>Hello Sohib EditorOnline, we all have those moments when we can’t help but cry our eyes out – it might be because of a sad movie, a breakup, or a difficult situation. And while crying can give us emotional relief, it can also leave us with puffy, swollen eyes that can last for hours or even days.
In this journal article, we will share with you 20 effective ways to get rid of swollen eyes after crying, so that you can look and feel your best again.
What Causes Swollen Eyes After Crying?
Before we dive into the solutions, let’s first understand why our eyes swell up when we cry. When we cry, our tear ducts produce a large amount of tears that accumulate in our eyes and surrounding tissues. This causes the area around our eyes to become puffy and swollen.
In addition, crying can also cause inflammation, which further exacerbates the swelling. The good news is that there are several ways to reduce the swelling and get your eyes back to their normal size.
20 Ways to Get Rid of Swollen Eyes After Crying
1. Apply a Cold Compress
One of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce eye swelling is to apply a cold compress to your eyes. A cold compress can constrict blood vessels and reduce inflammation, which can help get rid of the puffiness.
You can use a cold washcloth, a bag of frozen peas, or even chilled tea bags as a cold compress. Simply place the compress over your closed eyes for 10-15 minutes at a time, several times a day.
2. Use Cucumber Slices
Cucumber slices have long been a popular home remedy to reduce eye swelling. Cucumbers contain antioxidants and flavonoids that can help soothe and reduce inflammation in the eye area.
Simply slice a cold cucumber into thin circles and place them over your closed eyes for 15-20 minutes. Repeat several times a day for best results.
3. Try Potato Slices
If you don’t have cucumbers on hand, you can also use potato slices to reduce eye swelling. Potatoes contain anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce puffiness and redness in the eye area.
Slice a cold potato into thin circles and place them over your closed eyes for 10-15 minutes. Repeat several times a day for best results.
4. Use Chilled Tea Bags
If you’re a tea drinker, you can also use chilled tea bags to get rid of swollen eyes. Tea contains tannins and caffeine, which can help constrict blood vessels and reduce inflammation in the eye area.
Brew a couple of tea bags in hot water, then let them cool in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Place the chilled tea bags over your closed eyes for 10-15 minutes, several times a day.
5. Apply Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera gel is known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce eye swelling and redness. You can use fresh aloe vera gel or store-bought gel.
Apply a small amount of aloe vera gel to the eye area and gently massage it in. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes, then rinse off with cool water. Repeat several times a day for best results.
6. Use Chamomile Tea Bags
Chamomile tea has been used for centuries for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. You can use chamomile tea bags as a cold compress to reduce eye swelling.
Brew a couple of chamomile tea bags in hot water, then let them cool in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Place the chilled tea bags over your closed eyes for 10-15 minutes, several times a day.
7. Massage the Eye Area
You can also massage the eye area to help reduce swelling and improve circulation. Use your fingertips to gently massage the area around your eyes in circular motions.
Start at the inner corner of your eye and work your way outwards, applying gentle pressure. Do this for 1-2 minutes several times a day.
8. Drink Plenty of Water
Dehydration can make eye swelling worse, so it’s important to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Aim for at least 8-10 glasses of water a day.
9. Elevate Your Head
When you sleep with your head elevated, it can help reduce fluid accumulation in the eye area and prevent swelling. Try propping up your head with an extra pillow when you sleep.
10. Use Eye Creams
There are many eye creams on the market that are designed to reduce puffiness and swelling in the eye area. Look for products that contain ingredients like caffeine, vitamin K, and green tea extract.
Apply the eye cream to the affected area and gently massage it in. Use it twice a day for best results.
11. Take an Antihistamine
If your eye swelling is due to allergies, taking an antihistamine can help reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about which antihistamine is best for you.
12. Use Over-the-Counter Eye Drops
If your eye swelling is due to dryness or irritation, using over-the-counter eye drops can help relieve symptoms. Look for products that are specifically designed for redness and puffiness.
13. Apply Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is a natural astringent that can help reduce inflammation and swelling in the eye area. You can apply witch hazel to the affected area using a cotton ball or pad.
Make sure to dilute the witch hazel with water before applying it to your skin. Apply it twice a day for best results.
14. Use a Neti Pot
If your eye swelling is due to sinus congestion, using a neti pot can help relieve symptoms. A neti pot is a small container that you fill with a saline solution and use to rinse your nasal passages.
This can help reduce inflammation and congestion in the sinuses, which can in turn help reduce swelling around the eyes.
15. Apply Milk
Milk contains fat and lactic acid, which can help reduce inflammation and soothe the skin. You can apply cold milk to the affected area using a cotton ball or pad.
Leave it on for 10-15 minutes, then rinse off with cool water. Do this several times a day for best results.
16. Use Goldenseal
Goldenseal is a natural herb that has anti-inflammatory and astringent properties. You can make a tea with goldenseal and apply it to the affected area using a cotton ball or pad.
Alternatively, you can use a goldenseal extract or cream. Apply it to the affected area twice a day for best results.
17. Take a Cold Shower
If you don’t have time to use a cold compress or apply any of the remedies above, taking a cold shower can help reduce eye swelling. The cold water can constrict blood vessels and reduce inflammation in the eye area.
18. Use Vitamin E Oil
Vitamin E oil is a natural moisturizer that can help reduce inflammation and soothe the skin. You can apply vitamin E oil to the affected area using a cotton ball or pad.
Leave it on for 10-15 minutes, then rinse off with cool water. Repeat several times a day for best results.
19. Apply Avocado
Avocado contains antioxidants and fatty acids that can help reduce inflammation and soothe the skin. You can mash up a ripe avocado and apply it to the affected area as a mask.
Leave it on for 15-20 minutes, then rinse off with cool water. Repeat several times a week for best results.
20. Use Arnica Gel
Arnica gel is a natural anti-inflammatory that can help reduce eye swelling and bruising. Apply a small amount of arnica gel to the affected area and gently massage it in.
Do this twice a day for best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does eye swelling last after crying?
Eye swelling after crying can last for a few hours to a few days, depending on the individual. Using the remedies above can help reduce the swelling and accelerate the healing process.
2. What if my eye swelling doesn’t go away?
If your eye swelling persists for more than a few days or is accompanied by other symptoms such as pain or vision changes, it’s important to see a doctor. It could be a sign of a more serious condition.
3. Can I use warm compresses instead of cold compresses?
While warm compresses can also help reduce eye swelling, cold compresses are more effective in reducing inflammation and constricting blood vessels. Use a cold compress for best results.
4. Are there any side effects to using the remedies above?
Most of the remedies above are safe and have no known side effects. However, if you have sensitive skin or are allergic to any of the ingredients, it’s important to do a patch test before using them.
5. Can I prevent eye swelling after crying?
You can reduce your chances of developing eye swelling after crying by staying hydrated, avoiding rubbing your eyes, and using over-the-counter eye drops if you have dry or irritated eyes.
In conclusion, there are many effective ways to get rid of swollen eyes after crying. Whether you prefer a cold compress, cucumber slices, or aloe vera gel, there’s a remedy out there that can help you look and feel your best again. Try some of the solutions above and see what works best for you.