Whether you are in your 20s or are a more mature adult, the last thing you want are bags under your eyes. While they typically are not cause for any alarm, dark circles around the eyes simply make you feel and look older — something no one wants.
More common as you age is under-eye puffiness — also referred to as bags under the eyes, puffy eyes and dark circles under the eyes. It’s usually not a problem that requires medical attention, but the question is, how to get rid of bags under eyes?
To answer that question, you first have to ask how do we get these unsightly bags in the first place? There are many causes, but generally skin tissues around the eyes and eyelids weaken and sag, causing fluid to accumulate beneath the eyes, which creates puffiness under the eyes and a swollen appearance.
Things like seasonal allergies, eczema, water retention and sleeping face down can aggravate the condition, with heredity playing a role as well. And let’s not forget some self-inflicted behaviors like smoking, drugs and alcohol.
Fortunately, by changing certain habits and taking certain lifestyle and dietary steps, you can get rid of those bags under the eyes for good. Let’s dig a little deeper.
How to Get Rid of Bags Under Eyes — 13 Ways
Bags under the eyes are a common development of age and a frequent complaint among patients who no longer feel as youthful as they once did. To describe what happens a bit more, normal fat that helps support the eye sometimes moves into the lower eyelid, which causes the lid to appear puffy. Additionally, fluid may accumulate in the area below your eyes, which adds to the swelling.
How to get rid of bags under your eyes? There are numerous natural things you can do, from eliminating some bad habits to at-home remedies, that can help reduce the appearance of bags under eyes.
1. Take Care of Your Allergies
You are probably well aware of when your allergies flame up, as allergy season and watery, puffy eyes are inevitable for many. Try natural remedies, such as essential oils for allergies, to help manage them and catch them before they start. Also, have a small vial of an allergy essential blend handy since for some allergies can sneak up when you least expect it.
2. Take It Easy on the Salt
Salt is most often linked to high blood pressure, but did you know that all that sodium can cause fluid retention and lead to puffiness under the eyes? If you use salt, use pure Himalayan sea salt, but only a little bit. Avoid high salty foods, like pizza and some soups. Opt for fresh vegetables, in particular celery, which can help curb your desire for salt!
3. Exercise Those Bags Away
Exercise is a natural way to reduce the signs of aging and can promote a youthful glow to the skin, but the area around your eyes will benefit from special facial exercises. Licensed aesthetician and author of The Yoga Facelift, Marie-Veronique Nadeau explains that yoga for the face involves slow exercises of the facial muscles to help tone and tighten them. (1) Using light pressure from your fingers as resistance, the exercises involve various facial expressions and pressure.