How to get rid of dark circles under your eyes: 13 easy and natural ways

Whether you are in the prime of your life or a more mature adult, the last thing you want is those notorious, unsightly under-eye bags. Although they usually do not cause any alarming health problems, these circles around your eyes simply make you look older—and obviously, none of us want that.

Dark circles and bags are generally more common as time goes by; they are also called under-eye bags, puffy eyes, or dark circles. They are not usually a problem that requires medical attention, but the real question is: how do you get rid of them?

To answer this, you must first ask yourself how they appear in the first place. There are many causes, but one of the main ones is the weakening of the skin tissues around the eyes and eyelids, which causes fluid accumulation and forms these bags.

Periods of seasonal allergies, eczema, water retention, and lack of sleep can aggravate the situation; heredity also plays a major role, as do certain acidifying behaviors such as drugs, alcohol, and tobacco.

Fortunately, by making certain changes and adopting specific lifestyle habits and adequate dietary measures, you will be able to get rid of them for good.

 

Under-eye bags: 13 ways to end them.

Under-eye bags result from a logical progression of age and are a frequent complaint among people who no longer feel as young as they once did. More precisely, the fatty mass that helps support the eye sometimes shifts into the lower eyelid, causing it to swell. In addition, fluid accumulates in the area beneath the eyes, aggravating the problem.

How to get rid of under-eye bags?

There are many natural elements to correct this situation; from eliminating certain bad habits to home remedies, these tips will help reduce their appearance.

 

1. Take care of your allergies

You are probably familiar with your allergy season, especially when symptoms arise. You then convince yourself that your eyes will be puffy and that this situation is therefore unavoidable.

Let me tell you that natural remedies, such as essential oils, can definitely fight and soothe them. Do not hesitate to keep a small bottle of an essential blend on hand to prevent them.

2. Reduce your salt intake

Salt is most often linked to high blood pressure, but did you know that all that sodium can cause water retention and lead to under-eye bags?

If you use salt, prefer pure Himalayan sea salt in small quantities. Avoid very salty foods, like pizza and certain soups. Opt for fresh vegetables, especially celery, which can help reduce your craving for salt!

3. Do facial exercises and yoga

Exercise is a natural way to reduce the signs of aging and can promote a more youthful glow to the skin, but the area around the eyes will benefit from special facial exercises. Certified aesthetician and author of "The Yoga Facelift," Marie-Véronique Nadeau, explains that facial yoga involves slow exercises of the facial muscles to tone and tighten them while applying light pressure with your fingers as resistance; the exercises involve various facial expressions and pressure.

Let's not forget "regular" yoga and its benefits. Inverted poses, such as shoulder stands and backbends, can help increase blood circulation to the face, which absorbs excess fluid and helps reduce puffiness.

4. Change your sleeping position

Sleeping on your back can prevent gravity from causing fluid buildup around the eyes. Also consider adding an extra pillow under your head, but ensure it is a soft, effective, and peaceful pillow for a good and gentle night's sleep, as insomnia could accentuate the bags.

5. Try a Neti pot

Have you ever heard of a neti pot?

It is an ancient remedy that you can use as part of your daily routine to fight under-eye bags. Originating from India in Ayurvedic medicine, a neti pot looks like a small teapot and can be found in most health food stores or online. It helps eliminate all that extra moisture in your sinuses due to seasonal allergies, colds, or infections.

Simply pour salt water into one nostril and let it flow out the other. Do this over the bathroom sink. It might seem strange at first, but it is actually very purifying and refreshing.

6. Remove your makeup before going to bed

Not removing your makeup can lead to eye irritation. Be sure to gently remove your eye makeup beforehand to eliminate any additional irritation around the eyes.

7. Limit or eliminate alcohol

Alcohol dehydrates your body and skin. This dehydration can sensitize the area around the eyes and make it dull and dark. Reduce your alcohol consumption to one glass per day while increasing your water intake. You will feel fresher and lighter; your eyes will be wide open and the skin will be clearer because it is much more hydrated.

8. Stop smoking for good!

Did you know that smoking cigarettes dries out and weakens the skin of your face as well as your entire body?

They also cause premature aging of the eye contour. The chemicals found in cigarettes are toxic and can cause irritation, which could lead to dark circles or under-eye bags in addition to a wrinkled and sagging appearance.

If the addiction is strong, try natural approaches to quit more gradually.

9. Try a cold compress… and cucumbers.

If your eyes are puffy, try a cold compress. Not only can this help reduce puffiness, but it can also be very relaxing.

You can achieve this by using chilled spoons on your eyes, cucumber slices, or even chilled, damp tea bags with a drop of lavender essential oil added. The cool temperature increases the effectiveness of this home remedy.

10. Protect yourself from the sun

Sun exposure can damage the skin, accelerate the aging process around your eyes, and cause skin dehydration. A mineral-based or homemade sunscreen, a good pair of UV-protected sunglasses, and a hat can do wonders in protecting your face from these harmful rays.

11. Keep your concealer handy

While you cannot necessarily remove under-eye bags, you can mask them by brightening the area with a concealer. Some mineral-based options are available; you can also create a homemade concealer.

Choose options that match your skin tone, then apply simply by tapping it lightly around the eyes. Avoid rubbing the skin, as this could cause additional irritation. Also, do not use too much. You want to achieve a natural look. Too much, on the other hand, makes bags and wrinkles more visible.

12. Use an all-natural anti-bag cream

Since aging generally causes skin dehydration due to a lack of collagen, hydration is essential. There are many creams available, but I recommend a homemade anti-bag cream. Apply the cream in the evening before going to bed, in the morning, or both.

You can also try a solution in the evening just before bedtime containing rosehip oil, lavender and lemon essential oils, and aloe vera; it will help reduce inflammation and regenerate your skin.

 

13. Get more collagen in your diet

Collagen is the most abundant protein in our body. It is found in our muscles, bones, skin, and tendons. It gives our skin strength and elasticity and helps replace dead skin cells. Our body's collagen production naturally begins to slow down with age.

Increasing collagen levels can help your skin look firmer, increase its smoothness, and help your skin cells renew and repair normally. Opt for chicken bone broth or collagen supplements, such as collagen protein powder, to increase your collagen intake, or the Astaxanthin powder that you can find in our online store.

 

Symptoms and causes of under-eye bags

 

Under-eye bags can include mild swelling and sagging skin. Although unsightly in appearance, they are usually benign and do not require medical attention; however, if you have severe and persistent bags accompanied by redness, itching, or pain, consult your doctor as soon as possible.

In addition, if you notice redness, itching, or pain in other parts of your body, such as your legs, you might have an allergic reaction and need medical attention. Your doctor will rule out all possible causes, such as thyroid disease or infection.

As you age, the tissue structures and muscles that support your eyelids weaken with the loss of collagen. This tissue weakening can cause the skin to sag. The fat that is normally in the area around the eyes can shift into the area beneath, accumulating fluid and making the area appear puffy.

Other factors such as water retention can be caused by climate changes, hormone levels, consumption of salty foods, lack of sleep, allergies, dermatitis—especially if the bags are accompanied by redness and itching—and heredity.

 

Epidermal Growth Factor… Huh?

The Journal of The Society of Translational Oncology explains how cell multiplication is essential to all aspects of life to limit growth to the rare places where it is necessary, such as wounds, bruises, or any inflammation that needs to be healed. This can include under-eye bags.

Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) is part of a complex network of growth factors and receptors that, together, help modulate cell growth. EGF is released by cells and is then picked up either by the cell itself, stimulating its own growth, or by neighboring cells, stimulating their ability to divide. In most cases, EGF is very beneficial.

Another study shared information regarding the use of a topical serum containing Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) and its ability to minimize the appearance of under-eye bags. Sixteen subjects were tested and all but two reported improvement at their final visit. The improvement was quantified at 76-100 percent by two subjects, 50 to 75 percent by three subjects, and 25 to 49 percent by nine subjects. Eleven subjects claimed that their under-eye bags were significantly less visible at the end of the trial compared to the first visit. Seven subjects reported being more satisfied with their overall facial appearance.

Ultimately, the study concluded that the results prove that topical EGF can reduce the appearance of under-eye bags. It can also help eliminate fine lines.

The skin around the eyes is very delicate. Be sure to be extra careful when applying anything around or near your eyes. Most of the natural methods described above should not be a problem. But if the bags worsen or if you notice irritation, consult your doctor.

A plastic surgery procedure known as blepharoplasty is another conventional treatment option that might be suggested by your dermatologist if other methods do not seem to help. But keep in mind that any surgery can be risky and that cosmetic surgery may not be covered by your health insurance. Discuss the risks, benefits, and concerns you may have with your dermatologist or plastic surgeon.

 

To summarize:

• There are many causes, but generally the skin tissues around the eyes and eyelids weaken and sag, causing an accumulation of fluid under the eyes, which creates these under-eye bags and their puffy appearance.
• Seasonal allergies, eczema, and water retention can aggravate the situation, with heredity also playing a role.
• Tobacco, drugs, and alcohol can also age the skin more quickly.
• You can turn to many more natural options, from eliminating certain bad habits to home remedies, which can help reduce the appearance of under-eye bags.
• Conventional treatment options recommended by a dermatologist may include creams, Botox injections, and cosmetic surgery.