Tips For Refreshing Puffy Eyes After A Long Plane Ride From Our Dermatologist

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Whether it's a girls' trip, honeymoon, or solo adventure, few things are as exciting as travel. But if you need to board a long-haul flight to reach your destination, then unfortunately, that fun comes with a few downsides. Namely, flying for hours can do a number on your face. Think chapped lips, breakouts, dullness, and —  annoyingly for those wanting to start their vacation looking fresh as a daisy — puffy eyelids. 

"Eyelids become puffy as a result of water retention," Dr. Brendan Camp, double-board-certified dermatologist of MDCS Dermatology, explains in an exclusive chat with Glam. "This may be more likely to occur on a long flight as a result of reduced mobility, interrupted sleep, and the consumption of foods and beverages that promote fluid retention." If you've ever flown for, say, more than seven hours, you probably know the condition well. The eyelids swell and may become red, as well as tender to the touch. There's also no hiding them with concealer, even if you have time for a quick trip to the bathroom before landing.

While puffy eyelids are unsightly, uncomfortable, and no way to start an exciting trip, there are a few ways you can reduce the likelihood of them occurring. "To prevent puffy eyes on a long flight, avoid eating salty foods, caffeine, and alcohol," notes Dr. Camp. "Stay hydrated by drinking water, and get up and move around the cabin to encourage circulation." However, if you don't have a chance to prevent your lids from puffing up, there are also a few things you can do to calm them down again. After all, taking care of your skin post-flight is key for a healthy traveling complexion — eyes included.

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.