Struggling With Puffy Eyes? The Most Common Causes, Explained

Take one good look at your family and see if a majority of them also have puffy eyes. If they do, yours are likely caused by genetics more than any other reason. In that case, you can’t do much about your persistent puffiness, unless you resort to dermal fillers or other permanent solutions like surgery. “Simply put, they are caused by fat,” Dr. Brian Brazzo, oculoplastic surgeon, told Real Simple. “It gets worse as we age — as the years go on, those fat pads get a little bit larger and sink down a little bit lower as skin loses its elasticity, so they become more noticeable.”

Yes, your age can play a factor, too. “Weakening of the structural support provided by our muscles, bones, and ligaments cause the protrusion of the anatomical ‘fat pads’ under our eyes,” detailed Dr. Viscusi. “These changes combined with sun damage and maturity-related loss of collagen, hydration, and firmness of the overlying skin lead to the development of under-eye bags and fine lines and wrinkles in this area.”

But while puffiness caused by genetics or age is out of your control, the least you can do is a facial massage to manage the swelling. With your favorite eye cream in tow, all you need to do is perform what’s called a lymphatic drainage massage. “Using a gentle but firm pressure, mimic a ‘J’ motion across your face,” Dr. Mikailov said.