Bags under eyes causes: The 11 ways to beat bags and dark circles

Red Lipstick Concealer to Cover Under Eye Dark Circles

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Having bags under your eyes is a common problem that affects everyone from time to time. However, it’s still not ideal to have puffy eyelids and dark circles. Express.co.uk chatted to Lenstore’s top Optometrist, Roshni Patel, to find out what’s causing your eye bags and how to reduce them.

Bags under our eyes are rarely a result of a serious medical condition and typically a cosmetic concern.

Mild swelling or puffiness under the eyes is normally linked to lack of sleep, thanks to fluid accumulation under the eye.

While the most recognisable and familiar cause of eye bags is lack of sleep, this annoying problem can result from a wide variety of causes.
For example, it’s also very common as part of ageing.

As we grow older, the tissues around the eyes weaken. With that weakening, normal fat that usually helps support the eyes falls into the lower eyelids, resulting in a puffier look, and fluid may accumulate in the new space, which adds to the appearance of puffiness.

Other reasons why you might have bags under your eyes include fluid retention after eating a salty meal, allergies, smoking, sun exposure, eczema or a hereditary condition.

If your eye bags are caused by an underlying condition, it’s most likely to be thyroid or kidney problems or adrenal deficiency.

Some medications, particularly stimulants or long-term use of painkillers that cause adrenal fatigue, can also result in bags under the eyes.

If you are concerned about bags under your eyes, for example, if they’re painful or uncomfortable and if they persist for an unusual amount of time, consult your optometrist.

Eye bags usually either result from temporary factors or will pass on their own.

Or, they are a symptom of ageing and may be unavoidable to some extent.
However, there are some ways you can tackle common causes behind eye bags to reduce their appearance.

Mr Patel has revealed the top 11 at-home remedies to try

More sleep

Longer and more consistent sleep is the most important thing you can do to tackle eyebags.

The optometrist said: “Lack of rest is the most common reason for eye bags, but sleeping efficiently with regular hours can contribute to a healthier lifestyle in general.”
Make sure you’re getting your eight hours on a regular basis.

Start by sticking to a regular sleep schedule, eating your dinner a little earlier and avoiding technology in the bedroom.

Use antihistamines

If your eye bags are caused by allergies, antihistamines could do the trick.

Mr Patel said: “Allergies can sometimes result in puffy eyes. By taking antihistamines, you can reduce the effects of the allergy, including puffiness.”

Reduce your alcohol intake

Cutting back on alcohol is a sensible idea if you’re trying to beat eye bags.

Mr Patel said: “Dehydration can lead to dark circles under your eyes and bags, so cutting out or reducing your intake of alcohol which contributes to dehydration may help relieve this appearance.”

Stay hydrated

Dehydration can be a significant factor in experiencing under-eye bags.

Mr Patel said: “It’s important we are keeping our water levels replenished each day, with experts recommending drinking around 13 cups of fluids a day for men and 9 for women.”

Reduce stress

It is easier said than done, but reducing your stress levels could bring down puffy eyelids.

Mr Patel explained: “Stress can lead to worse sleep and therefore puffy eyes.

“Dealing with it with options like exercise and lifestyle decisions can help protect your mental health, and reduce the toll on your body.”

Eat less salt

Salty encourages fluid retention in the body and can result in fluid build-up under the eyes.

Mr Patel said: “A reduction in salt intake may assist with reducing puffiness.

“For those that struggle with anaemia, eating iron-rich foods may also help to reduce symptoms.

“This is because iron-rich foods allow the increase of oxygen to reach the tissues in your body and avoid the appearance of dark circles.”

Use sun cream

Sun exposure can accelerate the effects of ageing and ultimately lead to bags under the eyes as the tissues weaken.

Use sun cream to protect your body from UV rays and prevent eye bags.

Take your makeup off

After a long day, it can be tempting to go to bed with your makeup on.

However, this is a recipe for dark circles and puffy eyes.

Mr Patel said: “It’s important to wash your face and remove all makeup before going to sleep.

“Leaving eye makeup on overnight can irritate your eyes and as a result can increase your chances of infection which can make your eyes become red and puffy.”

Compress

Using a cold caffeinated compress could also help to soothe red and inflamed eyes.

Mr Patel said: “Caffeine and cold can both help to lessen the appearance of bags under the eyes.

“A cool green tea bag applied under the eyes may reduce puffiness.”

Cucumber slices or running a cold jade roller or gua sha over the area may have a similar effect.

Use retinol cream

Retinal is a cream that’s been used to tackle acne, ageing, psoriasis and even certain cancers, and is an ingredient that is related to vitamin A.

Mr Patel said: “Retinal can help tackle eye bags as when applied to the skin it can improve collagen deficiency.

“It is typically applied as a cream-gel or liquid form and is applied once a day.”

Be sensible about contacts

Unless they’re painful, there should be no issue wearing contact lenses while you have bags under your eyes.

Don’t struggle with your vision for a cosmetic problem that isn’t causing you any pain, but be wary.

Mr Patel warned: “If you experience discomfort putting your lenses in, however, or if they don’t sit comfortably while in your eyes, you should remove them as soon as possible.”

Source: Read Full Article