Bags under eyes often occur as a result of natural aging. The skin around the eyes becomes thinner and less elastic with age, which allows fluid to collect and results in a puffy appearance. Although there isn't much you can do about age-related eye bags, you can help keep puffiness to a minimum by getting enough sleep, eating healthy and using a few natural remedies.
Other common causes of under eye bags that are easier to remedy include sleep position, lack of sleep and fluid retention. Lying horizontally can encourage fluid to collect beneath the eyes, resulting in bags. Premenstrual bloating or a high intake of sodium can cause fluid retention, which may extend to the eyes and cause the appearance of eye bags.
In rare cases, internal medical problems may be to blame for bags under your eyes. If the following natural remedies do not seem to help, if your eye bags become worse, or if you experience pain or tenderness, consult your doctor to rule out a more serious underlying condition.
Potatoes for Bags Under the Eyes
Potatoes are rich in vitamin K, which has a known role in reducing the collected fluids that cause undereye bags. In addition, potatoes lighten dark patches on the skin, making them useful for treating both eye bags and dark undereye circles simultaneously. Shredded potatoes work best, as they allow the most potato juice to come into contact with your eyes. If you're short on time, however, you can use potato slices without grating first.
To apply, grate a few potato slices until you have enough shreds to cover both eyes, or cut a few slices large enough to cover your eyes. Lie back in a comfortable position and place the shredded potatoes over your eyes. Leave them on for at least 10 minutes, and then remove. Wipe away any residual potato juice with a clean cotton towel. If you have sensitive skin, it may be necessary to gently rinse the area with lukewarm water.
Ice Water for Undereye Bags
Ice water helps get rid of bags under eyes by constricting swollen blood vessels that result in a puffy appearance. Dip a clean cotton cloth in ice cold water, wring out excess and apply directly to your eyes. Leave on for about five minutes, or until the cloth becomes warm, and repeat as needed. Dessert spoons allowed to stand in ice water for five minutes may also be used in this way. Apply the back of a chilled spoon to your eyes and leave on for five minutes at a time for best results.
Black Tea May Help With Bags Under the Eyes
Black tea contains astringent tannins that assist in eye bag removal by reducing inflammation. Soaking them in ice cold water doubles the effectiveness of the remedy. Place two black tea bags in a bowl of ice water, and allow them to stand for about two minutes. Remove the bags, gently press to remove excess liquid, and place each bag over one eye. Leave in place until warm, about 10 minutes. Repeat once or twice daily as needed. Use the cheapest tea bags available, as the cheaper bags typically contain the highest concentration of tannins.
Cucumber for Undereye Bags
Cold cucumbers are classic natural remedies for undereye bags. The coolness of cucumbers soothes tired, inflamed and puffy eyes, while also providing much-needed moisture. Slice a cucumber into quarter-inch slices, and lie back in a comfortable position. Place one slice over each of your closed eyes, and leave in place for about 10 minutes. Repeat as often as desired. To add a soothing boost to your cucumber slices, soak them in ice cold water, apple cider vinegar or witch hazel before applying.
Sources:
Austin, Denise. Fit and Fabulous After 40. New York City: Broadway, 2001. Print.
Balch, Phyllis A.. Prescription for Herbal Healing: An Easy-to-Use A-Z Reference to Hundreds of Common Disorders and Their Herbal Remedies. New York: Avery, 2002. Print.
Krishan, Shubhra. Radiant Body, Restful Mind: A Woman's Book of Comfort. Novato, CA: New World Library, 2004. Print.
Merson, Sarah. The Top 100 Traditional Remedies. illustrated edition ed. London: Duncan Baird, 2006. Print.
Cindy Ausbrooks - Cindy Ausbrooks is a freelance writer living in the beautiful Hot Springs, AR. She enjoys herbalism, natural medicine, animals, crafts, ...
