Remedies for puffy eyes

How to Get Rid of Puffy Eyes after Crying - Foolproof Tricks

 
Mary Smith
By Mary Smith. Updated: October 1, 2026
How to Get Rid of Puffy Eyes after Crying - Foolproof Tricks
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Sometimes there is only one thing worse than having been crying, and it is for people to find out that you have been doing so. Unfortunately, the aftermath signs of crying are often obvious on our faces, starting with glassy eyes and ending with the swelling that causes the eyes. Washing your face with cold water is usually the first reaction, a very good idea as we will see below, but there are more effective remedies to reduce the swelling in the eyes after crying.

In the following oneHOWTO article we will explain how to get rid of puffy eyes after crying with home remedies that everyone can apply at home.

You may also be interested in: How To Get Rid Of Bags Under The Eyes
Contents
  1. Why do eyes get puffy after crying?
  2. How to get rid of puffy eyes after crying
  3. How to get rid of puffy eyes from crying the night before

Why do eyes get puffy after crying?

When we cry, the tear glands, which secrete tears, are stimulated by the same nerves that produce the dilation of the blood vessels within the eyelids, conjunctiva, and eye contour tissues. These tissues are especially flexible and spongy. This means that much more blood than usual reaches the area, causing a kind of inflammation that ends up causing the eyes and eyelids to swell.

The case of bags and swelling of the eyelids when we get up the next morning is also noteworthy. In this case, the origin lies in the natural loops of the tissue of the eyelids, which, when sleeping, capture more fluids than when we are standing. This causes a transient edema in the eyelids that swells.

People who suffer from coronary problems, poor circulation, kidney failure, or protein deficits are much more likely to have swollen eyes after crying. Whatever the cause of your eyes swelling: whether you want to get rid of puffy eyes after crying or when you wake up, in the next section we will explain how to get rid of them.

How to Get Rid of Puffy Eyes after Crying - Foolproof Tricks - Why do eyes get puffy after crying?

How to get rid of puffy eyes after crying

Lower swollen eyes by applying cold

After crying, it is normal to see how your eyes have swollen due to the increase of blood in the area. Just like when we get hit on the head and apply cold to reduce inflammation, the solution to get rid of puffy eyes is the same.

Initially, wash your face with fresh water to cool the skin down and get rid of the heat caused by crying. After drying your face, wash it again with cold water to wake it up and reduce the heat generated by the intense emotions that made you cry. Then, after drying your face, take 2 ice cubes and wrap them in a cloth or gauze. Keep in mind that the skin on the eyelids is the most delicate part of the body, so prolonged exposure to intense cold could damage it and cause burns. Wrapping the cubes will ensure the cold is applied safely. The next step is to apply the ice on both eyelids. Immediately, as a result of the cold, the blood vessels of the eyes and eyelids will begin to contract, decreasing the blood supply and reducing the inflammation of the area.

If you notice that the cold from the gauze and ice is too intense, you can use a cloth soaked in very cold water or let the ice melt on the cloth before applying it. It is important to emphasize that those who wear contact lenses should remove them before beginning this process.

Get rid of puffy eyes with rosemary essential oil

Mix a couple of drops of rosemary essential oil with a spoonful of olive oil, stirring well to mix effectively. Rosemary oil contains caffeic acid, an element that works as an anti-inflammatory and, when applied to your eyelids, can help reduce the inflammation caused by crying. On the other hand, olive oil will help nourish the skin and moisturize the area.

To use it, dip your fingertips in this mixture of oils and gently massage your eyelids with your fingers, drawing small circles until the skin has absorbed most of it. Take special care to avoid getting any oil into your eyes, as it could cause irritation and give you one more reason to continue crying.

Should you notice any itching, swelling, inflammation, or any symptom of an allergy during this process, stop using the oil immediately and wash your face with plenty of water.

Additional Remedies

Besides these methods, there are other effective ways to reduce puffiness around your eyes. For instance, using an eye cream with caffeine can help constrict blood vessels and reduce swelling. Also, maintaining a regular sleep schedule and staying hydrated can prevent puffiness from occurring in the first place. Caffeine is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and is commonly found in many skincare products.

How to Get Rid of Puffy Eyes after Crying - Foolproof Tricks - How to get rid of puffy eyes after crying

How to get rid of puffy eyes from crying the night before

Beyond rosemary oil and cold, there are a number of home remedies to get rid of puffy eyes from crying the night before. Here we explain the most effective:

  • Pour some milk you may have in the fridge into a cup - it is important that it is cold. Take two cotton balls and, after soaking them in the milk, place them over your eyes for 10 minutes. It is important that the eyelids are closed and that the milk does not enter the eyes.
  • Take two bags of chamomile or black tea and soak them for 10 minutes in a glass of very cold water. After the bags have cooled, place them on your eyelids for 15 minutes. Beyond the cold that will constrict the blood vessels, tea and chamomile also have anti-inflammatory components.
  • Both cucumber and potato have anti-inflammatory properties, which is why cutting these two vegetables into slices and placing them on top of each eye can help to deflate your eyes after crying.
  • Massage your eyelids with your fingertips. You do not have to use any oil, the simple touch of your fingers will get rid of the excess liquids in your eyelids. Never rub your eyes since this will cause you even more inflammation and redness.

Learn how to use Vaseline for puffy eyes too.

Moreover, you can also use cool cucumber slices or chilled spoons to soothe the eyes. Cucumber contains antioxidants that can help reduce irritation, while the coolness of chilled spoons can constrict blood vessels to diminish puffiness. Ensuring you have proper sleep and reducing sodium intake can also play a crucial role in preventing puffy eyes. A diet high in sodium can lead to fluid retention, which contributes to swelling around the eyes.

If you want to read similar articles to How to Get Rid of Puffy Eyes after Crying - Foolproof Tricks, we recommend you visit our Beauty & Personal Care category.

References
  1. How To Get Rid of Swollen Eyes From Crying (Cleveland Clinic)
  2. Bags under eyes - Diagnosis and treatment (Mayo Clinic)
  3. Conjunctivitis diagnosis and Treatment (Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust)
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How to Get Rid of Puffy Eyes after Crying - Foolproof Tricks