13 Ways for How to Get Rid of Bags Under the Eyes

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bags under the eyes

By Dr. Josh Axe | Dr. Axe.com

Whether you are in your 20s or are a more mature adult, the last thing you want are bags under your eyes. While they typically are not cause for any alarm, dark circles around the eyes simply make you feel and look older — something no one wants.

More common as you age, under eye puffiness — also referred to as bags under the eyes, puffy eyes and dark circles under the eyes — is usually not a problem that requires medical attention, but how to get rid of bags under eyes?

To answer that question, you first have to ask how do we get these unsightly bags in the first place? There are many causes, but generally skin tissues around the eyes weaken and sag, causing fluid to accumulate beneath the eyes and create a swollen appearance.

Things like seasonal allergies, eczema, water retention and sleeping face down can aggravate the condition, with heredity playing a role as well. And let’s not forget some self-inflicted behaviors like smoking, drugs and alcohol.

Fortunately, by changing certain habits and taking certain lifestyle and dietary steps, you can get rid of those bags under the eyes for good. Let’s dig a little deeper.

13 Ways to Help Prevent Bags Under The Eyes

Bags under the eyes are a common development of age and a frequent complaint among patients who no longer feel as youthful as they once did. To describe what happens a bit more, normal fat that helps support the eyes sometimes moves into the lower eyelids, which causes the lids to appear puffy. Additionally, fluid may accumulate in the area below your eyes, which adds to the swelling.

How to get rid of bags under your eyes? There are numerous natural things you can do, from eliminating some bad habits to at-home remedies, that can help reduce the appearance of bags under eyes.

1. Take Care of Your Allergies


2. Take It Easy On the Salt

Salt is most often linked to high blood pressure, but did you know that all that sodium can cause fluid retention and lead to puffiness around the eyes? If you use salt, use pure Himalayan sea salt and only a little bit. Avoid high salty foods, like pizza and some soups. Opt for fresh vegetables, in particular celery, which can help curb your desire for salt!

3. Exercise Those Bags Away

Exercise is a natural way to reduce the signs of aging and can promote a youthful glow to the skin but mostly, the area around your eyes will benefit from special facial exercises. Licensed aesthetician and author of The Yoga Facelift, Marie-Veronique Nadeau explains that yoga for the face involves slow exercises of the facial muscles to help tone and tighten them. (1)

Using light pressure from your fingers as resistance the exercises involve various facial expressions and pressure. And let’s not forget regular yoga and how it can benefit. The inverted poses such as shoulder stands and back bends can help increase circulation to the face, which carries away excess fluid and helps relieve swelling.

4. What Is Your Sleep Position?

Sleeping on your back can prevent gravity from causing fluid build-up around the eyes. Consider adding an extra pillow under your head as well, but make sure it is a pillow that is effective for good sleep — for if you can’t sleep, that can add to the dark circles under the eyes problem.

5. Try A Neti Pot


Simply pour salt water into one nostril and let it drain out the other. I usually just do this over the bathroom sink. It feels odd at first, but it is actually very cleansing and refreshing.

6. Remove Your Makeup Before Going to Bed

Leaving your eye makeup on can irritate your eyes, causing them to water and and get puffy. Make sure to gently remove your eye makeup before hitting the hay to help eliminate any added irritation around the eyes.

7. Limit or Eliminate Alcohol

Alcohol dehydrates your body and skin. This dehydration can cause the delicate area around your eyes to appear sunken and dark. Also, alcohol can cause bloodshot, tired eyes. Taking it easy on the alcohol by having no more than one glass per day. I would suggest drinking lots of water instead. You will feel fresher, your eyes will be wide open, welcoming and your skin around your eyes will glow since they will be more hydrated.

8. Put Down Those Cigarettes for Good!

Did you know that smoking cigarettes dries out the skin and weakens the skin on your face as well as your whole body? It also causes premature aging around the eyes, in particular. The chemicals found in cigarettes are toxic and can cause irritation around the eyes, which could result in dark circles or bags in addition to a wrinkled, droopy appearance. If addiction has got you in its grips, you may want to try electronic cigarettes.

9. Try a Cold Compress … and a Cucumber

If your eyes are swollen and puffy, try a cold compress. Not only can this help reduce puffy eyes, it can be very relaxing which adds to a youthful appearance. You can achieve this by using chilled spoons on top of your eyes, cucumber slices, or even chilled, dampened tea bags with a drop of lavender essential oil added. The cool temperature is what makes this at home remedy effective.

10. Watch Out for That Sunshine


11. Have Your Cover Up Handy

You can often hide dark circles with a concealer. There are some mineral-based options available, but you can also make your own right at home. You can choose options that match your skin tone then simply apply it by lightly patting it onto the skin around the eyes. Do not rub it into the skin as this may cause further irritation. Also, do not use too much. You want a natural appearance to the skin. Too much can make dark circles, wrinkles and creped skin more prominent.

12. Use an All-Natural Eye Cream

Since aging typically causes dehydration of the skin due to lack of collagen, moisturizing is essential. There are lots of creams available, but I recommend a homemade eye cream. You can try this at night, in the morning or both. (2)

13. Get More Collagen into Your Diet

Collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies. It’s found in our muscles, bones, skin and tendons. It gives our skin strength and elasticity, and helps replace dead skin cells. Our body’s collagen production naturally begins to slow down as we age. You can thank this process for baggy eyes.

Increasing collagen levels can help your skin look firmer, increase smoothness, and help your skin cells keep renewing and repairing normally. Try a chicken bone broth or collagen supplements, like collagen protein powder to increase your collagen intake.

Symptoms for & Causes of Bags Under the Eyes

Bags under eyes can include mild swelling, saggy or loose skin and/or dark circles. While you may not like the way these bags look, they are usually harmless and do not require medical attention; however, if you experience severe and persistent bags accompanied by redness, itching or pain, you may want to see your doctor. Also, if you notice other parts of your body with redness, itching or pain, such as your legs, you could be having an allergic reaction and need medical attention. Your doctor will want to rule out other possible causes that can contribute to the swelling, such as thyroid disease or an infection.

As you age, the tissue structures and muscles supporting your eyelids become weak with the loss of collagen. This weakening of the tissue can cause the skin to begin sagging. The fat that is normally found in the area around the eyes may move into the area below your eyes accumulating fluid and making the under-eye area appear puffy or swollen. Some things that can make this happen are fluid retention due to changes in weather, hormone levels, eating salty foods, not getting enough sleep, allergies, dermatitis, especially if puffiness is accompanied by redness and itching and heredity. (3)

Epidermal Growth Factor … Huh?

The Journal of The Society of Translational Oncology explains how cell multiplication is essential during all aspects of life to restrict growth to the few places where it is needed, such as wounds, bruising or any inflammation that needs to be healed. This can include bags under the eyes.

We know that cells are very important to our existence and resistance, but this is where epidermal growth factor (EGF) comes into play. EGF is part of a complex network of growth factors and receptors that together help to modulate the growth of cells. EGF is released by cells, and then is picked up either by the cell itself, stimulating its own growth, or by neighboring cells, stimulating their ability to divide. In most cases, EGF is very beneficial.


Ultimately, the study concluded that the results offer evidence that topical EGF can reduce the appearance of under-eye bags. EGF can be found in over the counter products but there are some effective ways to reduce the appearance of bags under the eyes. (4) (5) (6)


The skin around the eyes is very delicate. Make sure to take special care when applying anything around or near your eyes. If conditions worsen or you notice further irritation see your doctor immediately.

DIY Morning Eye Solution For Puffy Eyes
1/2 ounce witch hazel
10 drops chamomile essential oil
½ ounce pure aloe vera gel
10 drops lavender essential oil

Combine all ingredients into a small glass jar with a lid and blend well. Place the jar in the refrigerator overnight. Open waking, apply a small amount of the solution around the eyes and let it sit as long as possible. Gently remove. Apply this moisturizer.

DIY Evening Eye Solution for Baggy Eyes
1/2 ounce rose hip seed oil
½ ounce pure aloe vera gel
10 drops lavender essential oil
5 drops lemon essential oil

In a glass spray bottle, combine all ingredients and shake well. Before bed, gently cleanse the face and remove all make-up. Spray the solution onto the face making sure the eyes are closed. Gently massage the solution under and around your eyes. Allow it to dry. Sleep with your head well supported by quality pillows.


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  1. 1639754572944698@facebook.com' Kevin Collins says:

    Romulo De Souza

  2. 1269308453095748@facebook.com' Jangmi Jeune Famme says:

    Tricia Artuz???

  3. 998120423577731@facebook.com' Sukha Bhucho Sukhdev says:

    Why not u recmond a well sleeping either than these 13 ways …

  4. 1180942818601733@facebook.com' Barbara J Peterson says:

    There are several products on the market that take care of the dark circles and puffiness…Instantly Ageless is but one… WOW by It Works is another… they all are pretty much the same…at various prices…do a fb search and watch some of the videos and see the before and after pics!

  5. 1541918432785430@facebook.com' Earl Mitchell says:

    I like my bags on my eyes shows how tired I am.lol

  6. 1063565703696291@facebook.com' Jeff Andrews says:

    try discovering the ideas of the Great Mysteries even the top prize Holy Grail..and keep the upper lips shut

  7. 10208933080955045@facebook.com' Kathy Rogers says:

    No way to get rid of them without surgery

  8. 1481035618876924@facebook.com' Christie Gil says:

    Excellent. Agree on all points. I have zero argument personally I vote


  9. orgoneemfprotection@gmail.com' Erik says:

    bags usually are a sign of stomach issues. Leaky gut, candida low stomach Qi, stagnation or imbalance of good to bad bacteria. Your body gives you signs on the outside that are coming from the inside. Using oils and creams is a temporary cover up to the real issue, which is a weak stomach.

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