Dark Circles and Under Eye Bags 101

March 30, 2023

There are many potential causes of bags under eyes, and most people are dealing with several different causes at once. Thankfully, there are many ways to get rid of undereye bags and dark circles at home. Read on to discover the best ways to get rid of bags under eyes.

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What Causes Bags Under Eyes

Identifying the reasons underlying your under eye bags is key for being able to treat them properly. Here’s what causes under eye bags:

Diet

Foods high in sodium lead to water retention and swelling, which can cause your face to look puffy and worsen the appearance of under eye bags.

Allergies

Allergies cause congestion and inflammation, especially in the face. Many people with allergies find themselves developing bags under their eyes when their allergies are triggered.

Medical Conditions

Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid problems, can contribute to the appearance of bags under the eyes. In these cases, treating the underlying health condition typically lessens the appearance of the under eye bags.

Genetics

Genetics play a major role in the appearance of your skin. If either of your parents had dark circles or under eye bags, the chances are good that you will eventually develop them too.

Natural Aging Process

As we age, the collagen and elastin in our skin breaks down, causing it to sag. This often happens in the delicate under eye area first, resulting in under eye bags as a side effect of the natural aging process.

Chronic Fatigue

Even one night of sleep deprivation can leave your eyes looking puffy, swollen, and dark. Chronic sleep deprivation can cause under eye bags and puffiness to become a permanent fixture on your face.

Sun Exposure

Sun exposure causes inflammation in the skin, which can lead to swelling and exacerbate the appearance of under eye bags.

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How To Get Rid Of Under Eye Bags

Home Remedies For Puffy Eyes And Dark Circles

Try one of these home remedies to get rid of puffy eyes and dark circles before a big event:

Cold Compresses

Placing a cold object on your eye area will temporarily reduce swelling and get rid of under eye bags and dark circles. Try using an ice pack, chilled cucumber slices, a cold spoon, or a frozen bag of vegetables as a cold compress.

Tea Bags

Caffeine is a vasoconstrictor, meaning that it constricts blood vessels and can temporarily improve the look of dark circles. Some people like to take black tea bags (the regular caffeinated kind, not decaf), soak them in water, chill them in the fridge, and then place them on their eyes to get rid of puffy eyes.

Sleep

If sleep deprivation is causing your under eye bags, then getting enough sleep will certainly help to alleviate them! Most adults need at least seven hours of sleep each night, and some people need even more. Make sure that you are practicing good sleep habits and doing what you can to get enough restful sleep each night.

Stay Hydrated

Paradoxically, if you get dehydrated, your body will start holding onto water, which can result in facial swelling that worsens bags under the eyes. Drinking enough water and avoiding dehydrating beverages like alcohol and caffeine will help to counteract these effects.

Step Up Your Skincare Routine

Over time, a consistent skincare routine can help to reduce or prevent the appearance of under eye bags. The top three skincare products that we recommend are:

•  Under Eye Gel: Under eye gels provide a cooling, hydrating effect that help to relieve puffy eyes. Our Eyeland Retreat Cooling Eye Gel comes with a metal tip for extra cooling power.
•  Sunscreen: Sunscreen protects against sun damage and stops inflammation before you can happen. You should apply sunscreen as the last step in your morning skincare routine every day.
•  Vitamin C: Vitamin C is an antioxidant that has brightening effects on the skin. Try our C the World brightening serum on your whole face, not just your under eye area!

Medical Treatment For Puffy Eyes And Dark Circles

If home remedies aren’t cutting it anymore, there are multiple medical treatment options available, including laser resurfacing, chemical peels, under eye fillers, and blepharoplasty. A dermatologist can talk to you about what your options are and which treatment they recommend for your persistent puffy eyes and dark circles.

Ready to start treating your puffy eyes at home? Order our the World brightening serum and our Eyeland Retreat Cooling Eye Gel and get FREE ground shipping on your US order over $40!