Having puffy bags under the eyes is often considered to be a sign of poor health and simply appears unattractive. It occurs due to mild swelling or puffiness under the eyes that have a tendency to occur as we age. This is partly because surrounding eye tissue and muscles weaken as the years go by. Fat distribution tends to shift with age, as the fat that previously helped support the eyes can move into the lower eyelids, giving the appearance of being puffy.
Bags under the eyes typically do not indicate any serious health concern and are simply cosmetic. The condition does not affect everyone, but some may have a genetic predisposition to developing bags under the eyes. Others can simply be attributed to diet and lifestyle.
Causes and symptoms of puffy eyes
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There are a number of reasons why you may have bags under the eyes. Sometimes, they are more of an acute phenomenon occurring due to stress, allergies, fluid retention, hormonal fluctuations, crying, or a lack of sleep. Other times, however, they may be the result of an underlying condition such as a skin disorder, hypothyroidism, tear gland dysfunction, nephritic syndrome, or pathology of the eye. Some of these underlying conditions will need to be addressed by a medical professional.
Symptoms of puffy eyes include:
- Eye irritation
- Excess tear production
- Obstructed vision
- Redness of the eyelid
- Red and inflamed eyes
- Eye discharge
- Eyelid dryness or flaking
- Pain
- Swelling
- Saggy or loose skin
- Dark circles
How to get rid of puffy eyes fast?
Soothe your eyes
This is done by placing something cool over your eyes. The most common item used to reduce the appearance of bags under the eyes is cucumbers, as they are the perfect shape, size, and texture. Cucumbers can also help get rid of dark circles, making your under eye skin appear youthful and glowing. It is thought that the ascorbic acid and caffeic acid found in cucumbers are responsible for providing these effects.
Put on some concealer
An instant cosmetic solution for under-eye bags and dark circles. Choose a concealer that matches your skin tone and apply it under your eyes with your finger or a cotton ball.
Use tea bags
Tannin is the yellowish or brownish bitter-tasting organic substance that is left over in used tea bags. Once you have a pair of used tea bags that are cool enough to not scald the skin, place them on the eyes much in the same way as you would cucumbers.
Treat your allergies
A common cause of bags under the eyes due to the inflammatory effect that allergies often induce. Certain allergies may only target the facial area, making eye bags even more visible. Therefore, it is in your best interest to treat your allergies before they get worse. It is also good advice to avoid areas that are known allergen sources like flowers, dust, or specific animals.
Sleeping position
Those who sleep on their stomachs or sides are thought to increase the chances of eye-bag development. This is because those positions promote fluid collections under the eyes during sleep. It is recommended to sleep on your back.
Treat your face gently
The skin of the face, especially under the eyes, is considered thin and fragile. It is easy to damage and made weaker with constant neglect or lack of upkeep, leading to even bigger bags. It is recommended to not wear makeup to bed as the chemical found in them can irritate your facial skin throughout the night. Instead, get a good makeup remover and a hydrating moisturizer to use before you go to bed to protect your skin. The use of sunscreen on the face can also help protect the skin from harmful sun rays.
Change your dietary habits
Consuming a diet high in sodium and excessive amounts of alcohol not only wreaks havoc on our health but also on your skin. These substances can lead to water retention, which can cause permanently stretched out eye bags over the long term. By reducing your overall sodium intake and cutting down on the amount of alcohol consumed, you can give your skin the most optimal environment to look its best.
Potato
Slice refrigerated raw potatoes into two halves. Now, gently circle your eyes with the potatoes, then leave them placed on your eyes for about 15 to 20 minutes to help diminish the appearance of bags.
Milk
Using chilled milk, soak a cotton ball or eye pad. Then place on the eyes for 15 to 20 minutes to diminish the appearance of under-eye bags. Making this part of a regular routine will increase this effect.
Oil
Mix a few drops of water into a bowl of vitamin e oil. Using a cotton pad, put the mixture on your eyes for about 20 minutes. This solution will help reduce around-the-eye swelling.
Cold spoons and iced water
Chill four spoons in ice water and place the spoons on your eyes. Switch out the spoons for colder ones, as you allow the used spoons to become cold again. Using cold on your puffy eyes can provide instant relief.
Egg white
Can be applied to the eyes with a brush, the protein in the egg whites will make your skin feel tighter and look less puffy. Apply egg whites under the eyes and leave it there for about 20 minutes before rinsing your face in cold water.
Strawberries
Containing alpha hydroxy acid, strawberries can help make your skin look smooth and young again as well as reduce the appearance of eye bags. To do this, chill some strawberries for 30 minutes, then slice them and place over the eyes for several minutes.
Aloe Vera
Contains an abundance of antioxidants, Aloe Vera can be an effective remedy for reducing puffiness around the eyes and can even help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Aloe Vera can also help improve blood circulation and flush out the fluids, helping to reduce swelling. However, it is advised not to get it in your eyes as it may cause irritation.
Almond oil
Massaging this oil under your eyes every morning can help keep dark circles from appearing.
Ways to get rid of puffy eyes with dietary changes
Most people want a solution to get rid of under-eye bags, but what they don’t realize is that these cosmetic solutions are only temporary, never truly getting rid of the problem. The fight against bags under the eye will take vigilance and perseverance, and it will require you to ditch bad habits. The following are some of the things that if incorporated into your daily routine will help keep puffy eyes at bay.
Eat parsley
Known for supporting kidney function and helping to flush out excess fluid from the body. You can incorporate parsley in salads or even as part of your smoothies or fruit juices. Eating a parsley salad with some light lemon dressing can be a delicious meal.
Drink herbal teas
Known for helping the body get rid of excess fluids and ridding the body of harmful toxins, herbal teas are a great choice for helping prevent fluid retention. Herbal teas can be found in practically any grocery store with some specialty shops catering to the more adventurous.
Add horseradish
A delicious garnish to any dish, this root plant can add a dash of flavor to any recipe. It works in similar fashion to parley, helping promote kidney function. Horseradish is great in sandwiches, salads, or simply as a dip.
Juice it up
By making your own juice from freshly squeezed fruits and vegetables, you can provide your body with important vitamins, minerals, and enzymes that help give your blood circulation the support it needs. Fresh juice can also help rid the body of impurities. However, it is important to understand to fruits are still an abundant source of natural sugar and calories. Making juices that are mostly vegetables will help you get the most out of them while staying healthy.
Eliminate the intake of coffee, carbonated drinks, and alcohol
Cutting these substances can have a great effect on your overall health. While consuming them in moderation is ok, excessive use of either can have a negative effect on the body, leading to fluid retention. It is suggested to replace these drinks with water or herbal teas.
Drink plenty of water
Staying hydrated will cause you to retain less water. This works by making your brain feel that water is not a scarcity. If you don’t drink water for long stretches of time, your body will think it needs to hold on to the water it has for survival.
Less salt
An important mineral required by the body for the balance of water in and out of cells. Drinking water helps to calibrate this balance as it can help flush excess salt.
Restricting diuretics
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Alcohol and caffeine are considered diuretics and can lead to puffiness in the eyes.
Having puffy eyes can be quite distressing and getting rid of them can be a pain. Hopefully, by reading and implementing some of the tips discussed in this article, you can find the best treatment for under-eye bags that work best for you.
Related: What causes burning eyes and how to get rid of it
Mohan Garikiparithi got his degree in medicine from Osmania University (University of Health Sciences). He practiced clinical medicine for over a decade before he shifted his focus to the field of health communications. During his active practice he served as the head of the Dept. of Microbiology in a diagnostic centre in India. On a three-year communications program in Germany, Mohan developed a keen interest in German Medicine (Homoeopathy), and other alternative systems of medicine. He now advocates treating different medical conditions without the use of traditional drugs. An ardent squash player, Mohan believes in the importance of fitness and wellness.
