5 Ways To Minimize Eye Bags

Are you tired of well-meaning friends, family, and even strangers saying "Oh you poor thing — did you not get much sleep last night? You look so tired!" Don't worry. You're definitely not alone! Eye bags, under-eye circles and under-eye puffiness are all very, very common and are not always caused by tiredness.

Did you know that the question "How can I get rid of eye bags?" is one of the most common questions plastic surgeons and dermatologists are asked. Luckily, there are a few simple fixes to make your eyes look brighter, wider and more awake, minimizing your eye bags in just a few minutes. You won't have to do anything complicated, and you'll notice a difference in no time!

First, we'll take a look at a few common causes of eye bags and under-eye circles, and how you can take steps to minimize your risk.

Let's dive right in!

Causes of Eye Bags

Before you try to minimize your eye bags, you may just want to know what causes eye bags. If you know what causes eye bags, you can take some steps to prevent eye bags in the first place. So, what does cause eye bags?

There are a number of causes of eye bags. Unfortunately, one of the most common causes is age. As we get older and our skin loses elasticity, which means that the sagging skin around your eyes can turn into bags. You might also be more prone to developing eye bags if your mum has them, as they can be genetic. There are also some lifestyle factors that can play a part in developing them, including not getting enough sleep, having a sinus infection or allergy (the fluid from the infection or allergy can build up underneath your eyes when you sleep, leaving you looking puffy), or being dehydrated.

Preventing Eye Bags

The best way to combat this is by drinking plenty of water, as it'll help flush out that extra fluid and should also help flush out the infection.

It's also a good idea to just note down when your eye bags seem to get worse, so you can spot a pattern - and once you spot a pattern, you can start to prevent them. For example, some people will find that their eye bags get worse after a period of late nights and early starts, whilst others will get puffy eye bags when spring allergies kick in. 

See Also: Bags under Eyes? Find out what could help you!

Allergies and Fluid Retention

If your eye bags are caused by allergies or fluid retention in the sinuses caused by an infection, the first thing you should do is try to reduce the symptoms of the allergy or infection. See your doctor about taking either an anti-histamine (a tablet that reduces allergies, which should stop you from being so sensitive to pollens or anything else that causes symptoms), or an antibiotic to kill the infection. If fluid retention persists despite medication, you could try a netti pot, which irrigates the nasal canal to help relieve fluid retention associated with allergies or infection. It's a little bit uncomfortable, but it can work a treat. 

It's worth keeping in mind that some thyroid and kidney disorders can cause eye bags - so if your eye bags are not related to allergy, infection, dehydration, tiredness or poor sleeping position, and are not resolved with the tips on this page or on page two, see your doctor to rule out an underlying medical cause.