Yes, gentle under-eye massage helps reduce puffiness and dark circles by promoting lymphatic drainage, improving circulation, and relieving fluid buildup, often using light tapping or outward/upward strokes with fingertips or tools like jade rollers, but avoid tugging the delicate skin. While evidence isn't extensive, it's a popular technique, especially combined with eye creams, for a firmer, less swollen look, but be cautious as rough massage could worsen bags for some.
Eye massage is a fantastic way to promote relaxation and improve circulation around the delicate eye area. Regularly practicing eye massage can help reduce signs of fatigue such as dark circles and puffiness. Techniques can include gentle tapping, circular movements, and light pressure applied to acupressure points.
Using soft pressure (not pulling at the skin) make tapping motions starting from the center of your brow bone moving out, then under your eyes (along the cheekbone) towards your nose. Do this 5x to help bring blood flow to the area.
Under-eye bags can have multiple causes—not just poor lymphatic drainage! Factors like herniated fat, thinning skin, or even a little too much filler (which can retain water) all contribute to under-eye puffiness.
Some research suggests that manual massage can help to improve under-eye puffiness and even reduce the appearance of wrinkles by promoting lymphatic drainage and improving blood circulation (3).
Gentle eye massages have multiple benefits, from increasing circulation and lubrication in the eye to a reduction in eye strain. Some studies even suggest regular eye massages may prevent or decrease the risk of glaucoma and other leading causes of vision loss.
Wet a clean washcloth with cool water. While sitting up, apply the damp washcloth to the skin under and around your eyes for a few minutes using light pressure. Cut down on fluids before bedtime and limit salt in your diet. This will reduce the fluid retention that can cause bags under eyes.
Kidney or Liver – Puffy eyes may be the first sign of fluid retention due to Condition – a medical problem, such as kidney or liver disease.
As we mentioned above, gua sha is believed to lightly sculpt your skin and reduce puffy eyes, as it promotes lymph drainage around the delicate eye area. Because the ancient technique also works to stimulate healthy circulation, it's also thought to ease dark circles and dullness for a brighter, more radiant look.
Lymphatic congestion symptoms include swelling (puffy face, hands, limbs), a feeling of heaviness or tightness, stiffness, chronic fatigue, frequent illnesses, skin issues (acne, rashes, thickening), brain fog, headaches, bloating, and digestive problems, all stemming from fluid buildup and toxin stagnation in the lymphatic system.
At-home treatments for puffy eyes
You can place anything cold, such as an ice pack, frozen bag of vegetables, chilled cucumber slices or refrigerated spoons, over closed eyes for a few minutes. Hemorrhoid creams: Some people pat over-the-counter creams designed for hemorrhoid treatment under their eyes.
Vitamin C is a powerhouse antioxidant that regenerates other antioxidants like vitamin E, contributing to photoprotective and anti inflammatory effects in the skin. It's also crucial for collagen production, enhancing skin elasticity and firmness, which could benefit the under eye area.
The concept is easy to remember: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This short break allows your eye muscles to relax after continuous near-focus activity, helping to prevent fatigue, dryness, and headaches.
Over time, these scratches can add up and damage your cornea. Rubbing can also make your cornea thinner. Rubbing your eyes can introduce small particles into your eyes from your hands, making the irritation worse. And you can transfer germs from your hands to your eyes, which can lead to an eye infection.
Applying heat to the eyelid margins helps oils flow better out of the eyelid glands and melts the “thickened” oil that is blocking the eyelid glands. Place a warm (not too hot) wet washcloth gently to the closed eyes to apply heat on the eyelids. Leave in place for four to five minutes.
Puffy eyes happen when fluid collects in the thin, sensitive tissue around your eyes—especially in the morning or after certain triggers like lack of sleep, dehydration, or alcohol.
The liver plays a crucial role in regulating blood flow throughout the body, including to the eyes. When you move your eyes, the liver works to increase blood flow to the retina and other vital structures.
Keep a light pressure, close your eyes, and turn your eyes upwards in your head to gaze at the third-eye point - between your eyebrows. Stay for 5-10 seconds and repeat as needed to help reduce puffiness and stimulate the drainage of fluid from the eye area."
Liver damage from NAFLD/NASH can cause jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes. When not functioning properly, the liver can buildup up waste material known as bilirubin. When bilirubin levels increase, a person's skin and eyes may turn yellow.
Five key signs of kidney failure include persistent fatigue, swelling (especially in legs/ankles/feet), changes in urination (less frequent or foamy), nausea/vomiting/poor appetite, and itchy, dry skin, often resulting from waste buildup when kidneys can't filter properly. Other signs involve headaches, trouble sleeping, shortness of breath, and muscle cramps, as kidney failure affects fluid balance and toxin removal.
Lymphatic drainage is the process of helping “drain” lymph fluid, which can help awaken the skin and get rid of puffiness. At home, you can practice lymphatic drainage by giving yourself a face massage either with your hands or with a tool like a jade roller or a Gua Sha.
Try a cold compress
One of the best baggy eye remedies is also the simplest: a cold compress. Pop a damp washcloth in the freezer for a few minutes, then lay it over your eyes. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, the cold helps constrict blood vessels, which can temporarily reduce swelling.