Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Quick fixes
• Method 2 of 3: Long-term strategies
• Method 3 of 3: Cosmetic solutions
• Tips
• Warnings

Do you have bags under your eyes or dark circles? Puffiness is a natural consequence of aging, but they can also be caused by too little sleep, allergies and habits that cause water retention. Puffiness is a cosmetic problem that can make people look tired or sick. Learn how to reduce bags under your eyes with quick remedies, long-term remedies, and permanent cosmetic solutions.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Quick fixes

1. Drink enough water. Puffiness is often caused by water being retained by high salt concentrations in the area concerned. You may wake up with bags under the eyes after eating very salty food the night before or after crying; be it through the tears or the food, salt can draw water to your face causing it to build up under your eyes.
   • Flush excess salt from your system by drinking water. Do not eat salt for the rest of the day.
   • Don't drink things that dehydrate you, like coffee or alcohol.
2. Soothe your eyes with something cold. You've probably heard that cucumber slices on your eyes can help reduce puffiness, but it's actually the low temperature that's soothing. Cucumber just happens to be the perfect shape, size, and texture to treat puffiness, so go ahead and slice one - just make sure to put it in the fridge beforehand.
   • If you don't have a cucumber, you can wet a few tea bags and put them in the freezer or refrigerator before putting them on your eyes. Use a soothing tea such as chamomile or peppermint so that you can start enjoying the benefits of aromatherapy right away.
   • A cold spoon also works. Place 2 spoons in the freezer and place on your eyes for 10-15 minutes.
3. Put on some concealer. For the short term, it is the most effective and fastest to cover up your bags with some makeup. The right make-up can significantly reduce the presence of puffiness or circles and keep you looking fresh all day long. Follow these steps to apply concealer:
   • Choose a concealer that matches your skin tone. If your bags are dark, you can also choose a shade lighter than your skin tone. Apply the concealer with a cotton ball or your finger. Make sure to dab it lightly instead of rubbing it. The make-up will hide your bags better if it stays on the surface of your skin.
   • Then put on a little powder to make the concealer stay better. Use a matte powder (not shiny) and apply a little bit under your eyes with a make-up brush.
4. Use tea bags. The tannin in the tea bag can help reduce bags under your eyes.
   • Boil water and put two tea bags in the hot water.
   • Move them up and down until they are soaked.
   • Remove and let cool. Cover your face, nose and eyes with cotton wool if necessary.
   • Lie down in a comfortable position. Place a soaked tea bag over each eyelid. Wait a few minutes.
   • Remove the tea bags. Hopefully your eyes look a little better now.

Method 2 of 3: Long-term strategies

1. Treat your allergies. Puffiness is often caused by an allergy that can lead to inflammation of the face. Because the skin around your eyes is thinner than on the rest of your body, fluid builds up more quickly here, causing the skin to swell.
   • Use allergy medications to treat hay fever and other seasonal allergies. Try an over-the-counter medication or ask your doctor to prescribe you something.
   • Avoid being near the sources of your allergy, such as flowers, dust, or animals. Make sure your house is properly vacuumed and wash your bedding regularly.
2. Change your sleeping position. People who sleep on their stomach are more likely to wake up with bags under the eyes, because in this position moisture builds up under the eyes at night. Side sleepers may find that they often have a greater amount of fluid under the eye on the side they sleep on.
   • Try to sleep on your back more often than on your stomach or side. Changing your sleeping position is not easy, so it may take some time to get used to it.
   • Use a second pillow under your head if you are a back sleeper. If your head is tilted forward slightly, moisture will not accumulate under your eyes.
3. Treat your skin with care. The skin on your face is thin and fragile and is easily damaged, causing puffiness even earlier.Use the following methods to properly treat your skin:
   • Don't go to bed with your makeup on. The chemicals in the makeup can irritate your eyes. It is important to wash your face well before going to bed.
   • Wash and dry your face gently. Scrubbing your face vigorously when you wash it and then rubbing it with the towel can soften the skin around your eyes. Use a good make-up remover, then throw some water on your face and pat it dry with a soft towel.
   • Moisturize your face every night. If you ensure that you moisturize your face, and especially the eye area, your skin will retain its elasticity and firmness. Use a moisturizing lotion or oil every night before going to bed.
   • Use a sunscreen daily. The sun's rays can make the skin around your eyes even more fragile. Make sure to protect your skin every day, even in winter.
4. Change your eating habits. A salty meal accompanied by a few cocktails is acceptable every now and then, but getting into the habit of eating salty and drinking alcohol every day can have a long-term effect on your puffiness. Retaining water in your face for years can lead to sagging bags. To avoid this, try making the following changes:
   • Use less salt when you cook. Try cutting it in half or omitting it altogether - you'll be surprised how flavorful your food is without salt. Try to cut back on salt when you bake something, and don't add salt at all to dinner, because your body won't have time at night to balance it out before going to sleep.
   • Drink less alcohol. Alcohol makes you retain water, so the less you drink, the less thick the bags under your eyes will be the next morning. If you do drink alcohol, alternate each drink with a glass of water. Try to drink earlier in the evening rather than right before going to bed.

Method 3 of 3: Cosmetic solutions

1. Take a filler. Puffiness or circles caused by aging will not diminish with lifestyle changes, but can improve by applying a hyaluronic acid filler. The filler is injected under the eyes to make the contours of the eye socket look more youthful.
   • This procedure can be dangerous if not performed by a competent person. Do some research before getting a filler applied.
   • Fillers usually cost hundreds of dollars and can have unwanted side effects such as bruising and swelling.
   EXPERT TIP

   Get plastic surgery. As people age, fat deposits move from the eyeballs to the area under the eyes, causing puffiness. Eyelid surgery can remove or move the accumulated fat, and laser treatment can lighten the dark skin in the area.

   • An eyelid correction costs at least € 1000.
   • The recovery period can take several weeks.

Tips

• Get enough sleep and not too much stress.
• Stop smoking, your skin will become weaker and you will get wrinkles.
• Try a nasal rinse cup to reduce allergy congestion and swelling.

Warnings

• If bags under the eyes or dark circles suddenly appear for no apparent reason, it could be due to a medical condition. If the problem persists, see the doctor.