Bags under the eyes can occur for various reasons. They often appear when you're stressed or lacking sleep and may disappear after you get some rest. 

However, for some people, bags or dark circles become a more permanent feature. Unfortunately, this change is part of the aging process, which affects everyone differently. 

While under-eye bags typically aren't a medical concern, they can be bothersome and may make the face look unhealthy. 

Fortunately, there are several effective home remedies to reduce the appearance of under-eye bags. Below, you'll find information about the common causes of eye puffiness and dark circles, as well as natural short- and long-term solutions.

 

 

Common Causes of Bags Under Eyes

There are several potential causes for puffy, baggy eyes. Allergies, certain medical conditions, and genetics can all contribute to this issue, but the most common cause is the aging process combined with lifestyle factors.

As we age, the skin and tissues around our eyes begin to weaken. This leads to sagging skin and allows fluid to accumulate, making the under-eye area look swollen or puffy. One of the primary reasons for this is the decrease in collagen production that occurs with age. Collagen is a vital component that keeps our skin firm, thick, and elastic. Its loss contributes to wrinkles and other signs of aging, including under-eye bags.

In addition to fluid retention, weakened tissues can also allow fat that usually supports the eyes to shift downward. Furthermore, as blood vessels become more prominent, they can darken the skin under the eyes.

Other common factors that can worsen or accelerate this effect include excess fluid retention, lack of sleep, and smoking.

The good news is that there are natural methods available to help reduce or eliminate bags under the eyes. Some of these methods can provide immediate results, while others may have long-term benefits.

Clear Out Your Sinuses

Clearing out your sinuses can help eliminate allergens that may contribute to puffiness around the eyes. While this method won't reverse bags caused by skin aging, it's an effective way to determine how much of the issue is related to allergies.

One popular method for sinus irrigation is using a neti pot. These devices have become increasingly popular, although they originate from the ancient practice of Ayurvedic medicine. A neti pot allows you to irrigate your nasal passages with a saline solution, helping relieve sinus congestion, a stuffy nose from allergies, and even sinus infections.

By flushing your sinuses regularly, you can help reduce both puffiness and dark circles under your eyes.

Use Tea Bags Under Your Eyes

Placing tea bags on your eyes might sound a bit unusual, but it's an old remedy for reducing under-eye bags. Tea bags are effective mainly because they contain caffeine, which acts as a vasoconstrictor—meaning it constricts blood vessels. This helps reduce puffiness and can also improve the appearance of dark circles. In fact, this is one of the reasons why caffeine has become a popular ingredient in skincare.

Both black and green tea are effective options. Black tea has a higher caffeine content, while green tea is known for its superior anti-inflammatory properties. To use tea bags for this purpose, steep them for 3 to 5 minutes, then chill them completely in the refrigerator. You can apply the cooled tea bags just under your eyes or over your entire closed eyelids. Leave them on for 15 to 30 minutes for the best results.

Reduce Your Salt Intake

Consuming excessive salt can lead to fluid retention, which contributes to puffiness around the eyes. Reducing your salt intake can significantly help minimize or eliminate bags under your eyes.

To achieve this, focus on eating and cooking with fresh, whole foods whenever possible. Use salt sparingly and experiment with other seasonings to enhance flavor without the added sodium. 

Apply a Cold Compress

Cold compresses can be effective for reducing swelling, including puffiness around the eyes. While they provide a temporary solution, a cold compress can have an immediate impact on reducing puffiness that may occur due to lack of sleep or stress.

You can use a small ice pack wrapped in a cloth or any chilled item. Even a cold, damp washcloth can work well. Apply the compress for just a few minutes at a time, and stop once you notice results.

Drink Less (or avoid) Alcohol and More Water

Ironically, dehydration as well as fluid retention worsens under-eye bags and especially dark circles. Alcohol is one thing that dehydrates your body and skin, affecting the area around your eyes.

Cutting back on alcohol consumption can positively affect the health of your entire skin, but the effects will be even greater if you also up your water intake.

Nothing hydrates your body quite like pure water. Improving your hydration will only help under-eye bags, and the effects will be long-lasting.

Work On Natural Allergy Relief

Allergies can either cause or worsen eye puffiness and bags. If you have seasonal allergies, you probably notice that your eyes get puffier and possibly even feel swollen when your allergies flare.

Getting allergies under control can make a huge difference and may even eliminate the bags under your eyes if this is the main cause.

As mentioned, you can use a neti pot to flush allergens from your sinuses. Combine this with other natural allergy remedies, like essential oils and stinging nettle, to help with seasonal allergies. Also, be aware of toxic ingredients in mainstream cosmetics that may be contributing to hidden allergies.

Exercise Your Body (And Your Face)

Exercise is a good way to encourage the drainage of excess fluid. Consistently getting your body moving will help with under-eye bags and is good for your overall skin health as well. In fact, research indicates that exercise is a key component to younger-looking skin.

Besides getting "normal" exercise, you may also want to look into specific exercises for your face.

Face yoga has become a very popular way to tone and tighten facial muscles naturally. It involves specific exercises for your face and neck, mostly designed to make your face look younger. And though the jury is still out on this trend, there is some evidence that a facial workout may indeed reduce signs of aging.

Try a Chamomile Eye Bag

Applying a chamomile tea bag to the eyes is another old remedy for allergies and swelling. It works because of chamomile's strong anti-inflammatory properties and soothing nature for the skin.

To get the most out of this old trick, steep a chamomile tea bag for 10-15 minutes. Let it cool to room temperature, or refrigerate it to get the added benefit of a cold compress. Apply it to your closed eyes for as long as needed.

Chamomile can be effective at temporarily reducing under-eye bags, but keep in mind that some people are allergic to it. Do a skin test with it first if you've never used it before.

 

Place Cucumbers Over Your Eyes

Cucumbers resting on closed eyes are probably the most stereotypical image of going to the spa or getting a facial treatment. However, there may actually be some benefit behind this old tradition.

To start with, chilling cucumbers first helps relieve swelling and puffiness. They also contain some powerful antioxidants that can reduce inflammation under your eyes. And because they are 95% water and contain hydrating nutrients, they can help moisturize your skin.

In fact, some research indicates that cucumbers possess anti-wrinkle and anti-aging activity!

Remove Makeup Before Bedtime

When you get to bed late, it may be tempting to leave your makeup on. However, this can irritate your skin and worsen under-eye bags. It also increases your risk of developing a makeup allergy or an eye infection.

Remove makeup each night, especially around your eyes, using a natural Facial Wash or Makeup Remover to help prevent puffiness from skin irritation.

Get More Sleep and Think About Your Sleep Position

Lack of sleep can cause puffiness and under-eye bags at any age. However, the effects become cumulative as you get older and your body doesn't repair itself as quickly.

Not getting enough rest also causes a paler complexion in many people. It makes bags and dark circles under your eyes more visible.

Besides getting more sleep (7-8 hours is the recommended amount), the way you sleep may also impact your eyes and skin. Sleeping on your back or slightly elevating your head can both help prevent fluid from pooling under your eyes.

Up Your Vitamin C Intake to Boost Collagen Production

Vitamin C has many benefits for skin, but it really shines by boosting collagen production.

Collagen is primarily responsible for keeping your skin plump and free of wrinkles, sagging, and other signs of aging. Your body naturally starts to produce less and less collagen as you get older. It is one of the reasons under-eye bags appear in the first place.

If you want to get rid of bags under eyes for good, restoring collagen levels is really a must.

The good news is that vitamin C is a huge catalyst for collagen production. It helps your body synthesize collagen, promoting skin repair and rejuvenation. You can get it from fruits and vegetables, as well as camu camu and amla powders.

Vitamin B deficiency can also contribute to the appearance of eye bags. High-quality activated B vitamins are essential. My favorite source is the Global Healing brand, which offers B12 in liquid form, and Mary Roth's B-complex liquid drops; both are USDA-certified organic supplements. 

Quit Smoking

Smoking, or being exposed to secondhand smoke, is one of the worst things you can do to your skin. Smoking dehydrates skin and accelerates premature skin aging. The more delicate skin on your face and under your eyes is especially affected.

The reason is that many of the more than 4,000 chemicals in tobacco smoke destroy collagen and elastin. These are the two most important proteins that keep your skin firm, elastic, and youthful!. Smoking can both cause and worsen under-eye bags, dark circles, and skin discoloration, so it's a bad habit to get rid of.

Use Organic Eye Serums

While there are many things you can do on your own to reduce under-eye bags, anti-aging face or eye creams may be the extra boost your skin needs. Their specific purpose is to reduce signs of aging like puffiness and loose skin.

Look for products with plant oils and plant extracts that are USDA Certified Organic, which means they are independently and strictly verified to be clean and non-toxic. (Be careful of products just calling themselves "natural" or "organic," which could mean one ingredient amongst a sea of artificial ingredients. You want to put something on your skin that will truly help renew it, not work against it longer-term with artificial and toxic ingredients!)

A Powerful Solution to Consider

If you're seeking effective help to reduce fine lines under your eyes, consider Vika's Essentials Rosa Dew for rejuvenating the eye area. Just one drop can soften lines and revitalize the delicate skin beneath your eyes with a powerful blend of botanicals, including Rose, Chamomile, Carrot Seed, Fennel Seed, and Lavender. This serum is USDA Certified Organic and EWG Verified.

There are several effective steps you can take to minimize under-eye bags. Many of these steps also provide additional benefits for your skin and overall health, making it a "win-win" situation!