How Do You Get Bags Under Your Eyes?

Getting Rid of Those Eye Bags

People often ask Dallas LASIK surgeon Dr. Tylock, “How do you get bags under your eyes?” After all, from dark circles to puffiness, there are a variety of ways your eyes can announce to the world that you are not at your best.  But how do you get bags under your eyes? And, more importantly, what can you do to prevent them, or make them go away?

Common Causes of Under-eye Bags Include:

• Allergic Reactions– If you got plenty of sleep but still wake up with bags, think allergies. Besides airborne allergens, it may be something you ate, or you may be allergic to your feather pillow. In any case, it’s worth investigating. Hormonal fluctuations may also be a cause.
• Fluid Retention– Sometimes body fluids settle overnight in the eye area. This can happen if you drink too many fluids at bedtime, or eat salty foods, but it’s generally not a big problem. Fluids are typically absorbed within a couple of hours.
• Aging– This, of course, is something you can’t control. As you get older, skin becomes thinner and its elasticity weakens, and the fat around your eyes bulges.
• Illness– Be aware of puffiness that looks like round patches- those can be a sign of thyroid or kidney problems.

How Can You Get Rid of Bags Under Eyes?

• Splash cold water on your face. This sounds simplistic, but can reduce swelling and get your circulation going.
• Tap your upper and lower lids. This moves the fluid away from your eyes and gets it circulating in other parts of your body.
• Chill a spoon and place it over your eye. A spoon that has been chilled in the refrigerator can reduce swelling.
• Put moistened tea bags over your closed eyes for 15 minutes. This tightens the skin and reduces under-eye bags.
• Take a pill. For women, an over-the-counter menstrual remedy like Midol may help. If it’s allergies, an antihistamine.
• Avoid alcohol and salty foods. Especially close to bedtime.
• Elevate your bed, and avoid feather comforters. This can prevent an allergic reaction, and keep fluids from settling.
• Beware of wrinkle creams. Sometimes wrinkle creams plump your skin too much, causing bags.

Bags under the eyes are somewhat preventable. You don’t have to live with this problem making you look old and tired. A few simple steps of prevention may be all the cure you need.