How to Get Rid of Under Eye Bags

Have you ever wondered how to get rid of under eye bags? Clinically referred to as periorbital puffiness, under eye bags have become secrets and disguises, as no one wants to let go of the “bright-eyed and bushy-tailed” image of youth.

Many women create masks with makeup such as concealer and foundation, while both women and men hide behind sunglasses. Under eye bags become a much-talked-about topic when a few brave and unrecognizable women expose them in featured tabloid and television stories entitled “Celebrities Without Makeup”. While a lot of people are content with camouflaging under eye bags, others vow to eliminate them altogether with methods ranging from safe home remedies to drastic under eye surgery. An understanding of the multiple causes of under eye bags sheds light on the cures.

Causes of Under Eye Bags

Under eye bags are either temporary in the case of allergies or long-term in the case of aging. Both young and old individuals may develop under eye bags that are influenced by the following factors:

• Genetics – Parents with under eye bags may pass on this trait to their offspring.
• Allergies – Allergies to certain foods such as seafood as well as pet hair or mold may cause inflammation of the eyes.
• Chronic Sinus Infection – Sinusitis is inflammation that increases pressure on the blood vessels.
• Sleep Deprivation – Frequent disturbances in sleep irritates the eyes.
• Crying – The salt in tears can lead to under eye bags.
• Hormones – When women release hormones during menstruation and pregnancy, under eye bags may develop.
• Lack of water intake – When the body is dehydrated, it retains water.
• Excessive Sodium Intake – Excess sodium is a major cause of inflammation.
• Excessive Sun Exposure – Prolonged time in the sun weakens the elasticity of the thin under eye skin.
• Extensive Computer and Television Use – Strain from staring at a screen for long periods can result in eye puffiness.
• Anemia – Anemia results from a deficiency of hemoglobin in the red blood cells that contain iron-rich protein. The red blood cells play the role of transporting oxygen from the lungs to the tissues. One symptom of anemia is swelling or paleness in the lining of the lower eyelids.
• Kidney Disease – The risk for developing kidney disease has a strong correlation with high-sodium diets, which results in the side effect of under eye bags.
• Vitamin Deficiency – Skin cells are damaged by free-radicals, oxygen molecules with unpaired and unstable electrons, which increase with age. Free-radicals are transmitted during exposure to the sun; inhaled from chemical pollution; consumed in foods that are fried, fatty, or processed; and produced in the body.

Cures for Under Eye Bags

Improving nutrition, trying home remedies, considering drastic remedies, and making lifestyle changes are the key elements in getting rid of under eye bags as reviewed.

Nutrition

It is important to note that antioxidant vitamins neutralize free-radicals, thereby slowing down the aging process. Powerful anti-aging antioxidants may be consumed from certain foods or taken in the form of a dietary supplement. Nutritional changes can be made as follows:

• Vitamin E – This vitamin is found in nuts, vegetable oil, and wheat germ. A daily intake of 100-400 international units of Vitamin E is recommended by the University of California at Berkeley and Tufts University in Boston.
• Vitamin B6 Protein – Long-term deficiency in this vitamin that is involved in the production of red blood cells leads to anemia, resulting in the symptom of under eye bags. Vitamin B6 is found in foods such as bananas, nuts, fish, chicken, milk, beans, and avocados.
• Vitamin C – This vitamin is excellent in preventing or treating anemia and its side effect of under eye bags, since it increases iron absorption. Vitamin C is found in deep yellow foods such as oranges, grapefruits, cantaloupes, honey dew, kiwi fruit, peaches, mangos, and bananas as well as fruit juices. It is also found in broccoli and strawberries.
• Vitamin A – This vitamin is found in the foods of pumpkins, squash, cantaloupes, sweet potatoes, mangoes, apricots, carrots, and spinach. One of its purposes is to remove debris from the bloodstream, which helps the kidneys.
• Iron – A deficiency in iron is the most common cause of anemia that has the side effect of under eye bags. The Recommended Dietary Allowance of iron for females ages 11 to 50 is 15 mg and for women ages 51 and up is 10 mg. Males ages 11 to 18 are required to consume 12 mg and those over age 19 are required to consume 10 mg. Iron is found in red meat, fish, grains, beans, dark leafy vegetables, and some fruits.
• Decrease in Sodium – A daily intake of 2,400 mg of sodium is recommended by the Dietary Guidelines; yet Americans eat 10 times this amount. The less sodium one consumes, the less water the body retains. It is recommended that processed foods that are frozen or canned be replaced by fresh or organic foods, especially fruits and vegetables.
• Increase in Water – Drinking the daily recommended six to eight 12-ounce glasses of water or a number of ounces that is half of one’s body weight flushes out sodium that is responsible for water retention or swelling under the eyes.

Home Remedies

Everyday natural foods and items in the home may be used as home remedies for under eye bags as detailed:

• Cold Compression – Cold therapy or cryotherapy is proven to reduce swelling by constricting blood vessels. Coldness may be applied to under eye bags by the use of refrigerated cucumbers or potatoes (natural astringents) as well as cloth dipped in ice-cold milk and left on the eyes for 20 minutes as explained by Medicine Dr. John Romano, the Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at New York Hospital – Cornell University Medical Center.
• Liquid Egg Whites – Applying a facial masque of liquid egg whites over under eye bags has the effect of tightening pores when left on for 20 minutes.
• Tea Bags– Soaking a tea bag in cool water, refrigerating it for 30 minutes, and applying it to the under eye bag reduces puffiness by dehydrating the fluid under the eyes.
• Elevated Pillow – Because fluid builds up when lying down horizontally, sleeping on stacked pillows is believed to reduce swelling under the eyes.
• Eye Drops – When one has temporary inflammation of the eyes from allergic reactions, eye drops eliminate itchiness that causes one to scratch and pull the sensitive under eye skin.
• Anti-Inflammatory Creams – While the safety is undetermined, hemorrhoid cream is an experimental remedy that acts on the under eye bags in the same way as on the hemorrhoids by restricting blood vessels. Creams that contain Vitamin K and Vitamin E are known to be effective in reducing under eye bags.

Extreme Remedies

• Nonsurgical Cosmetic Filler – During this procedure, a filler injection decreases under eye puffiness as well as indentations and dark circles.
• Under Eye Bag Surgery – This surgery is a long term solution that involves cutting away excess skin under the eye. It is important to note that the short-term side effect include swelling and bruising.

Lifestyle

• Get at least eight hours of sleep at night – Staying up late at night strains the eyes, which lead to swelling.
• Wear sunglasses or visors in the sun – Sunglasses and visors, protect the elasticity of the sensitive under eye skin.
• Limit computer and television use – Prolonged staring at a computer and television monitor puts pressure on the vessels one’s eyes that leads to under eye swelling.

Having reviewed the diverse ways to get rid of under eye bags, an individual with periorbital puffiness can make the decision that is right for him or her. Eating an antioxidant-rich diet of fruits and vegetables plays a significant role in resolving under eye puffiness. It is also helpful to read the Dietary Guideline’s daily percent values of these essential vitamins on packages of healthy foods like cereals, keeping in mind that 5 percent or less is low and 20 percent or more is high. Individuals may also consider taking vitamin supplements. This goes along with cutting out sodium that is found in many processed and fatty foods. Also, the techniques of pillow elevation and cold compression have been proven to be effective in treating under eye bags. Those who prefer immediate gratification will steer toward nonsurgical cosmetic fillers or under eye bag surgery. Most fundamental in nature are the health practices of getting at least eight hours of sleep, protecting one’s eyes from the sun, and pulling away from extensive viewing of computer and television screens.

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