Bags Under Eyes Treatment: The Ultimate Guide
Bags under the eyes are not necessarily a health concern.
However, they can give you an aged look or a tired look.
Therefore, it becomes crucial for you to look at bags under eyes treatment options.
In a study by Lasers in Medical Science, it was found that 90% of people receiving Endolift laser treatment had significant improvements.
You can use either natural or medical treatment options for treating eye bags.
Medical treatments
There are many medical treatments you can also try to restore that fresh eye look.
Laser resurfacing
It uses a laser to remove the surface layer of wrinkly skin from the area under the eye.
It also stimulates collagen growth and results in firmer skin.
The result can last for years, depending on the skin type and sun exposure.
Filler
Usually lasting 6 to 12 months, in this treatment, a filler material like hyaluronic acid is placed under the eye area and cheek to create a smooth transition.
It is usually performed in a doctor’s office under a certified local anesthetic.
Chemical peel
In a chemical peel, a chemical solution is used to dissolve old skin cells, revealing brighter and tighter skin underneath.
It also removes wrinkles by removing the top layer.
The results of it can last a few years.
Surgery
Blepharoplasty is also called lower eyelid lift. In it, the surgeon tightens the muscle and the skin to create a smooth appearance by readjusting the fat in the lower eye area.
Microneedling by a dermatologist
Also known as collagen induction therapy, it reduces scarring, wrinkles, and even pigmentation issues like dark circles and under-eye bags.
In this procedure, fine needles are used to puncture the skin. It creates a controlled injury that will rejuvenate the treated skin.
This procedure is a long process. It usually takes six sessions which are placed a month apart.
Microneedling is a less expensive option than laser procedures.
There are some risks associated with this procedure, as given below:
- Bruising
- Bleeding
- Scarring
- Infection
The recovery time for these issues is also swift.
The home kits are not generally recommended by Dermatologists as not only are they less effective, but also there is a risk of infection transmission.
It is hazardous for people with keloids or people who quickly get scared.
Use antihistamines
Allergies can also lead to dark circles and eye bags under your eyes. You may also get red or watery, itchy eyes due to allergens.
You can take over-the-counter allergy medications if you think allergies cause your eye bags. Some of these medications include:
- Benadryl
- Claritin
- Zyrtec
It would be best if you also tried to avoid potential allergens.
Also, note that there are certain personal care products as well that might result in allergic reactions as well.
You should go for allergy testing if you need it.
Using creams
You can use different creams to help with the bags under your eyes. The solution is to go for the creams that are rich in the ingredients given below:
Hemorrhoid creams
You can reduce under-eye bags and wrinkles by reducing blood flow there.
It does this by reducing the size of the blood vessels there.
You can use this cream as Hemorrhoid cream, and use it to treat Melasma or dark patches on the skin.
Retinol cream
Retinol improves collagen deficiency in the skin. There is a low concentration of Retinol in over-the-counter creams, but you can get creams with more substantial concentrations with a prescription from a dermatologist.
You should apply Retinol on your skin once a day. Use it about half an hour after washing your face.
You can buy this Retinol cream from WowRxPharmacy. It is used for treating fine lines and pigmentation and contains a type of Vitamin A.
Also Read: Looking for some effective products for bags under the eyes? Read “Best Product For Bags Under Eyes: An Overview” to learn about them.
Natural treatments
Some natural treatments for bags under the eyes that you can use are given below:
Get enough sleep
If you get less sleep, it won’t directly cause bags under the eyes and eye circles. However, it will make you look paler, and shadows or dark circles on your skin will appear more prominent.
For most adults, 7-8 hours of sleep each night is optimal.
As per Mayo Clinic, you should follow sleep hygiene in order to sleep better:
- Follow a sleep schedule, or go to sleep at a set time and wake up at the same time every day
- Avoid caffeinated foods and beverages around 6 to 12 hours before bedtime
- Do not drink alcohol around your bedtime
- It would be best if you did not eat anything 2 hours before going to bed
- Try to finish all strenuous activities a few hours before your bedtime
- Avoid blue light (devices such as television, cell phones, etc.) at least one hour before bedtime
Have a healthy diet
You should follow a healthy diet for both eye bags and for keeping yourself healthy.
But if you are only looking for foods that will help with eye bags, some nutrients you need are mentioned below.
Eat foods rich in collagen
If your collagen levels are low, it may cause the skin and muscles all over the body to lose tone and elasticity.
This sagging of the skin will be especially noticeable near your eyes, where this skin is fragile.
Hyaluronic acid helps with collagen production in the skin.
To nourish your skin with more hyaluronic acid, consuming more Vitamin C and amino acids is essential.
Some sources of Vitamin C include:
- White potatoes
- Citrus fruits (examples include grapes, kiwi, etc.)
- Strawberries
- Cruciferous vegetables (like broccoli, cauliflower, etc.)
- Tomatoes
- Bell peppers
Have iron-rich foods
Iron deficiency, also called anemia, happens when the blood lacks red blood cells. These cells carry oxygen to tissues in the body.
It also leads to dark circles under the eyes and pale skin, which may exaggerate the looks of the eye bags.
If you have these symptoms, it can mean you need to approach a doctor:
- Cold hands and feet
- Brittle nails
- Being very weary
If you feel like you may have anemia, you should visit your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor will do a blood test to check it.
To restore the average iron level in your body, you may need iron supplements.
If your case is mild, just increasing the food intake containing iron will help you a lot.
Here are some sources of iron you can consume to maintain the iron level in your body:
- Beans
- Peas
- Dark leafy vegetables like spinach
- Dried fruit such as raisins and apricots
- Cereals, pasta, and bread with iron
- Red meat, pork, and poultry
Cut back on salty foods
Salty foods lead to water retention in the body, which makes you look puffy and your eye bags more pronounced.
According to the American Heart Association, you should avoid consuming more than 2300 mg of salt daily. The ideal amount of salt consumption daily should be 1500 mg.
To ensure that your salt consumption remains in the suggested range, read the packs of packaged foods before consuming food.
Avoid packaged foods if possible, as you cannot control their salt content and try to consume more fresh food.
Avoid alcohol
Drinking alcohol can lead to dehydration, so it is better to reduce alcohol intake.
Dehydration also leads to eye bags and circles under your eyes.
Cold compress
Using a cold compress may also help clear those annoying eye bags. You don’t necessarily need an expensive cream to get started with the treatment of eye bags.
It works by reducing the blood flow to the affected area. It, thus, reduces inflammation and swelling.
You can make a cold compress by using the following:
- Cool cucumber
- Wet washcloth
- Chilled teaspoon
- Bag of frozen vegetables
To avoid an ice burn, use a soft cloth and compress it for a few minutes.
Caffeine
Not only does caffeine narrow your blood vessels, but it also reduces inflammation in your skin.
It also wakes up your tired eyes and reduces dark circles around your eyes.
Dark circles might make the eye bags under your eyes more visible.
Tea bags
Tea bags can also help reduce eye bags by tightening the skin around your eyes and reducing inflammation.
Tea bags are such an effective short-term solution not only because of caffeine but also because of the tannins they contain.
Green tea, in particular, has anti-inflammatory properties.
Use these steps to use tea bags for your eyes:
- Step up to two tea bags for around three to five minutes
- Now, chill the tea bags in the refrigerator for around 20 minutes
- Squeeze out the excess liquid from the eye bags and apply it to the area under your eyes
- For 15 to 30 minutes, you should keep the tea bags on your eyes
Neti pot
A neti pot is a device filled with salt water or a typical saline solution.
You should place its spout on your nose and irrigate the sinus to remove debris and mucus.
Follow these steps to start with:
- Fill the neti pot with a saltwater solution. Use ½ teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of water
- To dissolve the salt, heat the water. Then cool it to body temperature before you use it. You should use warm or lukewarm water for comfort
- Sideways over the sink, tilt your head and place the pot spout in the upper nostril, which is now facing the ceiling
- Gently pour the solution into your nostril as you breathe through your mouth. Note that the answer should drain through the other nostril
- Now, repeat this process while tilting your head the other way
- Use filtered, sterile, or distilled water to rinse the pot after use
- Dry the pot air before storing it
If you are trying this method at home, use sterilized or distilled water to create the saltwater solution. You can also use boiled tap water cooled to a temperature you can use it at.
Stay hydrated
Around 60% of your body weight is water.
It is reasonable to assume that drinking less water may cause the bags under your eyes.
Experts recommend men drink around 15.5 cups of water daily and 11.5 cups of water daily for women.
You can take fluid in any form you want in order to stay hydrated.
Using lightening products
You can also use creams containing hydroquinone to help reduce the appearance of dark bags under your eyes.
Hydroquinone helps by interfering with the production of melanin in the skin.
You can get these creams by a prescription from your dermatologist. To see lasting effects, use it regularly.
The positive effects of hydroquinone will be reversed when you expose your skin to the sun. That is the reason why it should be used at night.
Take off makeup before bed
It is imperative to wash your face before going to bed each night.
There are many reasons why you should take care to remove your makeup, such as eye makeup, including mascara before you sleep:
- It may irritate your eyes
- You may experience an allergic reaction to it
- Develop eye infections that cause puffiness, redness, or other symptoms
It may also cause premature aging of your skin.
Fluff up your pillow
Fluid may build up around your eyes when you sleep, leading to puffiness and eye bags.
To avoid this, try to use two or more pillows to elevate your head or fluff up your pillow while sleeping.
Wear sunscreen
Not only can UV rays cause skin cancer, but they can also lead to premature aging and discoloration of the skin.
This can make the eye bags under your eyes look more pronounced.
The American Academy of Dermatology suggests everyone wear sunscreen.
It is vital to choose a sunscreen that is water resistant and SPF 30 or higher.
You can also try to avoid the sun’s rays by:
- Wearing protective clothing to limit the sun rays that your body gets
- Avoiding tanning beds
- Sitting in shade
Quit smoking
Smoking may lead to skin discoloration, wrinkles, and dark circles, all leading to eye bags forming.
This is because smoking will deplete your Vitamin C store, leading to the discontinuation of healthy collagen production in the body.
Therefore, it is advisable to quit smoking.
Takeaway
Eye bags are a concern for many people, and that concern is valid.
However, there is no reason to fret, as there are many ways to treat eye bags.
Even if you cannot treat eye bags using natural methods, such as by sleeping enough and eating healthy, you can try medical options for treatment.
These medical options for treating eye bags include chemical peel, surgery, laser, and micro-needling.
