Swelling or puffiness with a baggy appearance is common in the adult population. As we age, the tissues and muscles around the eyes sag or loosen up and appear like bags or bundles. Sometimes, fluid can also accumulate in the lower eyelid or the fat that is usually present under the skin around the eye accumulates in the region causing an appearance of bags underneath the eyes. The regular reasons for bags under eyes and dark circles do not have an impact on the health. Sometimes, however, puffiness is caused by lack of sleep, disturbed sleep, and fluid accumulation in the sinuses, stress and worry. In the latter case, the only cure for bags under eyes would be to perform breathing exercises regularly to clear the sinuses as well as stimulate the brain and contain stress. In case of the former, several home remedies for bags under eyes and dark circles have proven to be effective. You can also make a DIY eye bag cream that we will discuss shortly.
1. Keep the eyes cool
- You can use slices of cold cucumber, or thin slices of potato as a puffy morning eyes remedy.
- You can also place two spoons in the fridge and once they are cold, place their back on your closed eyes until they get to room temperature. (Alternatively, keep applying the backs of the chilled spoons over closed eyes every few seconds until the spoons get to room temperature.) If you are not satisfied with the result, pop the spoons back in the fridge and repeat the process once again.
- Another surefire remedy for bags under eyes is cooled brewed black tea bags placed on closed eyes for a few minutes. Repeat this remedy few times a day until you see results.
- Wash your face with cold water instead of warm water as soon as you wake up. This is an effective DIY under eye bags treatment that costs pretty much nothing.
- You can also dab some cold milk under your eyes with a ball of cotton after you wash your face and leave it on for about 15 minutes. Wash off and see that the puffiness is reduced. Repeat for as many days as necessary (typically 4 to 5) and see effective results. Cold water and few drops of milk are effective tools under your belt and the easiest and cheapest DIY under eye bags treatment without spending money.
- Dabbing saline water and leaving for ten minutes is also an effective DIY under eye bags treatment
2. Use following DIY under eye bag cream
Commercially, many puffy morning eyes remedies are available but they prove to be expensive and in most cases ineffective. The best thing would be to use a DIY under eye cream having ingredients you trust and that are sourced hygienically.
- Thoroughly mix 50 ml of coconut oil with 5 ml of vitamin E oil and freeze. Use this easy DIY under eye cream regularly in minute quantities to sooth and reduce puffiness underneath the eyes.
- You can also mix 30 ml petroleum jelly, 30 ml cocoa butter and 30 ml coconut oil and heat it gently while stirring continuously until all three components are mixed well. Use this cream regularly as a puffy morning eyes remedy.
- You can even use aloe vera gel as is or with some vitamin E oil for making DIY under eye bag cream. This is an effective remedy for treating under eye bags in men and women.
3. Drink tons of water
Under eye bags in men are caused pretty much due to the same reasons as those caused in women. Water retention or eating sodium rich foods is one of the major causes of under eye bags. Drinking 8-10 glasses of water can help flush out sodium and prevent retention. This is the best way to reduce eye bags.
4. Avoid processed snacks and alcohol
Processed snacks are full of unhealthy ingredients (especially sodium) that leads to fluid retention. So avoid such snacks and replace them with healthier options like carrot sticks, nuts, fruits etc to prevent under eye bags. Also alcohol consumption in excess dehydrates the skin leading to a swollen and puffy look. So do avoid drinking at least 2 hours prior to bedtime.
5. Get some exercise
Exercise helps prevent fluid retention and improves circulation. Do some Yoga postures like head stand or shoulder stand which increase blood circulation to the face and head thereby reducing under eye swelling and puffiness. This is one of the easiest and most effective under eye bag remedies.
6. Get enough sleep
You might want to consider changing your pillow to see if this improves your sleep since lack of sleep is one of the most common causes of under eye bags. Change the position in which you sleep either by switching places or moving your bed. Get adequate rest and see if you still have puffy morning eyes. If you do, look at all the other causes listed here and consult a doctor.
7. Keep allergies in check
Another common reason behind puffy eyes is allergies. Pollen, dust and pet hair can lead to upper respiratory tract infections and also cause swollen puffy eyes. So talk to a doctor about seasonal allergy medications to keep these in check. Consider using a filter to purify the air. Wash bedding and night clothes from time to time to keep allergens at bay.
8. Exfoliate the skin with baking soda
There is no scientific evidence but many people believe that exfoliating the skin with baking soda is an excellent puffy eyes remedy. You can use a DIY face mask preparation with baking soda to promote facial health by keeping the pores clean. This remedy also helps fight acne and pimples while enabling the skin to throw out accumulated toxins and fluids. Do exercise caution when applying baking soda near the eyes and ensure it does not enter the eyes. If it does, wash eyes thoroughly with cool water.
Some other causes for baggy eyes are thyroid gland malfunction and hereditary factors. Whatever maybe the reason, try one or more of the above mentioned home remedies to get relief but also work on balancing thyroid hormones and staying away from allergens. There is also a surgery to remove under eye bags but it can be expensive. Other proven remedies for puffy morning eyes include avoiding nicotine and late nights, cleansing your face before going to bed and using an effective UV protection cream when stepping out in the sun.