To treat bags under the eyes, you can use a combination of home remedies, lifestyle changes, and medical treatments depending on the severity and cause:
Home Remedies and Lifestyle Changes
- Apply a cold compress: Use a cool washcloth, chilled cucumber slices, tea bags (especially green tea), or a cold spoon on the under-eye area for 5 to 30 minutes to reduce swelling by constricting blood vessels
- Use caffeinated tea bags: The caffeine and antioxidants in tea can improve blood flow and reduce puffiness and inflammation
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps prevent fluid retention that can worsen puffiness
- Get enough sleep: Aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep and try sleeping with your head slightly elevated to reduce fluid pooling under the eyes
- Manage allergies and sinus issues: Treating allergies or sinus congestion can reduce inflammation and puffiness
- Reduce salt intake: Lowering salt consumption can help prevent fluid retention that causes puffiness
- Protect your skin from sun exposure: Use sunscreen and wear sunglasses to prevent skin damage that worsens under-eye bags
- Quit smoking: Smoking damages skin and can exacerbate under-eye bags
Topical and Cosmetic Treatments
- Eye creams with caffeine, antioxidants, or firming ingredients: These may help reduce puffiness and improve skin texture, though results vary
- Chemical peels and skin boosters: Products containing glycolic or retinoic acid can lighten pigmentation and improve skin quality under the eyes
Medical and Aesthetic Procedures
- Tear trough fillers: Injections of hyaluronic acid can add volume and stimulate collagen to reduce the appearance of bags without surgery
- Polynucleotide injections: These stimulate collagen and hyaluronic acid production to firm the skin and reduce laxity
- Radiofrequency treatments: Non-surgical procedures using radio waves to tighten skin and reduce fat pockets under the eyes
- PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) injections: Using your own blood plasma to rejuvenate the under-eye area and reduce bags and dark circles
- Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty): For persistent or severe cases, surgical removal or repositioning of fat and skin may be considered
Combining these approaches tailored to your specific causes (such as aging, genetics, allergies, or lifestyle) can effectively reduce under-eye bags and improve the appearance of the eye area
