Puffy Eyes: Causes and How to Get Rid of Bags

Try these instant and permanent fixes to start your day looking refreshed.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 8:04pm

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We've all been there — waking up with puffy eyes (or even a puffy face) the morning after a night of crying or an overly salty dinner. But those aren't the only common culprits; puffy eyes can also be caused by allergies, eye rubbing or even medical causes. Ahead, we've broken down all things puffiness — from the causes of puffy eyes, best ways to get rid of puffy eyes instantly, best products to treat puffy eyes and even some at-home remedies that you can try with items in your kitchen — so that you can de-puff as easily and quickly as possible.

Why it matters

Having puffy eyes can sometimes feel uncomfortable, but there are plenty of solutions to treat them, from eye creams to undereye patches. Improving pesky undereye bags and looking refreshed no matter how long your days are is important for confidence and overall well-being.

The details

Puffy eyes can be caused by a variety of factors, including medical conditions, salty foods, allergies, dehydration, crying, and facial anatomy. Puffy eyes are common in the morning due to reduced blood flow and lymphatic drainage around the eyes. To get rid of puffy eyes instantly, experts recommend applying cold therapy like ice packs or chilled skincare tools, using cucumber slices or undereye patches, and applying the right concealer. Over-the-counter products with ingredients like green tea, caffeine, peptides, antioxidants, vitamin C, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and arnica can also help reduce puffiness. For more permanent solutions, injectable fillers, platelet-rich fibrin treatments, and blepharoplasty surgery are options, but should be discussed with a physician.

  • Puffy eyes are common in the morning due to reduced blood flow and lymphatic drainage around the eyes.

The players

Naana Boakye, M.D., M.P.H.

Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey-based board-certified dermatologist.

Joshua Zeichner, M.D.

New York City-based board-certified dermatologist and Associate Professor of Dermatology and Director of Cosmetic & Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital.

Genalyn Staines

Aesthetician at NakedMD Med Spa in Newport Beach, CA.

Jenny Patinkin

Makeup artist and founder of the eponymous brand in Chicago.

Danusia Wnek

GH Beauty Lab Senior Chemist.

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What they’re saying

“Eating foods with excess salt can cause you to retain fluid, leading to puffy eyes.”

— Joshua Zeichner, M.D., New York City-based board-certified dermatologist and Associate Professor of Dermatology and Director of Cosmetic & Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital

“Rashes or allergic reactions, such as 'contact dermatitis from skincare products, eye drops and eye makeup,' may also trigger puffiness.”

— Naana Boakye, M.D., M.P.H., Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey-based board-certified dermatologist

“Eyes become puffy when there's excess fluid [like tears] in skin. This happens when fluid builds up or doesn't drain normally.”

— Joshua Zeichner, M.D., New York City-based board-certified dermatologist and Associate Professor of Dermatology and Director of Cosmetic & Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital

“Frequently rubbing eyes or aggressive eye makeup removal can cause low-grade trauma, bringing on puffiness.”

— Joshua Zeichner, M.D., New York City-based board-certified dermatologist and Associate Professor of Dermatology and Director of Cosmetic & Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital

“Applying an ice pack to the area will 'constrict blood vessels and remove excess fluid to improve puffiness quickly'.”

— Joshua Zeichner, M.D., New York City-based board-certified dermatologist and Associate Professor of Dermatology and Director of Cosmetic & Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital

The takeaway

Puffy eyes can be caused by a variety of factors, but there are many effective instant and long-term solutions to reduce puffiness and look refreshed, from at-home remedies to professional treatments. Paying attention to your body's signals and using the right products and techniques can help you start your day looking and feeling your best.