How To Get Rid Of Eye Bags Naturally

Your eyes are probably the first thing that people notice about you. And bags under your eyes can make you look tired and unattractive.

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• If your puffy eyes come with additional symptoms like frequent urge to pee, itchy and dry skin, muscle cramps, and swollen ankle and feet, check for kidney disease.¹
• If your puffy eyes come with additional symptoms like trouble sleeping, dry mouth and eyes, pain in your abdomen, and dizziness, check for liver disease.²

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But what you need to accept is that as you age, your skin will naturally sag and pockets of fat around the eyes will shift to form a puffy under-eye bag.³ Moreover, you may have a genetic tendency toward them. As the fatty tissue under the eyes can retain water, eating salty foods or suffering from allergies, which cause water retention, may also give you puffy eyes.⁴ In more serious cases, your under-eye bags may indicate liver or kidney disease. In such cases, you would need medical attention.

Here are a few tips on how you can tackle those unappealing under eye bags:

1. Sleep For 7–9 Hours Every Night

Getting a good night’s sleep may go a long way toward taking care of those eye bags. Though the amount of sleep needed might differ from person to person, most adults need anything between 7 and 9 hours of shuteye a night. Try keeping to a regular sleep schedule if you have trouble getting sleep. Winding down before bedtime by indulging in a warm relaxing bath or by reading a book can also help you fall asleep.⁵

2. Cut Down On Salt

Excess salt can lead to water retention and puffy eyes. And the fact is most of us have too much salt.⁶ So stick to about a teaspoon (6 g) of salt a day and you might find that the bags under your eyes have eased up.⁷

3. Apply A Cool Compress

Apply something cold under your eyes for 10 to 20 minutes. The low temperature will reduce the swelling. You can try rubbing an ice cube wrapped in a damp washcloth under your eyes. You may even rub on and around your eyes a teaspoon which has been chilled in the fridge.⁸

4. Use A Cucumber Slice Eye Mask

Cucumber slices have been used for ages to relieve puffy eyes. Chill a cucumber in the fridge and slice off a couple of thin circles. Now close your eyes, place a slice over each eye, and relax for a few minutes. Cucumber contains caffeic acid and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) which can help with water retention as well as soothe irritated skin. As an added bonus, this remedy may also remove the dark circles under your eyes.⁹

5. Try Tea Bags

Tea has tannins which are natural astringents. Close your eyes and place a cool, damp tea bag on each eye for 2 to 5 minutes to take care of puffy eyes.¹⁰

6. Use An Extra Pillow

Lying flat on your back discourages fluids from collecting around your eyes because of gravity. It also helps to sleep with your head elevated. Adding an extra pillow might help you avoid waking up with puffy eyes.

7. Take Care Of Allergies

Allergies can give you puffy eyes. The best remedy is to avoid substances that trigger your allergies. Usual suspects include dust, mold, and pollen. A saline nasal wash made by mixing half a teaspoon of salt and a bit of baking soda in a cup of warm water may also prove to be useful. Your doctor may also prescribe medication that can help you deal with allergies.^{11 12}