Under-eye bags most often occur as a natural part of the aging process. In some cases, however, individuals may experience puffiness around the eye area as a result of water retention, lack of sleep, allergies or even heredity. Bags under your eyes caused by age or heredity may not completely disappear, but you may diminish their appearance using natural remedies. Bags caused by external factors such as fluid retention typically respond better to natural remedies. Make sure to get enough sleep, drink plenty of water and avoid allergens to keep under-eye bags from returning.
Tea Bag Compress
Black tea contains tannins, astringent plant compounds, that reduce bags under eyes by pulling the skin taut and constricting blood vessels. In the book "Natural Remedies: Nondrug Healing Strategies that Work Best," the Prevention Health Books staff recommends applying a tea bag compress to get rid of under-eye bags. Steep two tea bags in hot water for about five minutes, and then wrap them in paper towels or tissue so they won't stain your skin. Lay the bags over closed eyes while in a relaxed position for about 10 minutes. Repeat daily as needed, to reduce puffiness and bags.
Yogurt and Yeast
Baker's yeast combined with whole-milk yogurt diminishes under-eye bags by oxygenating the skin, according to Diane Irons in her book "The World's Best Kept Beauty Secrets." Try combining a half tsp. fast-acting baker's yeast with one tsp. whole yogurt. Stir until the yeast dissolves, and then dot the mixture under your eyes using a clean makeup brush. Allow the solution to dry and remain on the skin overnight. Rinse clean in the morning. Repeat the treatment daily as needed to reduce under-eye bags and the appearance of dark circles.
Chilled Spoons
Metal spoons chilled in ice water provide an easy, fast and inexpensive way to get rid of under eye bags. The coldness restricts blood vessels, which reduces puffiness. Bridget Doherty, author of "Growing Younger: Age-Defying Secrets for Women," recommends filling a glass with ice water and placing four metal serving spoons in the glass to chill. Wait about five minutes, remove two of the spoons and place them over closed eyes. When the spoons become warm, put them back into the ice water and place the two remaining chilled spoons over your eyes. Continue for about 15 minutes, or until your under-eye bags have diminished.
Vegetable or Fruit Slices
Another way to shrink swollen blood vessels and reduce under-eye bags is placing cold vegetable or fruit slices over the affected area. According to Phyllis A. Balch in her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," potato and cucumbers work best, though apples may also provide some benefit. Slice the vegetable or fruit of choice into quarter-inch thick pieces large enough to cover your eyes. Lie down in a comfortable position, place the slices over your eyes, and allow them to remain for 15 minutes. Repeat daily as needed.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Bags Under Eyes Causes
- "Natural Remedies: Nondrug Healing Strategies that Work Best"; Prevention Health Books Staff; 1999
- "The World's Best-Kept Beauty Secrets"; Diane Irons; 2005
- "Growing Younger: Age-Defying Secrets for Women"; Bridget Doherty, Julia VanTine; 2001
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch; 2006
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