12 Tips to Help Get Rid of Under-Eye Bags

No matter your age, dealing with puffy under-eyes can put a damper on your mood. After all, they can get in the way of a radiant and youthful look, just like fine lines and wrinkles and dark circles. If you struggle with this, you’ve probably searched high and low to find out how to get rid of bags under eyes for good. 

Sadly, there is no magic treatment for under-eye bags that can completely keep them at bay. But there are a few steps you can take to help reduce the appearance of puffy under-eyes. Ahead, we’re giving you the scoop on what causes under-eye bags, as well as tips to help minimize their appearance.

What Causes Under-Eye Bags?

According to the Mayo Clinic, bags under the eyes are a common issue that many people experience, especially as they age. The skin around the eyes is generally thinner than the rest of your face. Therefore, it’s more prone to showing signs of aging, such as puffy under-eyes, sagging skin, and dark circles. Additionally, the tissues and muscles around your eyes tend to weaken as you age, which can lead to visible wrinkling and sagging. 

And that’s not all. As you age, the fat around your eye area can start to sink, contributing to bags under the eyes. Other causes of puffy under-eyes can also include lack of sleep or overeating salty food. Not to mention, baggy under-eyes genetic, too.

How to Reduce the Appearance of Under-Eye Bags

Now that you know what causes puffy under-eyes, you can pick up ways to address them. Consider our tips below to address under-eye bags.

1. Consider the Way You Sleep

One of the best ways to improve the appearance of under-eye bags is to watch the way you sleep. Per the Mayo Clinic, sleeping with your head slightly raised can prevent fluid from accumulating around your eyes. Add an extra pillow under your head to help.

2. Make Sure You’re Getting Adequate Sleep

Remember, it’s called beauty sleep for a reason. And while getting an appropriate amount of sleep isn’t the only way to address puffiness, it’s certainly an effective approach. So, go ahead and get your recommended amount of hours 一 the Mayo Clinic recommends seven to nine. 

3. Manage Your Allergies 

When the seasons shift, it’s not out of the norm to wake up with watery, itchy, puffy eyes. And allergies are often the main culprit, which leads to rubbing, scratching and other actions you should avoid. You’ll undoubtedly want to manage your allergies to save yourself from that uncomfortable experience, which can also help reduce bags under the eyes as well.

4. Protect Your Eyes From the Sun

It’s standard practice to slather yourself from head to toe with sunscreen and avoid getting your SPF too close to your eyes. And this is reasonable since you don’t want to deal with stinging, burning eyes. But that doesn’t negate your need for sun protection in that area 一 excess sun exposure can cause redness, irritation and swelling. Seek out an eye cream that’s formulated with SPF and don’t forget to wear sunglasses. 

5. Remove Makeup Before Bed 

If you’re guilty of sleeping with your makeup on, it’s time to cut the bad habit. Falling asleep with a full face of foundation and heavy eye makeup lead to breakouts and it can also result in puffiness. Use micellar water to remove every trace of makeup before bedtime. Saturate a cotton pad with the L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser Waterproof – All Skin Types and sweep it over your skin until clean. There’s no rinsing so you can do it right from bed if you need to.

6. Use Eye Cream Specifically Formulated to Address Eye Bags

Using eye cream to keep the under-eye area hydrated is great, but there are plenty of formulas that both hydrate and address bags.  You’ll want to choose a formula that will also reduce the look of puffy under-eyes. The L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Cell Renewal Anti-Aging Eye Cream Treatment is great because it targets bags, puffiness, dark circles, lines and crepey skin all at once while hydrating the eye area. 

7. Use An Eye Serum With a Cooling Applicator 

Using an eye serum with a cooling applicator that also targets under-eye concerns is key. We love the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives with 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid, 1% Caffeine Eye Serum because it hydrates the area and addresses signs of aging. The unique, cooling applicator bends to fit the eye contour and massaging it into the area can help reduce puffiness. 

8. Store Eye Cream In the Fridge 

Just as a cooling applicator can up the ante on treating bags under eyes, storing your eye cream in the fridge can deliver similar results. This is because cool temperatures are known to reduce inflammation. Apply it with your fingertips in small dots around your eyes until it’s absorbed. You can invest in a mini skin care fridge to keep your beauty essentials close, while adding a fabulous accent to your décor.

9. Keep Spoons In the Fridge 

Store a few metal spoons inside your fridge, too. When you find yourself with a little free time, grab two chilled spoons and place them on your under-eye area. The spoons will work similarly to your refrigerated eye cream and cooling applicators by helping to de-puff.

10. Break Out a Cold Compress 

A cold compress is another great under-eye bag treatment. The Mayo Clinic suggests applying a cool, damp washcloth to the under-eye area for a few minutes using mild pressure. 

11. Add Eye Masks to Your Skin Care Routine 

Nowadays, you can find a mask for everything. And when it comes to bags under eyes, there are masks in the form of gel-like or silicone patches specifically for the area. Pop them in your fridge and apply them in the morning as a pick-me-up and a depuffing treatment. 

12. Be Mindful Of What You Eat 

Your lifestyle choices can affect the look and feel of your skin. As we mentioned, overeating salty foods can make bags under the eyes become a reality because sodium can be inflammatory. Try watching your salt intake, and your skin (not to mention your overall health) could reap the benefits.

Next: Our Best Eye Creams Formulated With Caffeine

Edited by: Alyssa Kaplan, Photo Credit: Chaunte Vaughn