Although black bags under the eyes are rarely a symptom of a serious underlying condition, they can add years to your face and make you appear tired and unwell. Black under-eye bags generally affect both genders and develop during adulthood, but they may also appear during childhood, according to MayoClinic.com. Treatment focuses on eliminating the cause of the eye bags to improve appearance.
Step 1
Apply cold compresses to the area beneath your eyes when you awaken in the morning to constrict blood vessels and reduce discoloration. MayoClinic.com recommends chilled teaspoons or frozen vegetables wrapped in a thin towel.
Step 2
Take an over-the-counter or prescription nasal decongestant or antihistamine to relieve nasal congestion, which is the most common cause of under-eye bags, according to the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. Congestion due to allergies, colds and other viruses, and sinus problems causes the blood vessels around the eyes to become larger and appear darker.
Step 3
Elevate your head during sleep to prevent excess fluid from accumulating under your eyes. Raise your head up on extra pillows, sleep semi-upright in a chair, or lift the head of your bed by placing wooden blocks beneath the two front legs of your bed.
Step 4
Wear sunscreen on your face to reduce hyperpigmentation caused by exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays. Dark under-eye discoloration from sun exposure can affect anyone, but it is more common in people with darker skin tones, according to MayoClinic.com. Some cosmetics and moisturizers contain sunscreen, which makes application easier and less time consuming.
Step 5
Limit your consumption of alcohol, caffeine and salt, all of which can contribute to eye bags.
Tips and Warnings
- Black bags under the eyes do not indicate poor health or sleeping problems, according to the Hospital for Sick Children. The National Institutes of Health recommends using a humidifier during sleep and flushing your nasal passages with saline to help alleviate nasal congestion.
Things You'll Need
- Two teaspoons
- Thin towel
- Over-the-counter nasal decongestant
- Sunscreen, SPF 30 or greater
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