How to Remove Bags Under Eyes

Looking in the mirror and noticing puffy, swollen bags under your eyes? You’re not alone. Bags under the eyes, also known as eye puffiness, is one of the most common conditions that almost everyone experiences at some point in their lives.

Whether you woke up this way or have been dealing with persistent under-eye bags, understanding the causes and solutions can help you restore a more youthful, refreshed appearance.

Under-eye bags occur for various reasons, including excessive crying, genetics, physical stress, hormonal changes, dermatitis, sinus problems, hangovers, weather changes, lack of sleep, poor diet, and allergic reactions.

This condition often triggers dark circles under your eyes, making it important to address bags under your eyes effectively. Here we provide comprehensive information about under-eye bags and eye puffiness, along with important treatments to reduce bags under your eyes.

Read More: Home Remedies for Healthy Eyes: 6 Tips to Support Vision Naturally

Causes of Bags Under the Eyes

According to experts, the primary cause of bags under your eyes is aging. The thin skin under your eyes begins to change as your body ages. This condition may result in weakening of your eyelids and the migration of fat from your upper eyelid to the lower eyelid. Therefore, bags under the eyes in both men and women are most commonly caused by aging.

“The most common cause of under-eye bags or puffiness is natural aging,” says Shaun Desai, M.D., a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon at Johns Hopkins Center for Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

“Older skin becomes too lax and tends to fall or wrinkle. The muscles and tissues around the eye can also weaken and contribute to the baggy look. This weakening allows the fat surrounding the eye to bulge out, creating that bubble-like appearance.”

Aging also results in fluid becoming trapped in your eyelids. This condition of fluid retention, also known as edema, may cause puffy eyes. Your eyes may appear less puffy after you start blinking throughout the day compared to when you first wake up in the morning.

Other major causes of bags under your eyes include:

• Genetics
• Fluid retention
• Overexposure to the sun
• Allergies
• Lack of sleep
• Crying
• Unhealthy diet
• Various other health conditions

Read More: 14 Natural Home Remedies for Treating Undereye Dark Circles

How to Get Rid of Bags Under Eyes

Various treatments are available to cure bags under the eyes. Some are simple, such as drinking plenty of water, while others include cosmetic surgery. We’ve listed some of the major treatments to eliminate eye puffiness or bags under your eyes.

1. Get Quality Sleep

“Decreased sleep time and poor quality sleep can contribute to bags under the eyes,” said Kimberly English, MSN, RN, FNP, a nurse practitioner on the medical staff at Scott & White Sleep Institute.

Adults should aim for 7-8 hours of sleep. Research shows that inadequate sleep is correlated with reduced skin health and accelerates skin aging. Creating a sleep routine can help you get the required rest. For better sleep at night, follow these important tips:

• Make a strict sleep schedule
• Don’t consume caffeine at least 6-12 hours before bedtime
• Avoid alcohol consumption before going to bed
• Have dinner exactly 2 hours before bedtime
• Turn off all electronic devices one hour before bedtime

2. Address Allergies

It’s important to consult with your doctor if you have seasonal allergies. Various allergies may cause redness, swelling, and puffiness around your eyes. This also leads to frequent eye rubbing, which may increase puffiness. Your doctor can provide relief from various symptoms through helpful eye drops or medications.

3. Drink Plenty of Water

If your under-eye bags are due to dehydration, drinking plenty of water will help keep your skin healthy. The daily recommended water intake is 1-2 liters every day.

To remind yourself to drink water, create hourly reminders on your phone. You can also use refillable water bottles and mark them with times to ensure you drink enough water daily.

Read More: How to Get Rid of Watery Eyes

4. Limit Alcohol Consumption

Completely avoiding or limiting alcohol consumption, as well as other drinks that cause dehydration, may help eliminate bags under your eyes.

You can drink lots of water instead. You can also add juices and natural flavors to water and drink this infused water for better benefits.

5. Increase Potassium Intake

Potassium consumption is important for the body as it helps eliminate excess water from the body. Increase potassium intake by consuming more bananas, beans, yogurt, and green leafy vegetables.

Also, consult with your doctor about appropriate potassium levels. If your daily potassium intake is lower than the required levels even after following a potassium-rich diet, they may suggest potassium supplements.

6. Reduce Salt Intake

Salt consumption leads to fluid retention in your body and may trigger health problems, including stroke. It’s important to keep your salt consumption below 1,500 mg daily. If you exceed this limit, ensure you don’t go beyond 2,400 mg.

To reduce salt consumption, avoid eating processed foods, restaurant meals, pickles, cheese, and other processed foods. Packaged foods are also high in sodium.

You can opt for more whole foods, such as fruits and vegetables.

Read More: Everything You Should Know About Black Eye

Home Remedies for Bags Under Your Eyes

Some of the best home remedies for bags under the eyes are listed below. These remedies don’t cause side effects when used properly.

1. Cucumbers

Chilled cucumbers are highly effective for treating puffy eyes. The enzymes and astringent properties of cucumbers help reduce inflammation and tighten the skin. Using cucumbers also helps eliminate wrinkles and dark circles around your eyes.

• Cut the cucumber into slices
• Store these slices in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes
• Place these chilled slices on your eyes until they become warm
• Use this process daily

2. Egg Whites

Egg whites contain skin-tightening properties that help remove bags under eyes along with wrinkles.

• Put egg whites from 2 eggs in a bowl, separating the yolks
• Whip the egg whites until you achieve a stiff consistency
• Add some witch hazel, an astringent that helps with skin-tightening
• Apply this mixture under your eyes
• Leave it for 10-15 minutes or until it dries
• Repeat the process for a few days

3. Potatoes

Potatoes are rich in starch, which is effective for eliminating bags under the eyes. They contain anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce under-eye bags. Additionally, this remedy is useful for treating dark circles.

• Take a medium-sized potato
• Peel, wash, and dry it
• Grate the potato and tie the grated potato in a cloth
• Place this cloth on your eyelids for a few minutes
• Repeat the process until the puffiness is reduced

Read More: 10 Easy Hacks Using Castor For Dark Circle Removal

4. Salt Water

Salt water is an excellent remedy to reduce swelling and bags under your eyes. This saltwater solution also helps eliminate fluid retention.

• Add ½ teaspoon of salt to 4 cups of warm water
• Dip cotton balls in this solution and place them on your eyelids
• Leave for a few minutes
• Repeat the method for 15-20 minutes

5. Strawberries

Strawberries contain alpha-hydroxy acids that help make the skin smooth and youthful. Additionally, they help reduce swelling and under-eye puffiness.

• Store strawberries in the refrigerator for 30 minutes
• Remove them and cut off the tops
• Slice them into thick pieces
• Place these slices under your eyes for a few minutes

Best Creams for Bags Under Eyes

Many under-eye creams are available in the market that you can try to reduce eye puffiness. However, you should always look for key ingredients such as chamomile, arnica, and cucumber in your cream. These ingredients are highly effective in reducing inflammation and tightening the skin.

Under-eye makeup products should also contain caffeine in significant amounts. This will help reduce puffy eyes and dark circles.

Take Action Against Under-Eye Bags Today

Don’t let bags under your eyes affect your confidence any longer. Start with simple lifestyle changes like improving your sleep schedule and staying hydrated, then incorporate gentle home remedies like cucumber slices or cold compresses.

If your under-eye bags persist or worsen, consult with a dermatologist or healthcare provider to explore more advanced treatment options. Remember, consistency is key – most natural remedies take several weeks to show noticeable results, so be patient and stick with your chosen approach.

Read More: 16 Effective Cures For Dry Eyes That Work Like Magic

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does it take to see results from home remedies?

Most home remedies for under-eye bags show initial improvements within 1-2 weeks of consistent use. However, significant and lasting results typically require 4-6 weeks of regular application. The timeframe varies depending on the severity of your under-eye bags and the underlying causes.

Are under-eye bags permanent?

Under-eye bags caused by aging and genetics tend to be permanent without medical intervention. However, bags caused by lifestyle factors like lack of sleep, dehydration, or allergies can be temporary and may improve with appropriate lifestyle changes and treatment.

When should I see a doctor about my under-eye bags?

You should consult a healthcare provider if your under-eye bags are accompanied by pain, itching, redness, or vision changes. Also seek medical advice if the bags appear suddenly, affect only one eye, or don’t improve with home remedies after several weeks.

Can allergies cause under-eye bags?

Yes, allergies are a common cause of under-eye bags. Seasonal allergies can cause redness, swelling, and puffiness around the eyes. The frequent rubbing that often accompanies allergic reactions can worsen the appearance of bags.

Do eye creams really work for under-eye bags?

Eye creams containing active ingredients like caffeine, retinol, hyaluronic acid, and peptides can help improve the appearance of mild under-eye bags by tightening skin and reducing inflammation. However, they’re most effective for early signs of aging and may not significantly impact severe or genetically-determined bags.

Is it safe to use home remedies on the delicate eye area?

Most natural home remedies, like cucumber slices, cold compresses, and gentle massage, are safe for the eye area. However, always patch test new ingredients first and avoid getting any substances directly in your eyes. If you experience irritation, discontinue use immediately.

Can drinking more water really help with under-eye bags?

Yes, staying properly hydrated can help reduce under-eye bags, especially if they’re caused by fluid retention or dehydration. When you’re dehydrated, your body retains water, which can contribute to puffiness. Drinking adequate water helps maintain proper fluid balance.

What’s the difference between under-eye bags and dark circles?

Under-eye bags are physical swelling or puffiness of the skin and tissues beneath the eyes, while dark circles are discoloration of the skin in the same area. The two conditions often occur together but have different causes and may require different treatments.