You may be able to reduce the appearance of eyebags long-term with specific lifestyle changes.
Although many products claim to help de-puff and lighten the under-eye area, they don’t always work. This is especially true if your eye bags and dark circles are genetically inherited.
Other common causes include:
- allergies
- eczema
- chronic fatigue
- pigmentation issues
- sun exposure
- aging
Keep reading to learn how to get reduce the appearance of under-eye bags.
1. Apply tea bags
Tea isn’t just for sipping. You can use caffeinated tea bags under your eyes to help with dark circles and bags.
The caffeine in the tea contains powerful antioxidants and may increase blood flow to your skin. It’s also said to protect against UV rays and potentially slow the aging process.
Green tea, in particular, has been touted by researchers for its potential anti-inflammatory effects, as shown in a 2020 review of researchTrusted Source.
To do this:
- Steep two tea bags for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Let the tea bags chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
- Then, squeeze out the extra liquid and apply it to your under-eye area.
- Leave the tea bags on for 15 to 30 minutes.
2. Use a cold compress
You may be able to find relief from dark circles with a cold compress you make using materials you already own. Applying cold to the area can help the blood vessels constrict quickly for some temporary relief.
Although you can purchase a cold compress at the store, do-it-yourself methods can work just as well.
Some DIY options include a:
- chilled teaspoon
- cool cucumber
- wet washcloth
- bag of frozen veggies
Before applying, wrap your compress with a soft cloth to protect your skin from getting too cold. You only need to apply the compress for a few minutes to see results.
3. Clear out your sinuses using nasal irrigation
Some people swear that using a Neti Pot can help remove your under-eye bags and dark circles. A Neti Pot is a device you fill with a saltwater (normal saline) solution. You place the spout in your nose and irrigate your sinuses, removing mucus and other debris.
Only use a Neti pot with safe water
Water can contain tiny terms that may cause a deadly brain infection. To keep yourself safe when using nasal irrigation, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)Trusted Source recommends boiling your water (and then allowing it to cool) before using it in a Neti Pot or buying sterile or distilled water to use with nasal irrigation systems. You may be able to filter or disinfect your water.
4. Stay hydrated
Dehydration can contribute to under-eye bags. About half of peopleTrusted Source worldwide don’t meet the daily water recommendations.
How much is enough? Recommendations range from 6 to 12 cupsTrusted Source and may vary based on many factors, including:
- age
- activity level
- climate
- sex assigned at birth
- whether or not you are pregnant
Don’t like water? The good news is that all fluids count toward your daily total. Still, water is a low-calorie option. Try sparkling waters, flavored waters, or even water infused with fruit. Hot or cold herbal decaffeinated tea is another good choice.
5. Take an antihistamine
Allergies can cause puffy dark circles under your eyes. You may also experience redness or watery, itchy eyes. This reaction is caused by your immune system’s response to something that irritates it, or allergens.
If you feel your under-eye bags might be allergy related, ask a doctor about taking over-the-counter (OTC) allergy medications. Some brands include:
- diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
- cetirizine (Zyrtec)
- loratadine (Claritin)
It’s also a good idea to avoid potential allergens whenever possible.
If you’re having trouble identifying the cause, consider keeping a diary to see what substances or other things cause the most reaction. If this is a chronic problem talk with a doctor about allergy testing.
6. Add retinol cream to your routine
You may have used eye creams in the past, but concentrating on specific ingredients is key. Retinol creams have been used for a variety of skin issues, including:
- acne
- psoriasis
- aging
- certain cancers
This ingredient is related to vitamin A and it comes in cream, gel, or liquid form.
How does retinol help with eye bags? When applied to the skin, this ingredient can improve collagen deficiency. You may find lower concentrations of retinol in different OTC products, but stronger creams require a prescription from a dermatologist.
Retinol is generally applied to the skin once a day, about a half hour after washing your face. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, skip the retinol creams and extra vitamin A.
7. Products for hyperpigmentation
Skin-lightening creams contain an ingredient called hydroquinone. This ingredient interferes with the production of melanin in the skin. This can help reduce the appearance of dark bags or under-eye circles.
You can get hydroquinone by prescription from a dermatologist. You’ll need to use these products regularly to see lasting results.
It’s important to note that the positive effects of hydroquinone are reversed when skin is exposed to sunlight, so you should only apply at night. Some people also experience side effects with products containing it. These can include:
- dryness
- irritation
- mild skin issues
If you have a reaction, stop using these products.
8. Wear sunscreen every day
Protecting your skin against the sun’s rays can help with a number of dermatological issues, like:
- premature aging
- skin cancer
- discoloration
As a result, wearing sunscreen may also help with your under-eye bags and dark circles.
The American Academy of Dermatology Association suggests that all people wear sunscreen. Broad-spectrum sunscreens offer protection against both UVA and UVB rays. The Association recommends choosing a formula that is SPF 30 or higher and water-resistant. Reapply as necessary or directed by the package instructions.
You can also avoid the sun’s harmful rays by:
- sitting in the shade
- wearing protective clothing
- avoiding tanning beds
- using caution around water, snow, and sand, which can increase your risk of sunburn
9. See a derm
A dermatologist may offer other long-term solutions, like prescription creams or cosmetic procedures that work to reduce swelling and discoloration. Options can include:
- microneedling
- laser therapy
- chemical peels
- injectable fillers to treat puffy eyelids
These treatments may need to be repeated for the best results.
Cosmetic procedures may reduce wrinkles, scarring, and pigment issues, like dark circles and under-eye bags.
10. Wash your face before bed
Improving your nightly routine may also help you avoid bags under your eyes. In particular, it’s important to wash your face before bed each night, especially if you wear makeup.
There are several reasons why you shouldn’t sleep in makeup. First, if you sleep with mascara or other eye makeup on your eyes, you may:
- irritate them
- experience an allergic reaction
- develop an infection that creates redness, puffiness, or other symptoms
Some say forgetting to wash your face may cause wrinkles or damage the skin in other ways. How exactly? When you sleep in makeup, you’re exposing your skin to free radicals. This has the potential to create what’s called oxidative stress, which may cause your skinTrusted Source to show signs of aging earlier.
11. Stay elevated while you sleep
Try elevating your head with extra pillows while you sleep. Using two or more pillows or a wedge pillow should do the trick. How does this work? Elevating your head helps to prevent fluid from pooling in your lower eyelids and creating puffiness while you sleep.
If propping up your head hurts your neck or you can’t fall asleep, you may also consider elevating the entire top end of your bed by a few inches. You can use bricks under the bed posts or use special bed risers that are specifically made for this purpose.
12. If you can, get at least eight hours of sleep
Beyond how you sleep, how much you sleep is also a factor. Although limited sleep may not actually cause under-eye circles, getting little sleep may make your complexion paler. Any shadows or dark circles you have may be more obvious as a result.
Most adults should aim to get between 7 and 8 hours of sleep each night.
If you’re having trouble settling down to rest, try these tricks:
- Try creating a sleep schedule, or a regular bedtime and wakeup time, even on the weekends.
- Avoid stimulants including caffeine and nicotine in the hours before bedtime. The effects of caffeine can last up to 8 hoursTrusted Source.
- Avoid beverages containing alcohol before bedtime, as they can affect your sleep quality.
- Avoid eating large meals a few hours before bedtime.
- Finish all strenuous exercise a few hours before bedtime.
- Avoid screens, such as televisions, cell phones, and other electronic devices, for 1 hour before bedtime.
- Try taking a hot bath or shower before bed or using other relaxation techniques.
- Make your room dark and cool, if you can.
13. Eat more collagen-rich foods
As you get older, the muscles and tissues that support your eyelids weaken. This means that your skin may begin to sag, including the fat that’s usually around your eyes.
Upping your intake of vitamin C can help your body absorb more hyaluronic acid. This essential acid is naturally found in the body, but the amount stored decreases with age.
Foods rich in vitamin C and amino acids can also help with collagen production by boosting your levels of hyaluronic acid, creating healthier skin.
Good sources of vitamin C can include:
- oranges
- red peppers
- kale
- Brussels sprouts
- broccoli
- strawberries
14. Eat more iron-rich foods, too
Iron deficiency anemia is a condition where the blood is lacking red blood cells. These cells carry oxygen to tissues in the body. Iron deficiency can cause dark circles under the eyes and even pale skin. Other symptoms can include:
- extreme fatigue
- cold hands and feet
- brittle nails
A doctor can check for anemia with a blood test. They may recommend eating more iron-rich foods or taking iron supplements to get back on track, depending on the severity.
Iron-rich foods include:
- red meat, pork, and poultry
- seafood
- beans
- leafy green veggies, like kale and spinach
- raisins, apricots, and other dried fruits
- iron-fortified foods, like cereals, breads, and pasta
- peas
15. Cut back on salty foods
Eating too many salty foods may contribute to under-eye bags. Salt affects your body’s fluid retention and can make you puffy overall. It may also lead to other health issues, like heart disease and stroke.
The American Heart Association recommends consuming 2,300 milligrams (mg)Trusted Source or less of salt each day. Ideally, adults should consume no more than 1,500 mg of salt each day.
Read packages carefully to see how much salt is in your favorite snacks. One way to immediately lower the salt in your diet is to avoid eating packaged, processed foods. Instead, try eating a diet based more on whole foods — including fresh fruits and veggies — where you can control the salt content.
16. Cut back on alcohol
You may also consider cutting back on alcohol. Why does this work? It’s a similar idea to drinking more water. Drinking alcohol contributes to dehydration, and dehydration may lead to bags and dark circles under your eyes.
If you’re craving a special drink, try grabbing flavored sparkling water or infusing regular water with fruit.
17. Quit smoking, if you smoke
Nicotine depletes your body’s stores of vitamin C, which is the vitamin responsible for creating healthy collagen in your skin. If you smoke, you may deal with issues like:
- wrinkles
- discoloration
- under-eye bags
- dark circles
Quitting smoking also helps with a host of other health issues. You can add years to your life and reduce your chances of developing many health conditions and diseases.
Doctors typically recommend tools or programs to support smoking cessation. Medications or other products may help you manage any nicotine withdrawal symptoms.
