Tired and Sleepy-Looking Eyes? Here's How to Refresh Them Without Makeup

Do you ever feel like you always have tired and natural sleepy eyes? It can be tough to get through the day when you don't feel like your best self.

Even when you get a good night's sleep, sometimes your eyes can just look exhausted.

Swelling, tired eyes with dark eyebags underneath are a concern that affects everyone of all ages, from tense college students to women in their golden years who try to keep up with their anti-aging eye cream.

So if you're looking for ways to refresh your tired and sleepy-looking eyes and under eye bags without relying so much on eye makeup, we got you covered. Read on for some tips and tricks!

What Causes Tired Eyes?

For some, tired eyes are manifested by redness and puffiness. In contrast, it's the drooping skin around the lids and under-eyes that exaggerates tiredness and weariness for others.

Some people are born with darker skin under their eyes. Still, there are other reasons why your eyes might appear tired and sleepy, with many distinct symptoms.

The following are some of the most frequent reasons for tired-looking eyes, as well as what really happens when you fall victim to them:

1. Eye strain

We live in a digital world, and because of that, we tend to spend a lot of time looking at a computer screen.

Whether it's our phones, laptops, or even the TV, all those digital screens can lead to eye strain.

Eye strain happens when your eyes get tired from extended use, which can cause symptoms like headaches, neck pain, and of course, tired eyes.

If you find that your eyes are frequently tired and strained, it might be time to give them a break.

Make sure to take breaks often, especially if you're working on something that requires intense concentration.

2. Allergies

If you suffer from seasonal allergies, chances are your eyes have been affected too.

Allergies can cause eye irritation, redness, and swelling, all of which can make your eyes appear tired and sleepy.

In some cases, allergies can also cause watery eyes, further exaggerating the appearance of tiredness.

If you think your tired eyes might be caused by allergies, talk to your doctor about what treatment options are available to you.

They might recommend over-the-counter or prescription medication and some lifestyle changes that can help lessen the symptoms.

3. Smoking

We all know that smoking is bad for our health, but did you know that it can also cause tired eyes?

Smoking can actually contribute to the development of dark circles under your eyes.

This is because the nicotine in cigarettes narrows blood vessels, which reduces circulation.

When blood isn't circulating properly, it can cause the skin under your eyes to appear darker and more hollow.

So if you're looking to refresh your tired eyes, one of the best things you can do is quit smoking.

Not only will it be better for your overall health, but your eyes will thank you too!

4. Drug use

Both legal and illegal drugs can cause your eyes to appear tired and sleepy.

This is because they can cause dehydration, leading to dryness and redness in the eyes.

In some cases, drug use can also cause dark circles under the eyes.

So if you're using any type of drug, be sure to stay hydrated and take breaks often to rest your eyes.

You might also want to talk to your doctor about any possible side effects that the drug might have on your eyesight.

Or better yet, try to kick the habit altogether!

5. Lack of sleep

This one might seem obvious, but it's worth mentioning nonetheless. One of the most common reasons for tired eyes is simply lack of sleep.

When you don't get enough rest, it can take a toll on your whole body, including your eyes.

Lack of sleep can cause dark circles, puffiness, and even wrinkles that not even an eye cream can fix!

So if you're looking to refresh your tired eyes, make sure you're getting enough shut-eye.

How much sleep does an average person need? Most adults need at least seven hours of sleep per night, so try to get as close to that as possible.

You might also want to consider establishing a bedtime routine to help you wind down before going to sleep.

6. Fluid retention

Fluid retention, also known as edema, is when your body holds onto excess fluid.

This can happen for various reasons, such as pregnancy, menstruation, or even standing for long periods of time.

When this happens, the extra fluid can cause swelling in the tissue around your eyes, making them appear puffy and tired.

If you think fluid retention might be the cause of your tired eyes, talk to your doctor about what you can do to reduce the swelling.

They might recommend elevating your head when you sleep, wearing loose-fitting clothing, or even taking diuretics.

7. Skin aging

As we age, the skin around our eyes becomes thinner and less elastic. This can cause several problems, such as wrinkles, sagging skin, puffy eyes, and dark circles. Harmful UV rays can also penetrate your skin much easier.

All of these can make your eyes appear tired and sleepy.

As you get older, your skin's elasticity fades. Fats and fluids in the eyes can build up in your lower eyelids, making them look puffier.

Having saggy skin on top of looking tired makes you look even worse.

When you get older, collagen production slows down as well, leading to fine lines and wrinkles.

The delicate skin around your eyes can appear thinner and more transparent, making blood vessels more apparent than before.

Best Home Remedies For Tired-Looking Eyes

You can do a few things at home to help refresh your tired eyes. Try some of these simple tips for a few minutes and see how they work for you!

1. Cucumber slices

Cucumbers are a great way to refresh tired eyes.

The cool temperature and the high water content can help reduce puffiness and irritation.

Simply place a few slices on your eyes for about 15 minutes and then remove them.

The next time you're feeling tired, try reaching for a cucumber instead of a cup of coffee!

2. Green Tea Bags

Green tea bags  can also be used to refresh tired eyes, fine lines and wrinkles, and swollen skin. The caffeine in the tea can help constrict blood vessels and reduce inflammation.

Simply steep two tea bags in hot water for about three minutes.

Then, remove them from the water and place them over your eyes for about 15 minutes.

Applying tea bags are an excellent option for those mornings when you wake up with puffy eyes, especially when you spent the night before bawling your eyes out!

3. Facial massage

A gentle massage can also help reduce puffiness and inflammation in your entire face.

Simply use your fingers to massage the skin around your eyes for about three minutes.

You could also use a small, handheld massager after you put on eye drops if you prefer. This is a great way to relax and refresh your eyes simultaneously!

4. Ice your face

Applying ice or cold water to your face can help reduce swelling and inflammation.

Simply wrap a few ice cubes in a clean cloth and apply them to your eyes for about 15 minutes.

This is an excellent option if you're looking for immediate relief from tired and puffy eyes!

You could also fill a bowl with cold water and dip your face in for a few minutes.

Do this cold-water method once or twice a week can help reduce the appearance of tired-looking eyes.

5. Strictly follow an anti-aging skincare routine

If you're starting to notice fine lines and wrinkles or dark circles, it might be time to start using an anti-aging skincare routine.

Several products on the market, like an eye cream or vitamin c, can help reduce the signs of aging and dark spots.

Depending on your skin type, you might want to try a hyaluronic acid serum, cream, or even an vitamin c mask.

If you're unsure what would work best for you, talk to a dermatologist or esthetician for what eye cream to pick.

They can help you find the right products and create a customized skincare routine that will help refresh your tired skin!

6. Get enough sleep

This one might seem obvious, but it's important to get a good night's sleep if you want to avoid tired-looking eyes.

Most adults need seven to eight hours of sleep per night.

If you're not getting enough sleep, your body will show signs of fatigue. You might notice that your eyes are more sunken in and that you have dark circles.

Treatments for Tired, Sleepy Eyes

If home remedies don't seem to be doing the trick, a few medical treatments can help.

For instance, if you have allergies or sinus problems, your doctor might prescribe medication to help relieve the symptoms.

If you have bags under your eyes, you might want to consider getting filler injections.

Fillers can help plump up the skin and reduce the appearance of bags.

If you have dark circles, you might want to consider getting laser treatments.

Laser treatments can help stimulate collagen production and improve the appearance of dark circles.

If the puffiness and swelling in the skin around your eyes are continuous and prevent you from carrying out your daily activities, consider having eyelid surgery to correct it.

If your tired eyes are causing you a lot of stress and worry, consider this alternative.

Your surgeon will most likely perform a blepharoplasty. This outpatient surgery removes extra fat from the lids to decrease swelling and provide smoother skin around your eyes.

But if you prefer something less invasive, there are several treatments on the market that can help you tighten and pamper your skin and your eye region.

The Bottom Line

Prevent your eyes from appearing swollen, puffy, and tired by being one step ahead.

Even if your eyes are stubborn and tend to act up now and then with some fluid retention or redness, you can always take action.

Your top priority is to look after your eye area in your own way, whether by one of the remedies we mentioned or by pampering yourself with a skin-tightening treatment at your favorite spa.

After all, your eyes are the windows to your soul, so make sure they always reflect the best version of you!