercises. Move both eyes in a circular motion clockwise, counter clockwise then in all directions.
Reduce the salt in your diet. Your body retains more fluid if you have a high intake of sodium which is advisable not only for your eyes, but also for your health in general.
If puffiness is persistent or severe, consult your doctor. You may have other conditions associated with puffy eyes.