

Causes of Bags Under Eyes |
Puffy Eyes Treatment |
Home Remedies to Get Rid of Bags Under Eyes |
When to See a Doctor |
Conclusion |
The mild swelling or bags under eyes is a general sign of wear and tear of the tissues around the eyes. As we age, the tissues around the eyes and the muscles supporting the eyelids begin to weaken, fat moves to the lower eyelid and makes the under-eye region appear swollen and puffed. But the causes of bags under eyes aren’t just limited to ageing. Read through to know what causes puffy under eyes and what a puffy eyes treatment must include.
Causes of Bags Under Eyes
The main reason behind the appearance of bags under eyes is the weakening of the tissues and muscles supporting the eyelids. As the skin begins to sag, fat moves into the area below the eyes. These spaces fill up with fluids, leading to puffy under eyes. Besides ageing, the other causes of bags under eyes are:
- High dietary salt intake
- Not getting adequate sleep
- Allergic reaction or sensitivity
- Prolonged exposure to the sun
- Habitual smoking
- Alcohol abuse
- Hereditary
- Dehydration
In addition to these, bags under eyes can be a sign or symptom of an underlying medical condition. These include:
- Dermatitis or eczema – a common skin problem
- Dermatomyositis – inflammatory skin disease
- Chronic or acute kidney problems
- Thyroid eye disease
Puffy Eyes Treatment
Puffy eyes treatment seldom requires medical intervention. Medications, therapies, and eyelid surgery to get rid of bags under eyes should be considered as the last resort only in most severe cases. Thankfully, the milder appearance of puffy under eyes can be reduced through home remedies and lifestyle changes. These include:
- Sleep Well
Make sure you sleep enough. Having a good night’s sleep regularly helps reduce bags under eyes. It is also important to follow the same bedtime routine every day. So, stick to sleep schedules.
- Sleep with Your Head Slightly Raised
Elevating your head up with a few pillows will avoid fluid accumulation which causes bags under eyes. In case the problem persists, opting for wedge pillows or bed risers will be a viable option. They mimic the effect of propped up pillows and are more comfortable to use.
- Apply a Cold Compress
A cold compress helps reduce puffy under eyes. Applying cold to the swollen eye bags causes the blood vessels to constrict quickly. Thus, this is an effective way to seek quick but temporary relief.
- Stay Hydrated
One of the main causes of puffy under eyes is dehydration. Drinking adequate water to keep the body fully hydrated is a good way for under eye bag removal.
- Take an Anti-Allergic Medicine
If the puffy under eyes are a result of cold and runny nose, an anti-allergic medication will help get rid of bags under eyes. You can choose any over-the-counter allergy medicine for the purpose. It will also provide relief from redness as well as watery and itchy eyes.
- Reduce Salt Intake
High salt intake triggers fluid retention in the body which can cause puffy under eyes. So, reducing your daily sodium intake is a straightforward method to get rid of bags under eyes.
- Increase Potassium Intake
Potassium performs a reverse role than sodium. It helps the body get rid of excess fluids. So, adding up potassium to your daily diet can reduce the effect of puffy under eyes caused due to excessive salt intake.
- Use a Good Under Eye Cream
A good under eye cream is rich in Vitamin A or retinol. The ingredient helps improve collagen deficiency. Collagen is the protein found in the skin tissues. It is vital for providing structural support to the skin tissues. Collagen deficiency makes the skin weak and saggy. You can also eat collagen-rich foods to make up for the deficiency.
- Avoid Alcohol
Alcohol is a diuretic. It leaves the body dehydrated which in turn increases the appearance of bags under eyes. Avoiding alcohol is an easy and effective puffy eyes treatment.
- Quit Smoking
The nicotine in tobacco disrupts the natural sleep cycle which directly leads to fluid accumulation in the under eye region. Smoking also affects the skin quality, making it dull and wrinkled. These traits increase the appearance of puffy under eyes.
- Increase Iron Intake
Anaemia can reduce the quantum of blood supply in the body. Iron deficiency can cause pale skin, dark circles, and puffy under eyes. So, to get rid of bags under eyes, take a diet that is rich in iron.
- Limit Your Sun Exposure
The skin surrounding the eyes is thin and sensitive. Excessive sun exposure and an extreme heatwave can cause the skin around the eyes to swell, leading to puffy under eyes. Limit your sun exposure in the hot summer season. Also, don’t forget to wear sunglasses, carry an umbrella, and apply good sunscreen whenever you step out in the sun.
Home Remedies to Get Rid of Bags Under Eyes
In addition to the aforementioned lifestyle changes, a few kitchen secrets can help you get rid of bags under eyes, quickly and effectively. These are:
- Chilled tea bags: Caffeine is a powerful ingredient (antioxidant and anti-inflammatory) that helps cure puffiness under the eyes. Apply used tea bags on the eyes after refrigerating them for 20 minutes. Let them stay for up to 30 minutes.
- Cucumber slices: Cucumber has a high water content that hydrates the eyes well. It is also rich in nutrients that help soothe itchy skin. Cut a cucumber into thin slices and refrigerate them for about 20 minutes. Apply them to the eyes and let them stay for up to 30 minutes.
- Potato slices: Potato is rich in catecholase, an anti-inflammatory and skin-bleaching enzyme. Furthermore, its starch component draws out toxins from the skin. Cut a potato into thin slices and refrigerate them for about 20 minutes. Apply them to the eyes and let them stay for up to 30 minutes.
- Egg white: Egg white is a potent skin-tightening agent. Whisk the white portion of an egg and apply it to the eyelids and area around the eyes. Let it dry before you wash it away with cold water.
- Chilled spoon: This is probably the easiest way to relax the eye area for a while. Take two steel spoons and cool them in the refrigerator’s freezer compartment for 10-15 minutes. Simply place them on your eyes and lie down to relax until they get to room temperature. The cooling effect of steel spoons will constrict blood vessels immediately, providing instant relief to puffy under eyes.
- Cotton pads dipped in green tea: Green tea is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Its caffeine component helps improve blood circulation. Refrigerate green tea for about 15 minutes. Dip cotton pads in chilled green tea. Remove the excess liquid and apply it to your eyes.
When to See a Doctor?
Puffy under eyes are rarely a sign of an underlying medical condition. However, if the bags under eyes fail to settle despite following prolonged home treatment and incorporating lifestyle changes, it’s time to see a doctor.
Conclusion
Puffy under eyes is a common condition. Although typically age-related, it may also surface because of several temporary reasons. In most cases, the condition will be self-limiting and will settle within a few days. However, for the age-related appearance of bags under eyes, a prolonged treatment plan which includes lifestyle changes and home remedies will help reverse the effect. But it is good to see a doctor if you experience chronic eye puffiness.