How to get rid of bags under the eyes

Although there are countless products on the market which claim to help de-puff and lighten the area under the eyes, they don’t always work.

Drinking more water and applying a cold compress can help shrink eye bags quickly, but the only way to reduce their appearance in the long term is to make a few lifestyle changes. This is especially true if your eye bags and dark circles are genetically inherited.

Other common causes include:

1. allergies
2. eczema
3. chronic fatigue
4. pigmentation issues
5. sun exposure
6. aging

Keep reading to learn how you can get rid of your under-eye bags for good.

1. Stay hydrated:

Water makes up about 60 percent of your body weight. Given this, it may not be surprising that dehydration can contribute to under-eye bags. Upping your water intake should help.

How much is enough? Experts recommend drinking around 13 cups of fluids a day for men, and about 9 cups of fluids for women, per day.

Don’t like water? The good news is that all fluids count toward your daily total. Still, water is a low-calorie option. Try sparkling waters, flavored waters, or even water infused with fruit. Hot or cold herbal decaffeinated tea is another good choice.

2. Add retinol cream to your routine:

You may have used creams in the past, but concentrating on specific ingredients is key. Retinol creams have been used for a variety of skin issues, including:

• acne
• psoriasis
• aging
• certain cancers

This ingredient is related to vitamin A and it comes in cream, gel, or liquid form.

How does retinol help with eye bags? When applied to the skin, this ingredient can improve collagen deficiency. You may find lower concentrations of retinol in different OTC products, but stronger creams require a prescription from your dermatologist.

Retinol is generally applied to skin once a day, about a half hour after washing your face. Don’t use retinol creams or take extra vitamin A if you’re pregnant.

3. Use lightening products

Skin lightening creams contain an ingredient called hydroquinone. This ingredient interferes with the production of melanin in the skin. This can help reduce the appearance of dark bags or under-eye circles.

Many creams, gels, and lotions you’ll find over the counter contain 2 percent of hydroquinone. You can get higher concentrations by prescription from your dermatologist. You’ll need to use these products regularly to see lasting results.

It’s important to note that the positive effects of hydroquinone are reversed when skin is exposed to sunlight, so you should only apply at night. Some people also experience dryness, irritation, and other mild skin issues while using skin lightening products. Discontinue use if you have a reaction.

4.. Wear sunscreen every day

Protecting your skin against the sun’s rays can help with a number of dermatological issues, like:

• premature aging
• skin cancer
• discoloration

As a result, wearing sunscreen may also help with your under-eye bags and dark circles.

The American Academy of Dermatology suggests that all people wear sunscreen. Broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays is important. So is choosing a formula that is SPF 30 or higher and water-resistant. Reapply as necessary or directed on the package instructions. Choose a daily face moisturizer that’s also SPF 30 or higher.

5. Take your makeup off before bed

Improving your nightly routine may also help you avoid bags under your eyes. In particular, it’s important to wash your face before bed each night.

There are several reasons why you shouldn’t sleep in makeup. First, if you sleep with mascara or other eye makeup on your eyes, you may:

• irritate them
• experience an allergic reaction
• develop an infection that creates redness, puffiness, or other symptoms

Some say forgetting to wash your face may cause wrinkles or damage the skin in other ways. How exactly? When you sleep in makeup, you’re exposing your skin to free radicals. This has the potential to create what’s called oxidative stress, which may prematurely age your skin.