How to Get Rid of Puffy Eyes in the Morning

You wake up, glance in the mirror, and there they are: puffy, heavy-looking eyes that make you look far more tired than you feel. Sometimes they're gone by lunch. Other mornings they seem to stick around.

The good news is that morning puffiness is common and usually harmless. Below, we'll cover why it happens, a few simple habits that can help, and how a red light routine for your under-eyes can become a calming part of your morning.

The short answer: Morning puffiness usually comes from fluid that settles around your eyes while you sleep lying flat. Salty food, alcohol, short sleep and allergies can make it worse. Simple habits like a cool compress and sleeping with your head slightly raised can help it fade, and many people add an under-eye red light device to their routine for a more refreshed, well-rested look.^1,2

Why are my eyes puffy when I wake up?

The skin around your eyes is some of the thinnest on your body, so small changes show up there first. When you lie down for hours, fluid can gather in the soft tissue under your eyes. Once you're up and moving, it gradually drains away, which is why puffiness often improves as the morning goes on.²

A few things can make it more noticeable: salty dinners, a drink or two the night before, short or restless sleep, allergies, and simply getting older or having under-eye bags run in the family.^1,3

Quick habits that can help

These simple steps are recommended by trusted medical sources:^1,2

1. Try a cool compress. Hold a clean, cool, damp washcloth under your eyes for a few minutes while sitting up.
2. Raise your head while you sleep. An extra pillow can help keep fluid from settling around your eyes overnight.
3. Go easy on salt in the evening. Less salt at dinner can mean less puffiness the next morning.
4. Aim for a full night's sleep. Most adults do best with 7 to 9 hours.

If allergies seem to be behind your puffiness, your doctor can help you figure out what's triggering it.

Red light therapy for your under-eyes

Red light therapy has become one of the most popular additions to at-home skin care routines, and the under-eye area is a natural place to start.

What is red light therapy?

Red light therapy uses gentle, low-level red light delivered to the skin. Most at-home devices for the face use LEDs, and they work without heat, needles or downtime.⁴ Sessions are quick and relaxing, which makes red light easy to build into a daily routine.

Why an under-eye device makes a difference

The skin around your eyes is delicate, and it can be hard to reach with a full-face device. A device made specifically for the under-eye area sits right where you want the light, comfortably and consistently, every session.

The Capillus EyeLift is a red light device designed specifically for the under-eye area. It's designed to help reduce the look of puffiness, smooth the appearance of fine lines and brighten dark circles for a more refreshed, well-rested look.

• Just 10 minutes a day, short enough for even the busiest mornings.
• Hands-free and cordless. It sits on your face like a pair of glasses, so you can move around while you use it.
• Built-in eye shields. You can keep your eyes open during your session.

A simple morning routine with red light

Here's an easy way to put it all together:

1. Start with a cool rinse or compress. Splash your face with cool water, or hold a cool, damp washcloth under your eyes for a minute or two.
2. Cleanse gently. Wash your face and pat the skin around your eyes dry rather than rubbing.
3. Put on your EyeLift. Turn it on, settle it comfortably under your eyes, and enjoy 10 minutes while you have your coffee, check your email or get ready for the day.
4. Finish with your usual skin care. Continue with your regular routine.

Consistency matters most. Red light works best as a regular part of your routine, and everyone's results are a little different.

What to look for in an under-eye red light device

If you're shopping for a red light device for your eyes, here's what we'd look for, and how the EyeLift measures up:

1. Made for the eye area. A device shaped for under your eyes keeps the light where you want it. The EyeLift is designed specifically for the under-eye area.
2. Eye protection. Built-in shields matter around the eyes. The EyeLift has them built in, so you can keep your eyes open.
3. Short, easy sessions. The best routine is one you'll stick with. EyeLift sessions take just 10 minutes.
4. Hands-free and portable. A cordless, wearable design makes it easy to use at home or on the go.
5. HSA/FSA eligibility. The EyeLift is HSA/FSA eligible.

Want to care for your whole face? The Capillus Face Mask pairs nicely with the EyeLift, or you can browse the full Capillus skin health collection.

Frequently asked questions

Why are my eyes puffy every morning?

Most often, it's fluid that settles around your eyes while you sleep lying flat. Salty food, alcohol, allergies and short sleep can make it more noticeable.^1,2

How long does morning eye puffiness last?

For most people, it starts to fade within a few hours of getting up. If it lasts all day or gets worse, talk to your doctor.

Is red light safe to use around the eyes?

Red light devices for the face are generally considered gentle.⁴ Around the eyes, eye protection matters, so choose a device designed for the area and follow its instructions. The EyeLift has built-in eye shields so you can keep your eyes open during your session. If you have an eye condition or are sensitive to light, check with your doctor first.

Should I use red light in the morning or at night?

Whenever you'll use it most consistently. Many people like a morning session as part of getting ready, especially when puffiness is on their mind, but an evening session works too.

How often should I use an under-eye red light device?

Follow your device's instructions. The EyeLift is designed for one 10-minute session a day.

A final word

Puffy eyes in the morning are incredibly common, and often just a sign of a salty dinner, a short night or a long week. A few simple habits can help, and a red light routine can turn those first minutes of the day into something you look forward to. If you'd like to give your under-eyes some extra care, the Capillus EyeLift is an easy, hands-free place to start.

This article is for general information and isn't medical advice. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about swelling around your eyes.

Sources

1. Mayo Clinic. Bags under eyes.
2. Cleveland Clinic. Dark circles or bags under your eyes? How to get rid of them.
3. Johns Hopkins Medicine. How to get rid of bags under your eyes.
4. American Academy of Dermatology. Is red light therapy right for your skin?