Our body undergoes multiple changes, especially after 30. While some changes are invisible, others are more obvious. Puffy eyes are amongst the most common visible changes. Often when we wake up with puffy eyes, we think that they will fade away as the day progresses, but that does not happen. This is because as the body ages, the skin under the eyes becomes thin, forcing the fat underneath the skin to pop out. So, it begins with mild puffiness initially but increases with age.

Water retention is another cause of under-eye puffiness, says Dermatologist Dr. Aanchal, MD. If there is a hormonal imbalance or excessive salt intake, there will be visible puffiness under the eyes. Since the under-eye skin is thin, any water retention shows up under the eyes. Irregular menstruation, thyroid dysfunction and imbalanced blood pressure can also lead to a sudden appearance of under-eye puffiness.

One of the interesting reasons for puffiness is also the habit of sleeping on the face. Sleeping on your stomach with your face downwards can cause puffiness and it is quite prominent in the mornings.

Various Treatments And Home Remedies

• Use a cold spoon: For mild puffiness that is prominent in the morning, use a cold spoon. Place a spoon in the fridge at night and rub it under your eyes for about 10 to 15 seconds in the morning. This soothes the eyes and helps reduce swelling.

• Use potato or cucumber slices: One can also use a slice of potato or cucumber by placing it on the eyes for about 5-10 minutes. This helps in reducing the size of the blood vessels, controlling the secretion of fluids and drainage, thereby reducing puffiness.

• Under-eye creams help: Creams that contain caffeine tend to reduce puffiness too. Apply under the eyes twice a day - morning and evening, for best results.

• Under-the-eye filler injections: For moderate puffiness that is not very prominent but remains throughout the day, Dr. Aanchal recommends opting for under-the-eye filler injections comprising hyaluronic acid. The fillers help in filling the groove between the eye bags and cheeks. This procedure helps reduce puffiness. Though hyaluronic acid is generally present in the body, the filler uses it in a concentrated form, which when injected under the skin tends to attract water and lift the skin. However, the dermatologist recommends taking these only under the guidance of a professional, as the wrong filler can worsen the puffiness. 

These fillers are to be injected only once every 12-18 months, as the results last anywhere from one to one-and-a-half years. There are no side effects to taking filler injections per se. Some might experience bruising or swelling for two to three days, which resolves within a week.

Severe Puffiness Can Be Treated Too:
Severe puffiness occurs in people over 50 as their skin becomes saggy due to muscle loss. The fat under the skin tends to protrude in this age group, and no cream or treatment can cure the swelling under the eyes. However, there are a few medical procedures that one can opt for.

Puffy eyes are not an issue of grave concern. They are a common phenomenon that one deals with on a day-to-day basis. The puffiness is temporary, and if taken care of daily, it can be reduced. Pay attention to the salt intake and the manner in which you sleep at night.

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