If you often have dark bags and puffiness under your eyes, maybe you should try to find the root cause to get rid of them permanently. Fortunately, there are some quick remedies that can reduce, eliminate, or hide bags under the eyes within hours or days. Keep in mind that these remedies are only temporary and won't eliminate the root cause, but they can help get rid of bags under your eyes in no time.
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Method 1 of 4: Using a Cold Compress as a Quick Solution
Step 1. Apply a cold compress
Soak a clean, soft washcloth in cold water, then wring out the excess water. Gently press the washcloth under and around the eyes, making sure you do so all over the swollen area. Continue compressing for about five minutes.
- Perform compressions in an upright sitting position to encourage fluid that has accumulated under the eyes to flow back.
- Cold compresses (or other compression techniques) work by narrowing the blood vessels that are responsible for causing discoloration and swelling under the eyes.
Step 2. Place the cold spoon on the eye
Take four spoons made of stainless steel and put them in a glass of ice water. Wait about 2-4 minutes. Lift a spoon and apply it carefully to the black and puffy areas under the eyes. Just press slowly. Hold the spoon in this position until it is warm to skin temperature.
- Put the spoon back in the ice water and take the next cold spoon. Repeat the same process for the other under eye bag.
- If necessary, continue this cold spoon method for about 5-15 minutes, depending on how quickly you can reduce the appearance of bags under your eyes.
Step 3. Compress the eyes with cucumber slices
Take the chilled cucumbers out of the fridge, cut them into strips about 1.25 cm thick and stick them over your closed eyes. Make sure you cover the swollen area. Sit in an upright and relaxed position, tilting your head back for about 25 minutes.
Cucumber contains a lot of water so it can cool and moisturize the skin naturally and is very effective at reducing swelling under the eyes. Cucumbers also contain quercetin, an antioxidant that blocks histamine, thereby reducing eye bags caused by allergic reactions
Step 4. Use cold tea bags
Dip two tea bags in cold water, then place them in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to let them cool even more. After that, place the tea bag over the closed eyes and the eye bag area. Lie on your back with your head slightly elevated and do the treatment for 25-30 minutes.
- After that, wash your eyes and face with cold water and dry gently.
- Do not use tea bags that contain strong spices as they can irritate the eyes. Chamomile tea and green tea contain natural healing properties so they can be the best choices. If you don't have one, you can also use regular black tea or non-caffeinated black tea.
Method 2 of 4: Treat Possible Causes Quickly
Step 1. Take an antihistamine
One possible cause of the appearance of bags under the eyes is an allergic reaction. If you experience other allergy symptoms, consider taking an over-the-counter antihistamine.
Swelling under the eyes can also be caused by a cold or sinus infection. Over-the-counter medications formulated to treat these conditions can also help reduce bags under the eyes
Step 2. Rinse the nasal sinuses
If sinus problems are causing your eyes to swell and antihistamines don't significantly reduce eye bags, consider using a neti pot to remove fluid that has accumulated under your eyes.
- Dissolve teaspoon (about 0.5 g) of fine, un-ionized salt in 250 ml of warm water.
- Pour the saline solution into the neti pot, then tilt your head to one side and use the neti pot to pour half the solution into one nostril. Tilt your head lower to allow all the saline solution to escape from the other nostril.
- Repeat the same procedure to rinse the sinus passage through the other nostril with the remaining half of the saline solution thoroughly.
Step 3. Apply eye cream
There are many eye creams that are formulated to reduce the appearance of eye bags. Look for a cream that works quickly for instant results.
- Retinol eye cream is a popular choice. While this cream gives good results in the long run as it boosts collagen production, you may have to wait to see the results.
- The best option for getting quick results is an eye cream that contains caffeine. Caffeine constricts blood vessels causing inflammation and discoloration of the skin.
- You can also use an eye cream that contains Arnica, a natural anti-inflammatory ingredient.
Step 4. Drink plenty of water
It is recommended to drink at least 8 glasses (250 ml each) of water every day. Swelling under the eyes can be caused by water retention and dehydration can cause the body to retain more water.
To reduce bags under your eyes, you should also cut down on foods and drinks that can make dehydration worse, including salt, alcohol, and caffeine
Method 3 of 4: Get Rid of Eye Bags Overnight
Step 1. Remove all makeup
Before going to bed, remove the make-up you wear thoroughly. Eye makeup can cause watery eyes while you sleep and this will increase the swelling under your eyes the next morning.
- If possible, try to use a makeup remover product before bed. This kind of product is specially formulated to stick to the makeup particles and lift them up more effectively than regular soap and water.
- If you don't have a makeup remover on hand, you can use a regular facial cleanser and water. Make sure you wash your face until there is no eye makeup left.
Step 2. While sleeping, try to keep your head elevated
Add an extra pillow under your head before falling asleep. You can also elevate the top of the mattress or bed if possible (like in a hospital). The goal is to make the head position higher than the body.
A higher head position will help drain excess blood, mucus and other fluids from the face and prevent them from building up under the eyes and causing eye bags
Step 3. Sleep on your back
If you are used to sleeping on your stomach or on your side, change your sleeping position to your back. With your eyes facing up, you allow gravity to pull excess fluid from your eyes so they don't accumulate under your eyes.
If you naturally roll over on your stomach or on your side during sleep, try placing a pillow at your side to prevent you from changing your sleeping position
Step 4. Get enough sleep
Lack of sleep is one of the most common causes of bags under the eyes. Plan a time for bed in advance so that you can sleep about 7-8 hours before your alarm wakes you up the next morning.
Lack of sleep causes the body to release the “stress hormone” cortisol, which can cause the breakdown of collagen in the skin. This weakens the skin under the eyes and promotes the formation of dark circles
Method 4 of 4: Hiding Eye Bags with Cosmetics
Step 1. Use eye cream
Before applying makeup, apply a small amount of eye cream over the eye bags. Wait a few minutes for the cream to absorb before continuing.
- Choose a moisturizing eye cream. For better results, consider a moisturizer that contains retinol or caffeine.
- Regardless of the type you choose, an eye cream will help moisturize your skin and fill in the fine wrinkles that make cosmetics stuck in it.
Step 2. Use a smudge mask to cover the under-eye area
Apply a smudge mask that matches your skin tone just over the eye bags. Use the applicator or brush to apply it, do not rub it on the skin to avoid irritation.
- For best results, choose a light stain concealer with a cream-like texture. Thicker blemish camouflage can settle into fine lines under the eyes and make skin damage more visible.
- Don't use your fingers to apply the concealer, as you may apply too much. Small, flat brushes can be the best choice.
Step 3. Gently apply the bronzer
While not necessary, adding bronzer to your cheeks can help reduce the appearance of eye bags. Apply bronzer to your cheeks and blend upwards into the area just under your eyes using a standard powder brush.
The contrast created by applying bronzer can help minimize the appearance of eye bags even if it is not applied directly to the area. However, do not use a shiny bronzer because it emphasizes the appearance of eye bags
Step 4. Dab powder on problem areas as a final step
Use a brush with extended bristles to apply a light transparent powder under the eyes and cheeks.
