Cry it out, then follow these tips.
Jonathan Knowles/Getty Images
Crying is so catharticits natures way of releasing all those pent-up feelings.
Why Do Eyes Get Red and Puffy from Crying?
Photo:Jonathan Knowles/Getty Images
You finish a good cry, glance in the mirror, and realize your eyes are puffy and red.
Tears also contain salt, which can contribute to puffiness by pulling water into the surrounding tissues.
Use a Cold Compress
Even the thought of applying a cool compress after crying it out sounds satisfying!
Chilled cucumber slices, or potato peels can also help.
A chilled face mask or eye masks can do wonders, too!
Try Cryo Tools
Heres a reason to break out those ice globes again.
(Alternatively, a cryoball or other cryotool can work.)
It helps to constrict the blood vessels and reduce swelling, Brownlee explains.
Like a cold compress, the cooling effect soothes irritation and feels especially refreshing after an emotional release.
This is easiest if you dont have makeup on (or are OK re-doing your makeup).
If you gotta keep your makeup intact, though, skip this one.
Apply a Caffeine-Based Eye Cream
Theres a reason you find caffeine in eye creams so often!
Its a natural vasoconstrictor, meaning it constricts the blood vessels and immediately makes eyes look less puffy.
(Its also a great way to target under eye bags).
This reverses the effect of crying, which opens the blood vessels.
Simply adding an extra pillow can help a lot.
If youre still crying, blot gently with a soft tissue versus rubbing back and forth.
Also avoid putting a lot of pressure on the area with your hands.
