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Courtesy of Angela Caglia
You wake up from a long night, only to look in the mirror and find your face and eyes extremely puffy. Whether you were oversleeping, all cried out, or hungover from partying, we've all been there. The one question echoing in our minds is (of course) how do I depuff my skin instantly?
- Eye Treatment Recommended by a Plastic Surgeon: ALASTIN Restorative Eye Complex
- Under Eye Patches Recommended by a Dermatologist: Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Hydra-Gel Eye Patches
- Microcurrent Device Recommended by a Dermatologist: NuFACE MINI+ Smart Petite
You might think there's no solution to this skincare nightmare. But lucky for us all, that's wrong. We tapped Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon and Founder of Luxurgery, Dr. Sachin M. Shridharani, and Board-Certified Dermatologist at Marmur Medical, Dr. Rachel Westbay, for this very important task. They told us all about the potential causes and instant solutions to our puffy eyes and face. Plus, the best products to get!
What Are The Causes Of Puffy Eyes & Face In The Morning?
"Morning puffiness is usually caused by fluid retention that builds up overnight. When you’re lying flat, fluid can pool around the eyes and face. Other common triggers include high sodium intake, alcohol, dehydration, allergies, lack of sleep, and even crying," Dr. Westbay told E!.
"Hormonal fluctuations can also play a role. Aging is another factor, as the loss of collagen and facial support makes areas like the under-eyes more prone to fluid pooling, leading to visible puffiness," Dr. Shridharani said.
Expert Tips To Depuff Face & Eyes
The secret to depuffing is to start the night before. "First, getting adequate sleep is paramount. Slight head elevation, about 10 to 30 degrees, using a couple of pillows, can help promote gravitational drainage and reduce facial fluid retention," Dr. Shridharani told E!. "Staying well hydrated is also important, as dehydration can paradoxically worsen swelling by triggering fluid retention."
Dr. Westbay recommends rinsing your face with cool water or using a chilled product to make an immediate difference. "Long-term, incorporating lymphatic drainage massage helps move excess fluid and reduce that 'stagnant' look," she said.
Best Depuffing Skincare Products, Recommended by Experts
"Look for lightweight, cooling formulas that help reduce fluid retention and calm inflammation," Dr. Westbay explained. "Caffeine-based eye treatments are great for constricting blood vessels and reducing swelling, while hyaluronic acid helps rebalance hydration. Soothing ingredients like aloe also help take down puffiness quickly."
"I often suggest keeping eye products in the refrigerator for an added decongesting effect. Cooling helps constrict blood vessels, which can reduce pooling in the under-eye area," Dr. Shridharani told E!.
The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG Depuffing Eye Serum
Dr. Westbay recommended this eye serum that promises to depuff your under-eye area with its targeted caffeine formula. "[It's] a lightweight, affordable option that targets puffiness and dark circles," she said.
Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Hydra-Gel Eye Patches
These gel eye patches from Peter Thomas Roth are infused with hyaluronic acid, ceramide NP, hydrolyzed collagen, and caffeine to refresh and hydrate your under-eyes. "[It's] ultra-hydrating and great kept in the fridge for an instant depuffing effect." Dr. Westbay told E!.
ALASTIN Restorative Eye Complex
"One of my favorite products is the Alastin Restorative Eye Treatment, which I love for under-eye puffiness. I use it myself, especially with frequent travel, seasonal allergies, or general fatigue from a busy schedule," Dr. Shridharani told E!. "It contains TriHex Technology, which helps clear damaged collagen and elastin fragments that weaken periorbital skin support."
rhode Caffeine Reset Sculpting Cream Mask
Rhode's new cream mask will leave your tired skin looking depuffed, lifted, brighter, and refreshed with its formula of caffeine, vanillyl butyl ether, and peptides. "I didn’t want to like this, but I’m in love!! Using it in the morning is such a wonderful experience," said a reviewer.
Dr. Idriss The Depuffer Redness Reducing + Depuffing Roll-On Serum
This serum promises short-term and long-term depuffing results and relieves redness. The cooling metal roller will give your skin a relaxing lymphatic drainage massage, while the formula soothes with its ingredients of arnica, centella Asiatica, and niacinamide.
Party of You Cryo When I Want To Depuffing Face + Eye Roll-on Serum
Looking for a more affordable serum with a metal roller? This one by Party of You promises to leave your skin soothed, calmed, energized, and moisturized with its formula of caffeine, arnica oil, squalane, and vitamin E for under $15.
Best Skincare Tools To Instantly Depuff Your Face & Eyes
There are plenty of skincare tools that promise to depuff your face and eyes in the morning. For Dr. Westbay, tools that implement cold therapy and lymphatic drainage are the fastest way to see depuffing results. Dr. Shridharani agreed, recommending classic cold spoons or a chilled eye mask that helps lower your inflammation.
Angela Caglia Gold Cryo Facial Set
Dr. Westbay specifically recommended the gold cryo facial set by Angela Caglia, crafted by an esthetician and used alongside your favorite face oil. "[It] stays cold longer and delivers an instant tightening, depuffing effect," she said.
Esarora Ice Roller for Face & Eye
"Ice rollers can also help reduce swelling and redness," Dr. Shridharani told E!. There are so many ice rollers to choose from, but these by Esarora are beloved by celebrities and thousands of shoppers alike.
MOUNT LAI Stainless Steel Gua Sha
"Gua sha tools, when used with light pressure, can encourage lymphatic drainage. While there are no definitive clinical trials supporting this, it is widely reported anecdotally that patients see benefits," Dr. Shridharani told E!. "When used properly, these tools can noticeably reduce puffiness within minutes and are especially helpful before events or travel."
NuFACE MINI+ Smart Petite Microcurrent Starter Kit
Dr. Westbay recommends microcurrent tools like the NuFACE, which sculpts, contours, tightens, and smooths your face. "[It's] great for sculpting and toning while minimizing puffiness over time," she told E!.
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The E! Insider Shop editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, comb through customer reviews, and use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers.
As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think our readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not E!. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.
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