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How to Get Rid of Bags Under the Eyes

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Close-up of a person's right eye. It is greenish hazel with a slight puffiness around the eye.

Under-eye bags can leave you feeling self-conscious and looking tired, even after a full night’s rest. These pesky puffs, scientifically known as periorbital edema, are caused by numerous factors, ranging from lifestyle habits to natural aging. 

The good news? You have various options to help combat them, from natural remedies to noninvasive professional treatments. If you’re tired of waking up to under-eye puffiness, some options you might explore include:

  • Home remedies like cold compresses and facial massage
  • Lifestyle habits like getting more sleep and staying hydrated
  • Skincare products with medical-grade ingredients
  • Professional treatments like radiofrequency (RF) and intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy 

What Causes Bags Under the Eyes? 

Several factors can contribute to the puffy under-eye appearance, including your lifestyle and genetics. Understanding the root causes can help you determine the best approach to address them.

  • Lack of sleep: Sleep deprivation leads to fluid retention and poor circulation around the eyes, causing puffiness and dark circles. 
  • Aging: The skin under your eyes becomes thinner, and collagen production slows with age, making puffiness and fine lines more pronounced. 
  • Fluids and salt retention: Consuming excessive salt can cause your body to retain water, leading to noticeable puffiness around the eyes. 
  • Allergies: Allergies trigger histamine release, which can lead to swelling and redness under the eyes. 
  • Genetics: Sometimes, under-eye bags run in families, and genetics often influence fat distribution and collagen levels. 

Home Remedies for Under-Eye Bags 

Sometimes, the simplest solutions can work wonders. There are a variety of natural remedies you can try to help reduce under-eye puffiness. 

Cold Compresses 

Applying a cold spoon or wet washcloth to the area helps reduce swelling by constricting blood vessels. For the best results, leave it on for 10 minutes. 

Tea Bags 

Green and black tea bags are rich in antioxidants and tannins that soothe puffy areas. Simply steep, cool, and place them over your closed eyes for 15 minutes. 

Facial Massage 

Using your fingertips or a jade roller, gently massage the under-eye area to help boost lymphatic drainage and circulation

Cucumber Slices 

Chilled cucumber slices are packed with water and antioxidants to refresh and hydrate the under-eye area. 

Coconut Oil 

Rich in anti-inflammatory properties, coconut oil moisturizes and soothes, helping to fight puffiness over time. 

An infographic showing the many ways to treat under-eye bags and puffiness at home, with professional treatments as well as prevention methods.

Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Eye Bags 

Simple adjustments to your daily routine can significantly reduce the chances of waking up with eye bags. 

  • Get enough sleep: Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep each night. Sleep on your back with an extra pillow to prevent fluid retention around the eyes. 
  • Stay well-hydrated: Drinking enough water keeps your skin hydrated and flushes out excess salt that contributes to puffiness. 
  • Limit salt intake: High-sodium foods like chips and processed meals can worsen fluid retention. Stick to balanced, low-sodium options. 
  • Protect your skin: Wear sunscreen and sunglasses daily to protect the delicate under-eye area from aging caused by harmful UV rays. 
  • Manage allergies: If you have seasonal allergies, use antihistamines or consult a doctor for allergy management to help minimize swelling. 

Professional Treatments for Persistent Under-Eye Bags 

Struggling with stubborn under-eye bags that refuse to budge? Professional treatments can provide a solution with fast and lasting results. 

Forma Radiofrequency (RF) Technology 

Forma uses RF energy to stimulate collagen production, helping to firm the skin and reduce puffiness over time. 

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy 

Ideal for dark circles caused by pigmentation, IPL therapy targets discolouration under the eyes while reducing puffiness. 

Morpheus8 RF Microneedling 

This innovative treatment combines microneedling with radiofrequency to tighten skin and improve texture around the eyes. 

Exion Fractional Microneedling

This treatment also combines radiofrequency (RF) energy with microneedling, delivering heat and stimulating collagen production to address various skin concerns.

Laser Skin Treatments 

Laser therapies target and stimulate new collagen growth, which smooths out puffy under-eye areas. 

Medical-Grade Skincare 

Dermatologist-recommended products often contain potent formulations designed to address the underlying causes of puffiness and bags. When home remedies and lifestyle changes aren’t enough, these treatments can offer safe, impactful results tailored for your skin’s needs. 

Close-up of a person against a pink background smiling with their eyes closed and pressing on pink under-eye patches.

Skincare Products to Reduce Under-Eye Puffiness 

The right products can be game-changers in your fight against under-eye bags. Look for these key ingredients in your skincare products for noticeable improvement: 

  • Hyaluronic acid: This wonder ingredient hydrates and plumps thin under-eye skin, reducing visible puffiness. 
  • Caffeine: Found in many eye creams, caffeine helps reduce swelling and improve circulation in the area. 
  • Retinol: By increasing collagen production, retinol strengthens the under-eye skin structure for a smoother appearance. 
  • Vitamin C: Antioxidant-rich Vitamin C reduces pigmentation and firms the skin, combating both puffiness and dark circles. 

Consider incorporating reputable products like eye gels, serums, or creams into your skincare routine for added care. 

Feel Refreshed with Help from Our Team 

Waking up with under-eye bags can feel discouraging, but the solution might be closer than you think. From at-home remedies to tailored treatments, there’s no shortage of options available for reducing puffiness and improving your skin. Eager to take the next step? Book an appointment at BEAUTIFY @ Dr. Bishop’s, where our experienced team can guide you to the right solutions—from lifestyle tips to professional treatments. Contact us today to book your consultation.

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