Excess swelling or inflammation around the eyes occurs naturally as you age. The bags occur when fat or fluid migrates into the spaces in your lower eyelid area, according to MayoClinic.com. Combating the cosmetic concern is a problem for both men and women alike. Products are available over-the-counter for men to help with puffiness and baggy eyes, but there are home remedies that may help. Before trying these remedies, consult your health care provider to discuss potential risks.
Step 1
Moisten a washcloth with cold water or wrap ice cubes in a dry washcloth. In addition, replacing the washcloth and ice cubes with a frozen bag of vegetables is an alternative. Lie down, close your eyes and place the cold item on top of your eyelids until it starts to get warm. Dr. Marianne O'Donoghue, an associate professor of dermatology at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois, suggests using the cold compress method three to four times daily.
Step 2
Place one piece of thinly sliced cucumber on each eye while lying down. Allow the cucumber to rest on the eye area for 15 minutes. Cucumber contains an astringent and has a cooling effect that helps constrict blood vessels and reduces inflammation and irritation in the eye area, according to the GrannyMed website.
Step 3
Place two tea bags in the freezer until cold. Wrap the tea bag in a tissue. Lie down and apply the wrapped tea bag to your eye socket area, while your eyes are closed. Leave it on the area for five minutes. Tannin, one the main ingredients in tea, acts as a natural astringent that may help tighten the skin while reducing bagginess, according to O'Donoghue.
Step 4
Add an extra pillow under your head while sleeping. MayoClinic.com suggests that elevating the head of the bed or sleeping with your head elevated a few inches may help prevent fluid from building up around your eye area.
Step 5
Drink more water. Consuming eight 8-oz. glasses of water helps to promote healthy body functions and eliminates the excess salt and toxins that cause swelling and inflammation. In addition, reducing your salt intake helps reduce water retention.
Tips and Warnings
- Get enough sleep, at least six to eight hours. Reducing stress through exercise, yoga or meditation might help improve your skin and overall health. In addition, allergens cause puffy eyes, so avoiding allergen triggers is advisable.
- Tea may stain your skin. Wrap the tea bags before application and close your eyes to avoid stinging from the tannic acid.
Things You'll Need
- Washcloth
- 2 to 3 ice cubes or frozen bag of vegetables
- 2 cucumber slices, thin
- 2 tea bags
- Tissue
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