How to Get Rid of Bags Under Eyes

Not only do bags under eyes spoil the beauty of one's face but, they also give one a tired look. Along with wrinkles, bags or 'dark circles' under the eyes are common occurrences of old age. But, what about those who develop them before time? Other than age, there are other conditions that can cause these puffy areas to develop. Irrespective of whether you are young or old wouldn't it be wonderful, if you knew how to get rid of bags under eyes? Even if you have them as a consequence of age, you can easily delay their onset. Given below are some ways to get rid of bags under the eyes but first, let us see what causes them.

Causes

As we grow old, ligaments under our eyes slacken and the skin, in that area becomes loose. This allows fats and fluids to accumulate under the eyes that cause the skin under them to look swollen. Other than age, there are certain medical conditions, like, kidney diseases or Grave's disease in which individuals develop puffy areas under their eyes. Some people are prone to allergies that irritate the eyes or sinuses. Such recurrent infections also, cause bags under eyes. Other than these conditions, deficiency of certain vitamins (specially A, K and E), water retention, lack of sleep, excessive intake of sodium, alcoholism and smoking are other causes. However, for some, it is their genes that give them puffy eyes.

Treatment

There are a number of options to deal with bags under eyes. However, before deciding upon any specific treatment the cause behind the condition needs to be determined. If it is due to tired eyes, then a good night's sleep can help to treat under eye bags naturally. If allergy is the cause, then treating it will cure the condition. Such people should also take care that they do not expose themselves frequently to allergens that they are sensitive to. Excessive smoking and alcohol consumption should also be avoided by those who develop puffy eyes due to such habits.

Diet: Proper nutrition is the best home remedy for bags under eyes. Ensure that you include adequate amount of vitamins like A, K and E. Not only do they prevent and cure puffy eyes, but they also keep the skin clean and moist. One also needs to cut down on his salt intake, as salt promotes water retention. Stay on a low carbohydrate diet to fight the problem. Drink plenty of water as dehydration also causes that unwanted swelling under eyes.

Sleep: Try to get seven hours of uninterrupted sleep, every night. If one's eyes are tired, they tend to develop bags under them. It is not just the number of hours but also the way one sleeps that can prevent bags from developing under the eyes. Those who are prone to this condition must sleep on their back. This prevents fluids to drain towards the face. Such individuals must also keep their head raised above the rest of the body so that, excess fluid cannot flow in the direction of the head.

Cold Compress: Keep some thin slices of raw cucumber in the refrigerator for a couple of hours. Take these chilled slices and put them over the eyes as you lie down. Keep these slices on your eyes for 15 to 20 minutes. Regular use of the cucumber slices help to do away with under eyes bags.

Potatoes: Not only do potatoes help in getting rid of bags under eyes but they also cure dark circles under them. Cut thin round slices of potatoes and put one slice on each eye for 10 to 15 minutes. The catecholase enzyme present in potatoes work against dark circles as well as bags under eyes.

Tea Bags: Anti-inflammatory component, called EGCG, in green tea helps cure bags under eyes. Some apply tea bags soaked in water or kept in the refrigerator, directly, whereas others use water in which tea bags have been soaked. Whichever way is adopted, tea bag treatment for 10 to 15 minutes provides some relief from puffy eyes.

Other than these measures, regular exercise also ensures that excess fluids does not accumulate in the body. Those who want to get rid of bags faster, can also consider cosmetic options or surgical procedures.

For those, who do not suffer from hereditary or medical conditions, one simple answer to the question, "How to get rid of bags under eyes?", is a healthy lifestyle. A balanced diet, adequate sleep, proper exercise, appropriate eye care and abstaining from alcohol and smoking can prevent formation of under eye bags.