Did you wake up today with swollen or puffy eyes? If it often disturbs you, then you need something more than eye makeup to hide it. The chance is that you can get rid of it by keeping tea bags on eyes. But before dwelling on this, it is prudent to throw some light on the factors causing puffy eyes.

Some of the major reasons for puffy eyes are:

• Eye fatigue
• Skin texture
• Facial features
• Work pressure and stress
• Edema - excess accumulation of fluids
• Disturbed sleep pattern/not getting enough sleep
• A reaction of cosmetic products or any other allergy

Why Tea Bags Are a Natural Remedy for Red and Puffy Eyes

Tea has many benefits and is one of the reasons why it is used as herbal medicine in China. Technically, tea is derived from the Camellia sinensis shrub by drying its leaves. It has a high content of caffeine, which is an alkaloid compound that works as a stimulant to the central nervous system. This compound also helps in improving the elasticity of your skin when kept on it, thereby tightening the blood vessels. This helps in reducing the swollenness on the eyes to make them look fresh.

Apart from caffeine, tea also contains tannins which help in relaxing your eyes. However, the tannins are not usually present in caffeine-infused beauty cosmetics and that is why it is considered more beneficial to use tea bags directly on the eyes, rather than using beauty products which contain caffeine.

Now, the question is, what kind of tea bag should be used and for how long? Scroll down to get the answer to learn more.

Types of Tea Bags to Be Used for Different Types of Eye Irritation

There are different types of problems about eyes, and if you use the corresponding tea bags, it will be more effective for you.

1. Puffy eyes, dark circles, black eye, and swollen eyes

If you have these problems, you can use green or black teas, as the presence of caffeine in these two types of tea have the potential to keep the skin taut. The flavonoids and the tannins present in these are antioxidants which can tighten the skin and together with caffeine these constrict the blood vessel and give an amazing anti-inflammatory effect.

2. Pink eyes, rosacea, and red eyes

All these three problems are the result of irritated eyes and the best types of tea bags for this are calendula, chamomile, green, fennel, and rooibos teas. These have the capability to lessen the redness and soothe the eyes. These also have antimicrobial properties which can keep bacteria at bay.

3. Dry eyes and stye

Usually, black tea bags are preferred in these two problems due to the high content of tannin which has antibacterial and analgesic properties. This way ensures that the swelling and irritation get controlled. However, make sure that you use warm black tea for dry eyes.

4. Fine lines and wrinkles

If you have fine lines and wrinkles that develop as you age, then try using rooibos and green tea, and these will offer you a positive result.

Once you know which tea bags to use, then it is time to understand how to apply them.

How to Apply Tea Bags on the Eyes?

The application of tea bags on the eyes is not very difficult. You just need to follow these steps:

1. Steep the tea bags

The first step includes steeping of any two types of tea bags. You can choose the tea bags according to the problem that you are facing as mentioned above. Now, steep the bags in the boiling water for five to seven minutes.

2. Let the bags cool off

The next step is to let the hot bags cool on a small and clean plate.

3. Use it directly on the eyes or place it in the refrigerator

If you are someone who prefers warm tea bags, then put the bags on the eyes until they cool, or you can also put a cotton ball on your eyes and then place the tea bags on it to let the eyes get cool. In case you do not want to place warm bags on the eyes then keep the bags in the refrigerator for twenty minutes. Tea bags from the refrigerator work faster than the warm ones, as this works as a natural astringent, but the warm ones give more comfort.

4. Let the cool tea bag stay on the eyes

Once the tea bags are cool, usually after fifteen to twenty minutes, you should squeeze out the extra water and place the bag on your eyes. Make sure while doing this you lie down on the bed or couch and relax. Let the tea bags stay on the eyes for at least twenty minutes to half an hour and then remove the bag and wash your face to feel fresh and clean.

How to Get Rid of Puffy Eyes?

Apart from the tea bags on the eyes, there are other ways to get rid of puffy, swollen or irritated eyes, and some of the important ones have been discussed here:

• Cold compresses

Just like the caffeine in the tea bags constrict blood vessels, similarly, cold compresses also restrict the flow of fluid into the under-eye skin. You only need to keep a clean cloth over the skin around your eyes. Make sure you wet the cloth with cool water. This will reduce the swelling and will make your eyes fresh. However, you are advised to avoid heavy generic ice packs, as they can cause damage if any chemical leaks.

• Splash of ice-cold water

This is one thing you might have been doing. If not, then you may do this when you wake up with swollen eyes. Just wash the eyes with icy water and it will work in a similar way as the cold compress. Make sure you take time and wash the eyes gently without rubbing or pressing them.

• Hemorrhoid cream

This is a method which has been used by many actors and models when they do not get good sleep and have to work the next day. You may also use hemorrhoid cream to reduce the puffiness or wrinkles. Sometimes people find the smell of the cream repulsive, so you are advised to use a small amount of moisturizer and mix it with this cream and apply it carefully in the areas around your eyes.

• Gentle massage

Another way of getting rid of puffiness is to massage the area under and above your eyes to increase the blood flow. However, you need to have an understanding of what you are doing, and you need to be gentle otherwise you can cause damage to your eyes. You can use your fingers to move from the inside end of your eyes to the outside corner. This will make the fluid move and will help you reduce the inflammation. You must do it for two to three minutes and repeat if needed.

• Cucumber slices

This is one thing which can be kept on the eyes even while your makeup artist applies a face pack on your skin. The coolness of cucumber slices ensures your puffy eyes will relax and reduce the swelling. You may use it even when you do not get a good night's sleep and want to look fresh at your office. It is necessary to use a refrigerated cucumber and cut it into slices to keep on your eyelids for at least fifteen minutes.

Conclusion

If you have puffy eyes then the aforementioned ways will definitely help you, especially the tea bags on eyes. For better results, it is important to apply the methods as explained above. However, in case you do not find any improvement or the problem persists then you are advised to seek help from a doctor.