Main causes of under eye bags and cures to get rid of them

Puffiness and bags under the eyes are harmless but if it worries you, seek advice from an optometrist or physician.

Bags under the eyes don’t just happen overnight. They may be due, in part, to poor circulation, resulting in fat or water retention under the eyes.

• Poor circulation can be the result of unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as too much salt intake, or drug and alcohol abuse and even drinking coffee.
• Makeup and cosmetics can become enemy number one to your delicate under-eye skin. For sensitive people, mascara and eyeliner can cause significant inflammation from allergies and other irritations.
• It’s also possible the condition is hereditary and that your everyday facial expressions play a part too. The effects of laughing and repeatedly squinting can also create the appearance of under-eye pockets. But don’t let that stop you from smiling!
• Finally, not getting adequate sleep. Lack of sleep alone is never the sole cause of unsightly under eye pockets.

First, there are a few home remedies that are known to brighten appearances and improve the look of your eyes.

Applied for a few minutes as soon as you get out of bed in the morning, this helps to get your circulation going and is effective in reducing swelling due to water retention.

• Apply cold water compresses.
• Frozen peas in two small zipper bags. They’ll never melt and they can be used over and over again.
• Metal spoons placed in the refrigerator overnight.
• Pockets of wet tea bags, placed in the refrigerator the day before or for a few minutes in the freezer. To improve the benefits, use chamomile or green tea. Their natural medicinal properties are an excellent remedy for puffiness or dark circles.
• Use figs, cut in half (they contain high levels of antioxidants, potassium, calcium and iron).
• Cucumber slices (very hydrating, they contain copper, which is a building block of collagen).

Before contacting an optometrist, allergist or dermatologist (or surgeon), try making a few simple lifestyle changes.

• Drink at least 1.5 liters of water each day.
• Get an average of at least seven to eight hours of sleep per night.
• Increase your intake of fruits and vegetables.
• Reduce your intake of salt, alcohol and coffee.
• Sleep on your back with your head elevated when possible. Sleeping on your side or on your belly can increase fluid accumulation.
• Treat your seasonal allergies with antihistamines.
• Take care of your skin (cleansing, hydration and using sunscreen).

There are cosmetic methods that can only be performed by trained medical professionals.

• Hyaluronic acid injections boost collagen, and can give your eyes a youthful appearance.
• Blepharoplasty is a surgery that uses a laser to remove excess skin where fat deposits have accumulated. The procedure is carried out in one hour and usually takes less than a week to recover from.