November 09, 2018
Wondering how to get rid of eye bags? Easy home remedies may just be what you need.
Quick and Easy Homemade Remedies to Get Rid of Eye Bags
1. Hemorrhoid Cream
It’s a little shocking to hear, but hemorrhoid cream has become a go-to beauty hack for performers and models dealing with puffy eye bags. It helps instantly tighten puffy skin, as well as reduce the appearance of wrinkles. It contains hydrocortisone, an anti-inflammatory that reduces puffiness by restricting the blood vessels. However, the smell can be a little too strong (experts suggest mixing it with a bit of your favorite scented moisturizer). You have to take extra care not to get the cream into your eyes as it can sting and cause serious eye damage.
2. Caffeinated Tea
Get rid of eye bags with tea. This has been used by grandmothers and supermodels alike. The caffeine in black and green teas helps restrict the blood vessels in the sensitive under-eye area without irritating it. It also contains tannins, a natural diuretic, that help tighten the skin and draw out excess fluid, thereby reducing the puffiness even further.
Soak a couple of teabags in warm water for a couple of minutes to activate the caffeine and tannins, refrigerate them until they get cold, then use as you would a cold compress under the eyes.
3. Cucumber
You’ve probably seen this done mostly by some people, even in cartoons. Cucumbers consist almost entirely of water and have been used for decades to get rid of eye bags naturally. Cucumber juice has been known to soothe damaged skin, reduce swelling, as well as stimulate antioxidant activity. It also has copious amounts of vitamin C and folic acid that stimulate skin growth and help fight off toxins from the environment.
Chop two slices of cold cucumber on a clean surface. Rinse them with cold water, then place them over your eyes, flipping them over until the cooling sensation dissipates. You can even snack on them once you’re finished.
4. Chilled Spoons
As a child, you may have spotted a spoon or two resting in the refrigerator. This is because chilled spoons have been a great solution for those looking for ways to get rid of eye bags overnight. The chill of the spoons help restrict blood vessels and reduce the appearance of puffiness.
Place two to four spoons on a clean surface in your refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes. Once you take them out, place the rounded parts of the spoon on puffy areas until they become warm. Repeat with as many spoons as you desire, or until the puffiness goes away.
5. Teething Rings
Provided that you buy your own and don’t use your (or anyone else’s) baby’s, teething rings are another home remedy for treating puffy eye bags. Since they are usually gel-based, their cold temperatures will last longer than chilled spoons and cucumbers, making them perfect for an extended self-care period.
Place two gel-filled baby teething rings in your freezer. Take them out when they’re ice cold. Then, place them on your closed eyes for up to 10 minutes. The cold will not only reduce puffiness but also refresh and invigorate the skin.
6. Reduce Your Sodium Intake
While controlling your sodium levels doesn’t sound like an overnight remedy for getting rid of eye bags, it may help prevent them and improve their appearance in the long run. A heightened sodium intake is generally not face-friendly, meaning that it causes very visible damage to facial skin the most. Consuming too much sodium retains more water in your body, making you look and feel bloated, especially under the eyes.
How to Reduce Sodium Intake:
- Avoid overseasoning your food with salt.
- Reduce eating more salty foods (pickles, olives, fast food, instant meals).
- Eat more potassium-rich foods.
- Drink more water to maintain a healthy sodium balance in your body and to keep yourself from getting dehydrated.
7. Sleep on Your Back
Fluid builds up in your eye bags as you sleep, so maintaining a good sleeping position has the potential to reduce puffy eye bags. Avoid sleeping face down or on your side, as gravity may cause the liquid to pool into your eye bags and weigh them down even further. Sleep on your back, and if possible add another pillow to elevate your head even more.
8. Reduce or Eliminate Alcohol Intake
Whenever you drink alcohol, your body and skin get severely dehydrated. This causes the already delicate skin around your eyes to appear either more sunken and dark, or puffy and red. Alcohol can also make your eyes appear more bloodshot. You can remedy this by reducing your alcohol intake to no more than one glass a day. You can also stop drinking alcohol altogether. Otherwise, you should accompany your alcohol drinking with lots of water as well.
9. Shield Your Eyes From the Sun
Sun exposure is unavoidable and inevitable, especially since we need it to survive. However, overdoing it can cause great harm to your eye bags. The sun’s UV rays can cause the skin around your eyes to age faster, sag, wrinkle, and get dehydrated. Put on sunscreen whenever you go out. You can also put on a sturdy pair of UV sunglasses and a hat to protect yourself. Your skin will thank you.
Here are some more home remedies for puffy eye bags by JLovesMac1:
Taking care of your eye bags isn’t just cosmetic. It also extends to your skin, which is your body’s largest organ and your first line of defense against environmental pollutants. It doesn’t take much to get started; everything you need may already be present in your home for you to use!
Do you have any tried-and-true home remedies for getting rid of under-eye bags? Share them with us in the comment section!
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