What Causes Eye Bags?
Bags under eyes are caused when the tissue structures and muscles supporting your eyelids weaken. The skin may start to sag, and fat that’s usually around the eye can move into the area below your eyes. Also, the space below your eyes can gather fluid, making the area look puffy or swollen.
What can you do?
Although there are countless products on the market which claim to help de-puff and lighten the area under the eyes, they don’t always work. Drinking more water and applying a cold compress can help shrink eye bags quickly, but the only way to reduce their appearance in the long term is to make a few lifestyle changes. This is especially true if your eye bags and dark circles are genetically inherited. Keep reading to learn how you can get rid of your under-eye bags for good.
Wear sunscreen every day.
Protecting your skin against the sun’s rays can help with a number of dermatological issues, like:
- Premature Aging
- Skin Cancer
- Discoloration
As a result, wearing sunscreen may also help with your under-eye bags and dark circles.
The American Academy of Dermatology suggests that all people wear sunscreen. Broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays is important. So is choosing a formula that is SPF 30 or higher and water-resistant. Reapply as necessary or directed on the package instructions. Choose a daily face moisturizer that’s also SPF 30 or higher.
You can also avoid the sun’s harmful rays by:
- Sitting in the shade
- Wearing protective clothing
- Avoiding tanning beds
Add retinol cream to your routine.
You may have used creams in the past, but concentrating on specific ingredients is key. Retinol creams have been used for a variety of skin issues, including:
- Premature Aging
- Skin Cancer
- Discoloration
This ingredient is related to vitamin A and it comes in cream, gel, or liquid form.
How does retinol help with eye bags? When applied to the skin, this ingredient can improve collagen deficiency. You may find lower concentrations of retinol in different OTC products, but stronger creams require a prescription from your dermatologist.
Retinol is generally applied to skin once a day, about a half hour after washing your face. Don’t use retinol creams or take extra vitamin A if you’re pregnant.
Apply tea bags under your eye.
Tea isn’t just for sipping. You can actually use caffeinated tea bags under your eyes to help with dark circles and bags.
The caffeine in the tea contains powerful antioxidants and may increase blood flow to your skin. It’s also said to protect against UV rays and potentially slow the aging process. Green tea, in particular, has been touted by researchers for its potential anti-inflammatory effects, as shown in one study. To do this:
- Steep two tea bags for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Let the tea bags chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
- Then, squeeze out the extra liquid and apply to your under-eye area.
- Leave the tea bags on for 15 to 30 minutes.
Use a cold compress.
Toss out those pricey creams. Relief from dark circles may be as simple as using a cold compress you make using materials you already own. Applying cold to the area can help the blood vessels constrict quickly for some temporary relief.
Although you can purchase a cold compress at the store, do-it-yourself methods can work just as well.
Some DIY options include a:
- chilled teaspoon
- cool cucumber
- wet washcloth
- bag of frozen veggies
Many causes of swelling and discoloration under the eyes aren’t serious and may respond well to at-home treatment. That said, if you notice these symptoms under just one eye or if they get worse over time, it’s a good idea to visit your doctor. Some cases of under-eye bags may be the result of an infection or other medical issue that needs special attention.
You should see your doctor if your swelling is:
- severe and long-lasting
- joined by redness, pain, or itching
- affecting other parts of your body, like your legs