QUICK OVERVIEW
Eye bags are not all created equal, which means that their treatment cannot be one-size-fits-all. In this article, we will delve into the various causes of under-eye bags and discuss effective home remedies for quick relief.
What leads to the formation of under-eye bags?
Given that the skin on the eyelids is the thinnest on the face [1], even minor structural changes can become highly noticeable. Under-eye bags can develop for several reasons, which can be categorized as follows:
1. Eye structure: Certain anatomical features, often inherited through genetics , may contribute to the appearance of eye bags. The configuration of facial bones and ligaments can make under-eye fat pads more pronounced, thus creating a noticeable “bag” effect beneath the eyes [1].
2. Fluid retention: In some instances, the tissues of the lower eyelid may become more prone to fluid retention, resulting in increased swelling and puffiness. This swelling can be exacerbated after consuming a salty meal , waking up in the morning due to fatigue and lack of sleep , or even as a result of allergies and specific medical conditions [1][2].
3. Aging: As we age, the supportive tissue that keeps the under-eye fat stable begins to weaken, leading to more visible eye bags. The depletion of collagen causes the skin and underlying muscles to lose their firmness, pushing fat pads forward and creating a sagging appearance [2]. Exposure to UV rays can exacerbate the skin's natural aging process.
4. Dehydration: High alcohol consumption, for example, is known to dehydrate the skin, further thinning the eyelid and making the underlying structures—such as the eye muscle, fat, and vascular network—more apparent, which intensifies the look of dark circles.
Additionally, any discoloration or shadowing of the skin beneath the eyes can make bags appear even more pronounced [2].
Effective methods to quickly eliminate under-eye bags
First and foremost, if the bags under your eyes are consistently present or worsening over time, it is likely that anatomical factors (related to genetics or age) or a medical condition may be involved. In such cases, consulting a healthcare professional is advisable to gain a clearer understanding of your situation and the best course of action for improvement.
However, if your eye bags are the result of fluid retention caused by stress, fatigue, lack of sleep, or a salty dinner the night before, here are several tips to help reduce puffiness.
Let’s dive in.
1. USE A COLD COMPRESS
The American Academy of Ophthalmology [3] recommends using a cold compress as a straightforward and effective way to alleviate puffiness around the eyes at home.
The cooling effect causes blood vessels to constrict, thereby decreasing fluid retention in the area and reducing swelling. You can easily achieve this by applying a cold gel eye mask or soaking a clean washcloth in cold water and placing it around your eyes for a few minutes while maintaining an upright position.
You can also mix things up a bit with alternative methods, all involving cold therapy:
For an easy yet effective solution, chill two metal spoons in cold water or the refrigerator for several minutes, then gently press them against the under-eye area.
Alternatively, placing a facial roller in the fridge for a few minutes allows you to massage the area, starting from the inner corner of the eye and moving outward along the eyebrow, stimulating blood circulation and enhancing fluid drainage.
If you use eye patches, consider chilling them in the fridge for an added cold therapy effect alongside their cosmetic benefits.
Important Note! Avoid placing these items in the freezer. Direct contact with frozen objects or ice can severely burn and damage the skin.
2. EXPLORE COLD TEA BAGS (WITH CAFFEINE)
A simple DIY solution to try is applying cold tea bags to help reduce eye puffiness. Both green and black tea contain caffeine, which can serve as a topical vasoconstrictor, helping to shrink blood vessels and diminish swelling in the eye area [1]. These teas also boast antioxidants like polyphenols, which may have anti-inflammatory properties [4].
Although scientific evidence is limited regarding the effectiveness of these tea bags in delivering active ingredients to the skin, it’s worth a shot—especially since cold tea bags can provide similar anti-inflammatory benefits as a cold compress.
To use this method, steep two tea bags in hot water for about 5 minutes, then chill them in the fridge for 20-30 minutes. Squeeze out any excess liquid and apply them to your closed eyes for 15-30 minutes before rinsing your face with cold water.
3. UTILIZE DEPURIFYING EYE PRODUCTS
For those looking to harness the “depuffing” benefits of caffeine, consider using eye products that are rich in this active ingredient. When applied topically, caffeine can enhance blood circulation around the eyes, making the skin appear fresher and more revitalized [4].
You can find eye serums, patches, creams, and gels infused with caffeine to reap these benefits.
A popular example is The Ordinary Caffeine 5% + EGCG Depuffing Eye Serum.
4. APPLY A SKIN-TIGHTENING EYE CREAM
Applying a skin-tightening eye cream can offer an instant improvement in the appearance of certain types of eye bags, even those associated with aging. While these creams won’t eliminate eye bags entirely, they can create a temporary optical illusion that enhances their appearance.
How does this work? Through the use of mineral ingredients that function as optical diffusers (such as silica derivatives), these products can fill in skin depressions around eye bags, effectively reflecting and diffusing light away from the skin, resulting in a smoother optical surface [1].
An example of such a product is the IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Bags Daytime Treatment for Eye Bags, Puffiness, and Crepey Skin.
What are the benefits? After
