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Under-eye bags are a common cosmetic concern, especially as we get older. With age, the lower eyelid loses firmness, and the breakdown of structural proteins like collagen and elastin causes the skin beneath the eyes to lose elasticity, resulting in under-eye bags. This area is especially thin compared to other skin, making bags and shadows more noticeable and often creating the look of dark circles.
Certain medical conditions, like hyperthyroidism and some cardiovascular diseases, can make under-eye bags more prominent. If you notice a sudden appearance of under-eye bags, it’s wise to consult your healthcare provider to rule out any underlying medical cause.
In general, under-eye bags are a normal part of aging. However, they can also affect younger people due to genetics, infections, certain medications, or postsurgical changes. Other common factors include lack of sleep, allergies, high alcohol or salt intake, extended screen time, and hormonal changes from menstruation or pregnancy.
Laser surgery is a popular treatment for under-eye bags as it promotes collagen and elastin production, improving skin firmness. However, laser treatments come with potential side effects, which is why I’m sharing 19 ways to reduce under-eye bags naturally so you can look fresher and brighter.
19 Ways To Get Rid Of Under-Eye Bags/Puffy Eyes
1. Prioritize Sleep
First and foremost, make sleep a priority. Quality sleep helps restore the skin barrier and supports overall skin health. When you don’t get enough sleep, it often shows on your face the next morning. Aim for 7-9 hours each night—this is the sweet spot for most people.
I know it can be hard to fit in that much sleep with our busy lives, but quality rest is worth it. If you struggle with sleep, try setting a consistent bedtime, avoiding caffeine later in the day, and establishing a relaxing pre-sleep routine. For more tips, check out my post on how to get a good night’s sleep.
2. Sleep with Your Head Elevated
Not only is quality sleep important, but your sleeping position also plays a big role. Sleeping with your head elevated is recommended, as gravity can otherwise cause fluid to collect in your lower eyelids during the night. Try propping up your head with an extra pillow or even raising the head of your bed slightly while sleeping on your back. This simple adjustment can help prevent fluid buildup around the eyes.
3. Quit Smoking
Tobacco smoke and nicotine activate enzymes called metalloproteinases, which break down tissues and accelerate collagen loss. This speeds up the formation of wrinkles, sagging skin, and under-eye bags. Quitting smoking not only boosts your overall health but also helps restore your skin’s natural vitality.
4. Try Nasal Irrigation
Allergies often come with puffy, watery eyes and a runny nose. To relieve the pressure that causes puffiness and dark circles, try nasal irrigation with a Neti pot, a small teapot-like device designed for this purpose.
How to use:
- Fill a Neti pot with a saline solution.
- Gently pour the solution into one nostril, allowing it to drain out of the other. This process helps clear your sinuses and reduce under-eye puffiness.
If you’d like a visual guide, check out this instructional video by the Mayo Clinic on YouTube.
5. Take an Antihistamine
If seasonal allergies or irritants are causing your puffy eyes, an over-the-counter antihistamine may help. Allergies can lead to swelling, redness, and watery eyes, all of which contribute to puffiness.
Some common OTC antihistamines include:
- Benadryl
- Zyrtec
- Claritin
Be sure to consult your healthcare provider before starting these medications.
6. Apply Caffeinated Tea Bags
Tea isn’t just for sipping—those caffeine-rich tea bags can also help reduce puffiness around your eyes! Caffeine stimulates lipolysis, which significantly reduces lower eyelid puffiness and gives your eyes a refreshed appearance. Green tea is especially effective, thanks to its powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
How to use:
- Steep two tea bags in hot water for a few minutes.
- Let them cool in the fridge for 20 minutes.
- Squeeze out the extra liquid and place the bags under your eyes for about 15–30 minutes.
You can also try the caffeine-containing under-eye hydro gel patch by Derma E Vitamin C Bright Eyes Hydro Gel Under Eye Patches. For best results, put them in the fridge, then put them on while it’s cold. The caffeine in it can help constrict the blood vessels to further push that fluid out from under the eyes.
7. Use a Cold Compress
Cool temperatures are known to cause vasoconstriction of the tiny vasculature around the periorbital area. This successively results in reversal effects in fluid retention. Therefore applying a cold compress is a simple, yet effective way to reduce swelling around your eyes. By constricting blood vessels, cold treatments can reduce puffiness in no time.
DIY options:
- A chilled spoon
- Cold cucumber slices
- A frozen bag of peas wrapped in a cloth
- A cool damp cloth
It is advised to place your cold compress around the swollen area for a while applying very gentle pressure for a few minutes right before bed and maybe again in the morning.
8. Try Rose Water
If you have never tried rose water for under-eye bags, then you need to try it now. It is rich in polyphenolic
compounds such as flavonoids, tannins, triterpenoids, and saponins. These compounds are known for their anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to help reduce dark eye circles and under-eye bags.
Just apply rose water on your under-eye area with a cotton ball and leave it overnight. Wash it off the next day with cold water. Do this daily until there are visible improvements. You can get rose water in any local store or on Amazon
