Crying is a detoxifying phenomenon that effectively improves mood. However, after a good, cathartic cry, the subsequent eye puffiness and related issues can be quite troublesome.The delicate skin around the eyes is prone to fluid retention, causing eyelid swelling. When we cry, tears secreted by the lacrimal glands partially overflow and accumulate in the surrounding skin, leading to redness and puffiness. This often makes us avoid eye contact the next day, causing discomfort in social interactions and daily life.
1. Apply cotton swabs soaked in saline or milk to the eyelids
Gently massage the eye area with cotton swabs dipped in diluted saline solution to help reduce puffiness. Alternatively, soak cotton swabs in chilled milk and place them on the eyelids for ten minutes. The cool sensation will help reduce swelling, leaving you feeling refreshed and revitalized! Frozen milk can also be used for cold compresses to reduce eye puffiness.
2. Saltwater compresses
Leveraging the principle of hypertonicity, applying concentrated saltwater to the eyes forces excess fluid to drain away. Be mindful of temperature control during hot compresses to avoid burning the delicate skin around the eyes.
Method: Dissolve one teaspoon of salt in 500ml of warm water (around 40°C/104°F), stirring until fully dissolved. Soak gauze in the solution until thoroughly saturated. Fold the gauze into a suitable size and apply over eyes for 20 minutes.
3. Cooled Black Tea Bags
Apply cooled black tea bags directly to your eyes, or wrap them in a towel and place over your eyes for 5 minutes. The tannic acid in tea acts as an excellent astringent, effectively reducing swelling. However, never place tea bags directly on your eyelids, as this may stain them yellow and cause irritation.Avoid rubbing, as this will worsen redness and swelling. Apply cold compresses 3-4 times to reduce puffiness.
4. Frozen Eye Patches
Chilled eye patches rapidly soothe skin. The cold temperature stimulates lymphatic contraction and drainage, effectively reducing puffiness.
Method: Purchase eye patches formulated for reducing puffiness and firming. Store them in the refrigerator.After waking up, apply the chilled mask to puffy areas around the eyes. Remove after about 10 minutes and rinse with clean water.
5. Ice + Egg
Apply ice wrapped in a bag or towel for 3-5 minutes to constrict blood vessels and reduce swelling.
You can wrap ice cubes in a towel or soak a cloth in cold water for a brief application. Afterward, roll a cooled boiled egg (peeled) over the eyelids. Swollen eyes won't subside quickly; the area may turn a deep red before eventually bruising. Avoid rubbing or crying, as crying can worsen eye congestion.
The correct approach is alternating cold and warm compresses. Use one warm towel and one cold towel (preferably soaked in ice water) to apply to the eyes in turns. This will quickly reduce eyelid swelling.
6. Massage to Reduce Eye Puffiness
Acupressure stimulates corresponding body functions. Eye acupoints relate to organ functions, and appropriate stimulation can help reduce puffiness.
Massage technique: Relax tense muscles: Press with your middle and ring fingers above the eye sockets, moving from the inner corner to the outer corner of the eye. Repeat 3 times.
Boost eye circulation: Using your ring finger, massage in small circular motions from the outer corner toward the inner corner of the eye. Repeat 5 times.
Counterclockwise motion: Starting from the inner corner of the lower eyelid, use your ring finger to press in small circles moving counterclockwise.
Gently press acupoints: Slowly extend the pressure toward the temples, slightly increasing pressure and holding for 3 seconds. Repeat 3 times.
7. Homemade Raw Potato Eye Mask
Method: Prepare one raw potato. Wash it thoroughly, then slice it thinly or mash it. Apply the slices or paste to your eyelids. After about 15 minutes, rinse off with clean water. This method is similar to using cucumber slices for reducing puffiness and is equally effective in eliminating swelling.
II. Real User Experiences Shared
After crying causes puffy eyes, try these methods tested and found effective by netizens!
User Tip: Splash cold water on your face immediately after crying!
User Tip: I scoop a spoonful of ice from the freezer and place it on my eyes—the icy chill works wonders.
Netizen tip: Cold compress—place a soup spoon in the refrigerator's cold storage compartment for about 15 minutes (don't put it in the freezer, or it'll stick to your skin when you take it out), then use it to cool your eyes.This is how I reduced puffiness last time my eyes swelled from crying.
Netizen tip: Actually, cold water alone works fine—no need for extra steps. Just apply it for a longer duration. Or after crying, thoroughly cleanse your face before sleeping. The salt in tears can make skin feel tight. Then apply cold water to your eyes until they feel refreshed before resting—this prevents puffiness.
III. Methods to Avoid Puffiness After Crying:
1. Avoid rubbing your eyes while crying
The area around the eyes is sensitive. Wiping tears or rubbing your eyes can overstimulate the eyelids and tug at the blood vessels around the eyes. This causes tissue fluid to leak out of the blood vessels, leading to swelling around the eyes. When you wake up the next day, you'll find your eyes red, puffy, and filled with bloodshot veins.
2. Avoid drinking before bedtime
Tears are salty. Excessive fluid intake causes edema in the eye's blood vessels and nerves. Drinking too much water before sleep leads to puffy, swollen eyes upon waking—especially noticeable for single-eyelid women. Swollen upper eyelids press eyelashes downward, causing them to stick to the cornea, resulting in discomfort and itchy eyes.
3. Sleep with a higher pillow
Elevating your head with a higher pillow prevents fluid accumulation around the eyelids, reducing puffiness and helping you wake up refreshed.