It seems like a zillion products claim to de-puff and lighten the under-eye area – but they don’t always work. The best way to get rid of under-eye bags long-term is to make certain lifestyle changes. Following are several ways to reduce and help eliminate under-eye bags.
Tea bags
Caffeinated tea bags under your eyes can help with dark circles and bags. The caffeine 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. Steep two tea bags for 3-5 minutes, chill tea bags in the refrigerator for 20 minutes, squeeze out extra liquid and apply tea bags to your under-eye area for 15-30 minutes.
Cold compress
Cold compresses help the blood vessels constrict quickly for some temporary relief. You can purchase a cold compress or try an at-home option: chilled teaspoons, cool cucumber slices, chilled wet wash cloth or bag of frozen vegetables. Before applying, wrap your compress with a soft cloth to protect your skin. Apply the compress for a few minutes to see results.
Nasal irrigation device
Some people swear that using a nasal irrigation device like a Neti Pot can help with under-eye bags and dark circles. You fill the device with a salt water (saline) solution and place the spout in your nose to irrigate your sinuses, removing mucus and other debris.
Hydration
Because over 60 percent of our body weight is water, it’s not surprising that dehydration contributes to under-eye bags. Try upping your water intake to see improvement. How much? The recommended amount is about 13 cups of fluids each day for men, and about 9 cups of fluids for women. All fluids count toward your daily total but, of course, water is a top option. Try sparkling waters, flavored waters, or even water infused with fruit. Hot or cold herbal decaffeinated tea is also a good choice.
Antihistamines
Allergies often cause puffy, dark circles under your eyes as well as red, watery, itchy eyes. This reaction is caused by your immune system’s response to something irritating it, a.k.a. allergens. Ask your doctor about over-the-counter (OTC) allergy medications and avoid potential allergens as much as possible. Remember that soaps, makeup, or hair dyes can be allergens. If you’re having trouble identifying the cause, keep a log to see what substances or environmental elements cause the most reaction. If it’s a chronic problem, ask your doctor about allergy testing.
Retinol cream
Retinol creams are used for a variety of skin issues, including acne, psoriasis, aging and certain cancers. This ingredient is related to vitamin A and comes in cream, gel, or liquid form. Retinol helps improve collagen deficiency and therefore can reduce under eye circles. Different OTC products contain lower levels of retinol and stronger creams require a prescription from your dermatologist. Retinol is generally applied to skin once a day, about 30-minutes after cleansing. Don’t use retinol creams or take extra vitamin A while pregnant.
Lightening products
Skin lightening creams contain hydroquinone which interferes with the production of melanin in the skin. This can help reduce the appearance of dark bags or under-eye circles.
Hydroquinone requires a prescription from your dermatologist and you’ll need to use these products regularly to see lasting results. Be aware that the positive effects of hydroquinone are reversed when skin is exposed to sunlight, so you should only apply at night. Dryness, irritation, and other mild skin issues can occur while using skin lightening products so discontinue use if you have a reaction.
Sunscreen
Protecting your skin against the sun’s rays helps with a number of dermatological issues, like premature aging, skin cancer and dis-coloration. As a result, wearing sunscreen may also help with under-eye bags and dark circles. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that everyone wears sunscreen. Broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays is important and you should choose a SPF 30+ water-resistant formula. Don’t forget to reapply as directed. You can also avoid the sun’s harmful rays by sitting in the shade, wearing protective clothing and avoiding tanning beds.
Microneedling
Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is meant to reduce wrinkles, scarring, and even pigment issues, like dark circles and under-eye bags. The procedure involves fine needles that are used to puncture the skin which creates a controlled injury which, in turn, rejuvenates the skin being treated. Not meant for instant gratification, it’s usually performed over the course of six sessions spaced a month or so apart. Microneedling costs less than more traditional laser procedures. There are also some risks (bleeding, bruising, infection and scarring) but the recovery time is relatively fast. This approach is not a good choice for people who have a history of keloids or easily scar.
Collagen-rich foods
Muscles and tissues that support your eyelids weaken with age. This means that skin begins to sag, including fat that’s usually around your eyes. Increasing intake of vitamin C can help your body absorb more hyaluronic acid, an essential acid naturally found in the body that decreases with age. Foods rich in vitamin C and amino acids can also help with collagen production by boosting levels of hyaluronic acid and creating healthier skin. Good sources of vitamin C include oranges, red peppers, kale, brussels sprouts, broccoli and strawberries.
Iron-rich foods
Iron deficient anemia is a condition when the blood is lacking red blood cells – those responsible for carrying oxygen to tissues in the body. Iron deficiency can cause dark circles under the eyes and pale skin. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, cold hands and feet and brittle nails. If you suspect anemia, visit your doctor who can check it with a simple blood test. You may need special iron supplements to get back on track. For milder cases, increasing your dietary intake of iron can help. Iron-rich foods include red meat, pork, poultry, seafood, beans, peas, leafy greens like kale and spinach, raisins, apricots, and other dried fruits and iron-fortified foods like cereals, breads, and pastas.
Limit salty foods
Eating too many salty foods could be a significant factor in under-eye bags. Salt contributes to your body’s fluid retention and can make you puffy overall. It may also lead to other health issues, like heart disease and stroke. The American Heart Association recommends consuming 2,300 milligrams(mg) or less of salt each day. Ideally, adults should consume no more than 1,500 mg of salt each day. One way to lower the salt in your diet immediately is to avoid packaged, processed foods. Instead, follow a diet based on whole foods – fresh fruits and veggies – so you can control the salt content.
Minimal alcohol
Cutting back on alcohol can improve your under eyes, too. Why? It’s about hydration. Alcohol contributes to dehydration, which contributes to bags and dark circles under the eyes. If you’re craving a special drink, try grabbing a flavored sparkling water or infusing regular water with fruit.
No smoking
Smoking depletes your body’s vitamin C, the vitamin responsible for creating healthy collagen in your skin. Smoking contributes to many issues like wrinkles, discoloration, and even under-eye bags and dark circles not to mention a whole host of other health concerns. Quitting can add years to your life, get rid of stained teeth, and reduce your chances of developing diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers.
Remove makeup off before bed
Improving your nightly routine may also help with eye bags. In particular, it’s important to wash your face before bed each night. There are several reasons why you shouldn’t sleep in makeup. First, sleeping with mascara or other eye makeup on can irritate your eyes, create an allergic reaction or an infection that creates redness, puffiness, or other symptoms.
Elevate while sleeping
Elevating your head with extra pillows while you sleep can help your under eyes. This helps prevent the pooling of fluid in your lower eyelids which can create puffiness. If propping up your head is not comfortable, consider elevating the entire top end of your bed a few inches – try special bed risers made specifically for this purpose.
Get enough sleep
In addition to how you sleep, how long you sleep is a huge factor. While too little sleep may not directly cause under-eye circles, it can make your complexion pale and any shadows or dark circles you have will be more obvious. Most adults should aim for seven to eight hours of sleep each night.
Many causes of swelling and discoloration under the eyes are not critical and may respond well to at-home treatment. However, if you notice these symptoms under only one eye or if they are worsening, visit your doctor. Some cases of under-eye bags can be the result of an infection or other medical issues that needs special attention.
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