We all suffer from eye bags from time to time. For some people, bags under the eyes can even be hereditary. There are many potential causes for eye bags:
- Ageing
- Lack of sleep
- Stress
- High caffeine and alcohol consumption
- Excessive salt intake
- Smoking
- Cosmetics
- Allergies
- Certain medical conditions such as thyroid disease.
For most people, dark circles and puffy eyes are only temporary. Your lifestyle, diet and skin care can have a huge affect on whether you experience eye bags and how long they linger.
In order to reduce your chances we list the common causes and three natural remedies to get rid of bags under the eyes.
9 most common causes of eye bags
1. Ageing
Ageing is the most common cause of eye bags. As we age, the tissue around the eyes weaken and fluid can also accumulate in the space below your eyes adding to swelling.
2. Can lack of sleep cause eye bags?
After a few late nights many of us can be affected by eye bags and dark circles under the eyes. Regularly getting too little sleep can cause your blood vessels to leak and mix with fluid leading to dark circles.
3. Does being stressed cause bags under the eyes?
Being stressed and anxious causes high levels of adrenaline in the body, which can cause pressure on the eyes.
4. Does smoking cause puffy eyes?
Smoking causes the breakdown of the elasticity of the skin and collagen that helps to keep the skin firm resulting in bagginess around the eyes.
5. What allergies cause puffy eyes?
Allergies can often cause puffy, swollen eyelids and under eye area. Common causes are:
- Tree/grass pollen
- Pet fur
- Dust mites
- Sinus problems.
As your body reacts to the trigger it produces a chemical called histamine that causes swelling and inflammation of the blood vessels in your eyes.
6. Does eating too much salt cause eye bags?
Consuming excessive amounts of salt in your diet will cause your body to hold onto excess fluid, resulting in bloating and swelling to your face and under eye area.
7. Can drinking too much alcohol and caffeine have an effect on eyes?
Too much alcohol and caffeine can cause dehydration which causes the skin under the eyes to become flabby and cause bags to form.
- Learn more about the effect of alcohol on eye health.
8. Cosmetics
Most cosmetic wearers are guilty of going to sleep without taking off their makeup from time to time. Sleeping in makeup can irritate the eyes leaving you with puffy eyes and dark circles when you wake, so it essential to ensure you remove all traces of eye makeup before bedtime.
9. Chronic medical conditions
Medical conditions such as thyroid disease are known to cause eye bags. If you have any concerns about your health or managing a chronic illness, you should make an appointment with your GP.
Getting rid of eye bags naturally
How to treat eye bags is a commonly searched topic, with various creams and even surgery suggested as ways to get rid of under eye bags.
However, there are several ways you can naturally reduce dark circles and puffy under eyes, without the need for expensive treatments.
Remember to remove those contact lenses before trying 2 and 3!
1. Does drinking water help to get rid of eye bags?
Drinking plenty of water will keep you hydrated and help get rid of toxins from the body, which will help with those dark circles and eye bags. Eating a healthy diet and watching your salt intake will also help to improve symptoms.
2. Does placing slices of cucumber on the eyes really help to reduce eye bags?
Studies have shown that placing a slice of chilled cucumber on each eye for 10-15 minutes can help to reduce puffiness as they have a high water content and can moisturise the delicate skin around the eyes. Cucumber also has inflammatory properties that will reduce swelling.
3. Do tea bags reduce puffiness under eyes?
This may sound like an old wives tale that has been around for years and years, but there is a grain of truth in it.
Tea contains tannin which tightens the skin. If soaked in warm water, chilled and placed on the eye for a few minutes, tea bags will really give those eyes a boost.
Some of the popular tea bags used to reduce swelling and puffiness under the eyes are:
- Chamomile
- Lavender
- Fennel
- Rooibos.
When should you seek help?
Occasionally puffy eyes can be a sign of a more serious condition.
- What can cause a swollen eye
- Why is your eyelid swollen?
If you have any concerns regarding your eye health, it is very important that you seek professional help.
