Your undereye area features a thin layer of skin that can be prone to fluid retention, resulting in puffy eyes. Because the skin is so thin, the presence of fluid can weigh heavily on the face. Also, blood vessels are closer to the skin and when dilated, they can cause the area under the eye to appear puffy. While bags under the eyes can be predetermined by your genetic makeup and age, treatments are available to reduce puffiness.
Step 1
Apply something cool to the eyes, such as a compress made from a washcloth soaked in cold water or a bag of frozen vegetables covered with a tissue or cheesecloth. The cold temperature helps to flush water away from the eyes while also causing inflamed blood vessels under the skin to shrink. Other examples of cold applications to the eyes include sliced cucumbers or potatoes that have been refrigerated prior to slicing.
Step 2
Drink water throughout the day. Water helps to flush sodium from the body that can contribute to bloating. It also hydrates the skin, which can reduce the thinning of the skin that causes bags under the eyes to appear more pronounced. For this reason, you may wish to avoid or limit your alcohol intake, as alcohol can dehydrate the skin.
Step 3
Apply a de-puffing cream manufactured specifically for underneath the eyes. These creams typically contain an agent that helps to tighten the skin under the eyes, such as witch hazel or caffeine, both of which are natural vasoconstrictors, according to "Real Simple" magazine. Because the area underneath the eye tends to be very delicate and thin, applying your typical moisturizer may not provide enough moisturizer and could even be dangerous to the eye. For this reason, use an eye cream only and use as directed.
Step 4
Take an over-the-counter decongestant if the bags under your eyes are allergy-related. Because inflammation in the sinus cavities can in turn cause bags under the eye, taking a medication designed to reduce swelling can help you reduce the presence of bags under the eyes.
Step 5
Get plenty of sleep each night---anywhere from seven to nine hours, according to the Mayo Clinic. Sleep helps to reduce inflammation in the body, leading to a more rested and bag-free appearance. As an added bonus, place a pillow underneath your head, which allows fluid buildup to drain away from the eyes while you sleep.
Tips and Warnings
- If at-home treatments do not sufficiently reduce the appearance of the bags under your eyes, consider a surgical treatment known as blepharoplasty, which involves removal of skin that has lost its elasticity over time to give the area a more taut appearance.
Things You'll Need
- Cold compress
- Eye cream designed to reduce puffiness
- Allergy medication
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