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.

Sleeping Beauty

One of the most common causes of eye bags is sleep deprivation. When you're tired, your eyes are put under strain, which can cause fluid build-up. If you keep using electronic devices, like your smartphone or tablet when you're tired or in the dark, you'll strain your eyes even more - which could leave your eyes puffy. Another cause is sleeping stomach-down, with your face in the pillow. Fluids will build up underneath your skin and just underneath your eyes, as this is the area of the face with enough "space" for the fluid to build up. Combat eye bags caused by sleep deprivation by - wait for it - getting enough sleep!

If you struggle with eye bags because you sleep on your stomach and keep drifting back to sleeping on your tummy despite trying to sleep on your back, sew a tennis ball into the front of your pyjamas - that way, if you roll over onto your tum, it'll be so uncomfortable that you'll roll back over onto your back.

Concealing Eye Bags with Makeup

Whether your eye bags are genetic or caused by excess pigment in the area, you can reduce and conceal them much more easily than you might think. Concealers are fantastic for reducing the appearance of eye bags and if yours are particularly prominent, you're better off choosing a creamy formula - if they're only small, you can get away with a liquid formula. Choose a formula with light-reflecting particles to blur and minimize the appearance of the bags. Gently pat the formula underneath the eyes, from the inner corners of the eyes to the outer corners of the eyes and don't rub it in, as it'll settle into any under-eye creases and will just make the bags look even worse.

Hydration

The best way to minimize under eye bags is with plenty of hydration. You don't need an expensive formula - just a regular drug-store moisturizer will do, but you do need to pat it into the under eye area very gently every night before you go to bed. Rubbing it in "drags" the skin under the eyes which can make bags look even worse, so make sure that you pat it in very gently until absorbed.

See Also: Eye Exercises for Healthy Eyes

Cucumbers, Cold Teaspoons and Tea Bags

There are a vast number of temporary quick fixes for reducing puffiness and under eye bags and it's all about finding a solution that works for you. Most of them work by constricting blood vessels and by cooling the area, which helps to reduce puffiness. Try chilling teaspoons for an hour or two before placing onto the eyes, or using a teabag to make tea and instead of throwing it away, leave it to one side to cool completely. You could also use slices of cucumber. And if using hemorrhoid cream works for you? Keep applying it - many of us swear by it!