Common Causes Of Bags Under The Eyes

Common Causes of Bags Under Eyes

There are several possible causes for puffy, baggy eyes. Allergies, certain medical conditions, and genetics are all contributing factors, but most often the main cause comes down to the aging process and lifestyle.

As your skin ages, the tissues around your eyes start to weaken. This not only causes the skin to sag, it also allows fluid to build up, which is what makes the under-eye area appear swollen or puffy.

One of the main reasons for this is that collagen production in your body drops as you get older.  Collagen is one of the major components that keeps your skin tissues firm, thick, and elastic. Losing it is what causes wrinkles and other signs of aging to appear, including bags under the eyes.

Besides fluid, the weakened tissues allow fat that normally supports your eyes to move below your eyes as well. To add to this, blood vessels can also become more visible, which darkens the area underneath your eyes.

Excess fluid retention, lack of sleep, and smoking are other common factors that can worsen or accelerate this effect.

The good news is that you can use natural means to reduce or get rid of bags under eyes. Some will have a more immediate impact, while others have long-term effects.

Top Ways to Get Rid of Bags Under Eyes

Clear Out Your Sinuses

Clearing out your sinuses flushes out allergens that may be contributing to eye puffiness. It won’t reverse bags that are there from skin aging, but it’s a good way to find out how much of the problem is coming from allergies.

One of the best ways to do this is to use something called a neti pot.

Neti pots have become quite popular recently, although they have their origins in the ancient practice of Ayurvedic medicine. They are a simple way to use a saline solution to irrigate your nasal canal. This can help with sinus congestion, a stuffy nose from allergies, and even sinus infections.

Flush your sinuses regularly to reduce both bags and dark circles.

Use Tea Bags Under Your Eyes

Placing tea bags on your eyes may sound silly, but it’s an old trick to reduce under-eye bags.

Tea bags mainly work because they contain caffeine. Caffeine is known as a vasoconstrictor, which means that it constricts blood vessels. This lessens puffiness and can help with dark circles as well. In fact, this is one of the reasons caffeine has become a popular skincare ingredient.

Black and green tea will both work well. Black tea has a higher caffeine content, but green tea has greater anti-inflammatory properties.

Steep your tea bags for 3-5 minutes before chilling them completely in the refrigerator. You can then either apply them just under your eyes or over your whole (closed) eye. Leave on for 15-30 minutes.

Reduce Your Salt Intake

Consuming too much salt can lead to fluid retention, which in turn contributes to eye puffiness. Watching your salt intake can be a big help to reduce or get rid of bags under eyes.

The best way to do this is to eat and cook fresh, whole foods whenever possible. Salt lightly and use other seasonings to make up for the lower amount of sodium. You may find that your blood pressure and heart health improve along with your eyes!

Apply a Cold Compress

Cold compresses are useful for any kind of swelling, and this includes under your eyes. Though a temporary solution, using a compress will have an immediate effect on puffiness. It’s a good option to use if your eyes puff up extra from lack of sleep or stress.

You can use a small ice pack in a cloth or anything else that’s chilled. Even a cold, wet washcloth will do the trick. Apply the compress for just a few minutes at a time, stopping when you see results.

Attributed to https://theartofantiaging.com/natural-ways-to-get-rid-of-bags-under-eyes/