How to Get Rid of Undereye Bags

Under-eye bags are a common frustration that can’t easily be covered with concealer or foundation in the way dark circles can, and FYI: dark circles and under-eye bags aren’t the same thing! Bags are essentially puffiness, while dark circles are the presence of discoloration under and around the eye area.

Under-eye bags can be one of three things.

“First is the protrusion of fat pads of the lower eyelid, which can create a shelf-like appearance to the under-eye,“ explains New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Anetta Reszko, MD. “Second is fluid accumulation around the eye area, giving the periorbital region a swollen appearance. And third is loss of volume.”

On the plus side, it is possible to treat bags under the eyes, and make them appear less noticeable. Here are all the ways you can get rid of undereye bags.

#1: Get Some Beauty Sleep

Lack of sleep is one of the leading causes of under eye bags. When you don’t get enough sleep, blood vessels constrict and leak and mix with eye tissue fluid, leading to puffiness.

Sleep is also important because it will decrease stress levels, enabling your skin to properly regenerate and rejuvenate, promoting a healthy complexion. Stress levels affect the cortisol levels which, in turn, increase the intensity of bags under the eyes.

Aim to get those magical eight hours of shut-eye every night to avoid accentuating puffy eyes — and prevent them from occurring in the first place.

#2: Drink Up!

Hydration is essential for keeping your peepers alert and revived.

“Fluid retention is usually more to blame for under-eye puffiness but dehydration can also play a role,” says Oculofacial plastic surgeon Dr. Chaneve Jeanniton. “Dehydration can make eye bags look worse by amplifying the effects of excess salt, high alcohol or poor sleep. Maintaining proper hydration enhances circulation which helps remove excess fluid from the eye area.”

Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water a day. Keep a bottle on your desk to remind yourself to drink up.

#3: Apply a Cold Compress

A quick treatment option for undereye bags is applying a cold compress to the area. Cold temperatures help constrict blood vessels, reducing swelling swiftly. Dermatologists recommend chilling two spoons in the freezer and pressing them against your eyes to alleviate swelling. You can also use jade rollers or eye creams with metal rollerball applicator tips (refrigerated) to make the eye area appear less puffy and swollen. Or simply chill a soaked washcloth in the freezer and drape it over the skin for instant tightening effects.

In addition to cooling the area, tools like jade rollers and gua sha promote lymphatic drainage, which stimulate blood flow and relieve swelling.

#4: Use the Right Skincare Ingredients

Whether you’re using an eye cream or face mask, seek out products that contain moisturizing, soothing, and collagen production-boosting ingredients such as retinol, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, green tea, and caffeine.

Try our Smooth Bundle, which contains a face mask + serum formulated with vitamin C and vegan collagen booster to bolster the skin, soothe inflammation, and bring down puffiness while lending brightening effects.

#5: Sleep On an Extra Pillow

Often, puffy eyes can be caused by fluid accumulation around the eye area, which typically occurs when you sleep too low down. Add an extra pillow to raise your head, which will enable fluid to drain from your eyes, preventing the formation of under eye bags.

#6: Take an Antihistamine

Allergies can often be the culprit of puffy eyes. If you suspect you may be dealing with an allergy, consult your doctor and ask to be prescribed an antihistamine like Zyrtec or Claritin, both of which can help decrease allergy-induced eye bags. Alternatively, try antihistamine eyedrops which can reduce puffiness surrounding the eyes.

#7: Try a Home Remedy

Looking for a natural way to treat your under eye bags?

Try slicing up a cucumber, popping them in the freezer for 10 minutes, and then placing them over your eyes. It’s an effective home remedy that can treat baggy under eyes and refresh your peepers.

Another great way to alleviate swelling is by applying a cold compress using tea bags. The caffeine in black and green teas constricts the blood vessels within this sensitive tissue, thus reducing puffiness and inflammation, while leaving the area taut.

These caffeine-rich teas also contain antioxidants called flavonoids and tannins that can help to tighten the skin and draw out fluid to further alleviate any puffiness.

#8: Cut Down on Salty Foods

Salt is a big contributing factor to under-eye swelling and puffiness. Ever noticed how your eyes look extra puffy after a night of chips and margaritas? Salt is to blame for that! That’s because salt makes your body retain water, causing puffiness in the face and body.

Cutting back on your fave salty snacks can be extremely helpful when it comes to preventing and treating under eye bags.

#9: Consider a Professional Treatment

If over-the-counter topical treatments aren’t getting rid of your bags, consider booking in for a professional treatment. One of the most common treatments is filler, which involves injecting hyaluronic acid into the under eye area to replace lost volume. Laser resurfacing, Botox, and chemical peels are three other options to rejuvenate the under-eye area and reduce puffiness.

If you’re unsure, speak to your dermatologist for professional advice on the best way to treat lower lid bags and eye circles.

Under-eye bags are a common concern that affect almost everyone at some point or another. The good news is, there are plenty of home remedies, products, and lifestyle changes you can make to stop bags from bothering you again.

We also recommend properly removing your makeup each night to avoid irritating the eye area and inducing puffiness. Use a gentle makeup remover to cleanse away the pigment.

What’s more, always wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day, and re-apply every two hours, to keep the eye area protected — and ward off creases!