Dermatologist-Recommended Tips for Revitalizing Puffy Eyes After a Long Flight

Eye cream can stop puffy eyes in their tracks

So, you’ve been snacking on chips, you had a drink to calm your pre-takeoff nerves, and you forgot to regularly get up during the flight. Don’t panic: Dr. Brendan Camp reveals that a good eye cream can come to your rescue. That’s especially true if it contains caffeine, as there are several benefits of caffeine eye cream for puffiness. “As a vasoconstrictor, caffeine narrows superficial blood vessels in the skin to limit swelling,” he explains exclusively to Glam. 

Drinking coffee might lead to fluid retention, but using the stuff topically can have powerful results. The Garnier Clearly Brighter Anti-Puff Eye Roller is formulated with caffeine and brightening vitamin C, and the roll-on design could be great for those who have puffiness under their eyes, too. Meanwhile, the Good Molecules Yerba Mate Wake Up Eye Gel is a cost-effective and more traditional option designed for use all over the eye, containing hyaluronic acid — an effective hydrator — along with caffeine. Otherwise, for more of a splurge, you could look for something like the Neutrogena Hydro Boost + Caffeine Eye Cream, which also contains peptides and hyaluronic acid. You can use hyaluronic acid anywhere in your skincare routine, so you don’t have to worry about mixing it with other products.

If worse comes to worst and you’ve accidentally packed your eye cream in your checked luggage, turn to good old-fashioned cooling to ease the puffiness. “Ask the flight attendant for a cup of ice to use an ice cube as a cold compress,” Dr. Camp tells us. “Gently massage the lower eyelid area from inside to outside to promote lymphatic drainage.” Puffiness of the eyelids is definitely one of the downsides of flying far away, but if you come prepared, you’ll have the area smooth and settled in no time. Now, check out our travel outfits that are both chic and comfy to have an even smoother experience.