How to Get Rid of Bags Under Your Eyes
If you’re tired of waking up with those bags under your eyes, you’re not alone. This is a common problem that many people deal with, especially as they age. The good news? There are plenty of ways to help reduce the appearance of eye bags and even prevent them from coming back.
Scroll down to know every effective way to get rid of bags under your eyes. We’ll cover causes, lifestyle changes, quick fixes, and medical treatments to give you a range of options.
What Causes Bags Under Your Eyes in the First Place?
According to the Mayo Clinic, bags under the eyes are typically caused by fluid retention, aging, allergies, lack of sleep, smoking, or sometimes genetics. As we age, the muscles and tissues supporting your eyelids weaken, which allows the fat that normally supports your eyes to move into the lower eyelids, creating a puffy appearance.
Additionally, fluid can build up in the lower eyelids, leading to swelling, especially when you’ve had too much salt or haven’t gotten enough rest.
How Your Sleep Habits May Be Making Your Eye Bags Worse
One of the most common contributors to under-eye bags is lack of sleep. When you’re not getting the recommended 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night, fluid retention and dark circles can make those bags look even more pronounced.
Sleep is crucial because it gives your body time to repair itself. If you’re chronically sleep-deprived, you’re more likely to wake up with puffiness under your eyes. Therefore, if you’re serious about reducing bags under your eyes, start by setting a consistent sleep schedule and aiming for better-quality rest.
How Drinking More Water Can Help Reduce Eye Puffiness
Staying hydrated is another extremely essential step. Dehydration can cause the skin under your eyes to look dull and puffy, which makes eye bags appear even worse. Drinking enough water naturally helps flush out excess salt in your system, which is often responsible for fluid retention and swelling. If you’re aiming to improve the appearance of under-eye bags, make sure you’re sipping water consistently.
You Might Need to Cut Back on the Salt in Your Diet
Salt is another big culprit when it comes to puffy eyes. Sodium causes your body to retain water, hence leading to swelling in various parts of your body, including under your eyes. If you often eat salty foods like chips, processed meals, or fast food, you might notice that your eye bags are more prominent. By cutting back on sodium, you can help reduce the puffiness that makes those bags look worse.
How Allergies May Be Causing or Worsening Your Eye Bags
If you deal with allergies, that might be contributing to the puffiness under your eyes. When your body has an allergic reaction, it releases histamines, which can cause swelling and fluid buildup around your eyes. In fact,
multiple studies have shown that common seasonal allergies, dust mites, or even pet dander can make the problem worse. Antihistamines or allergy treatments can often reduce these symptoms and help lessen the appearance of bags under your eyes.
Simple At-Home Remedies That Can Help Decrease Puffiness
You don’t always need to rely on expensive creams or treatments to reduce the appearance of bags under your eyes. There are some simple at-home remedies that many people swear by:
Cold Compress
Applying a cold compress can help reduce swelling by constricting blood vessels and decreasing fluid buildup. You can use a cool, damp washcloth, chilled cucumber slices, or even a spoon that has been cooled in the refrigerator for a few minutes.
Tea Bags
The caffeine and antioxidants in tea can help improve circulation and reduce puffiness. After soaking two tea bags in warm water, chill them in the fridge for about 10 minutes. Place them over your eyes for 15 to 20 minutes to see the benefits.
Elevating Your Head While You Sleep
Sometimes, eye bags are caused by fluid pooling in the lower eyelids. By propping up your head with an extra pillow or two, you can help prevent this fluid buildup. This small change can make a noticeable difference in reducing puffiness the next morning.
Over-the-Counter Eye Creams and Serums That Can Help
If you want to take things up a notch, there are plenty of over-the-counter eye creams and serums that can help reduce or eliminate bags the appearance of bags under your eyes. A review study in the International Journal of Women’s Dermatology demonstrates that ingredients like retinol, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C are often included in these products because of their ability to firm and brighten the skin.
Retinol helps stimulate collagen production, which can potentially make the skin under your eyes look firmer and smoother. Hyaluronic acid is known for its hydrating properties, while vitamin C can help brighten dark circles and improve skin texture.
When Should You Consider Medical Treatments for Eye Bags?
If lifestyle changes and at-home remedies aren’t giving you the results you’re looking for, medical treatments may be an option to explore. According to the Mayo Clinic, there are a few medical procedures that can effectively reduce the appearance of bags under your eyes.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels can help remove or get rid of damaged skin cells and promote the growth of new, healthier skin, which usually can improve the appearance of puffy eyes and dark circles. This procedure is typically performed by a dermatologist or plastic surgeon.
Dermal Fillers
You can propose to your doctor to inject dermal fillers under the eyes to restore lost volume and improve the look of sunken, puffy eyes. This is a non-surgical treatment that can be done in a doctor’s office and usually lasts several months before needing to be repeated.
Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)
For more severe cases, blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) can remove excess fat and tighten the skin around the eyes. This is a more permanent solution, and it’s typically recommended if other treatments haven’t worked.
Make an Appointment with a Specialist If Your Eye Bags Are Persistent
If your under-eye bags are persistent or getting worse, it may be a sign of an underlying health issue. In some cases, eye puffiness can be linked to conditions like thyroid problems, kidney disease, or skin disorders. If you’re noticing sudden or severe swelling under your eyes, it’s important to make an appointment with a specialist to rule out any medical conditions.
