Circles under the eyes, whether they are dark, puffy or both, are unsightly and can make you appear more tired than you really are. Puffy bags underneath the eyes can be caused by heredity, aging or water retention. Dark circles under the eyes can be caused by sun damage or sinus pressure. Both puffy eyes and dark circles underneath the eyes can be caused by a lack of sleep or allergies. In most cases, you can treat dark circles and puffy eyes at home; they do not require the care of a doctor.
Step 1
Place two cold teabags over the eye area to constrict blood vessels and reduce swelling. To prevent staining your skin, wrap the teabags in tissues before placing them over your eyes. Repeat as needed throughout the day to temporarily reduce the appearance of dark circles and puffy eyes.
Step 2
Use a saline nasal spray to clear nasal congestion and reduce dark circles under the eyes. You can purchase a saline nasal spray kit at the drugstore or grocery store. Spray saline up one nostril at a time, and then blow your nose. Repeat as needed to help clear nasal congestion.
Step 3
Identify and avoid allergies when possible, says ophthalmologist Merrill M. Knopf, M.D. Get a scratch test with an allergist to determine which foods or environments are causing a reaction. If you are unable to avoid the allergy, take an antihistamine to reduce under-eye circles and puffy eyes.
Step 4
Sleep with your head elevated. Place one or more pillows underneath your usual pillow to help raise the head, which can encourage drainage out of the eye area and into the rest of the body, says the Mayo Clinic.
Step 5
Get eyelid surgery or laser skin treatments if you are unable to treat eye circles with home remedies. Eyelid surgery is effective for drooping, sagging eye bags, while laser skin treatments can help reduce dark circles under the eyes due to sun damage or other skin pigmentation issues. Both procedures are performed by cosmetic surgeons and dermatologists.
Tips and Warnings
- Eating salty foods can cause the body to retain fluid underneath the eyes.
- Consult a doctor if you have other symptoms in addition to puffy or dark circles under the eyes.
Things You'll Need
- 2 Teabags
- Tissues
- Saline nasal spray
- Antihistamine
- Pillows
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