How to help prevent and reduce bags under eyes

Bags under the eyes can make you look tired or older than you feel. While they’re usually harmless, they can be frustrating to deal with. The good news is that there are ways to help prevent and reduce their appearance. Here’s what you need to know about what causes under-eye bags and ways to treat them.

Common causes of bags under eyes

Under-eye bags can happen when the skin and muscles around your eyes get weaker. Fluid can collect and make the area look puffy. Some common causes of bags under the eyes include:¹

Aging: the skin and muscles around the eyes naturally weaken with age
Genetics: if your parents have under-eye bags, you may be more likely to have them too
Lack of sleep: poor sleep can cause fluid to collect under the eyes, leading to puffiness
Allergies: certain allergies can make your eyes swell and itchy
Fluid retention and salt intake: eating too much salty food can make your body hold water, which makes your skin puffy

What are symptoms that may be related to bags under eyes?

In addition to puffiness, bags under the eyes may be accompanied by:¹

Mild swelling
Loose or sagging skin
Dark circles

While these symptoms are usually not a cause for concern, they can sometimes be a sign of underlying health issues, such as allergies or thyroid disease. If you're experiencing these symptoms, your doctor can determine if you have a medical cause for your symptoms.¹

Myths and facts about under-eye bags

There are many misconceptions about under-eye bags. Here are some myths and facts:¹^,²

Myth: Only older people get bags under their eyes.
- Fact: While aging is a common cause, younger people can also develop them due to genetics, lifestyle habits or allergies.
Myth: Applying a cold spoon under the eyes will cure puffiness.
- Fact: A cold compress can help reduce swelling for a short time, but it won't fix the cause.

Treatment options for bags under eyes

If you’re looking to help reduce or prevent under-eye bags, there are things you can do. From home remedies and lifestyle changes to medications, there are several approaches to consider.

Home remedies

Simple home remedies can help reduce puffiness and refresh your under-eye area.²

Cold compress: applying a cool cloth or chilled cucumber slices can temporarily reduce swelling
Elevate your head while sleeping: this can help prevent fluid from pooling under the eyes

Lifestyle changes

Making small changes to your daily routine may help prevent or lessen under-eye bags:²

Get enough sleep: aim for 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep each night

Eat less salt: eating less salty food can help you lose water

Manage allergies: if allergies add to puffiness, consider talking to your doctor

Medical treatment

If home remedies and lifestyle changes aren’t enough, there are medical treatments that can help.¹

Fillers: injectable fillers can restore lost volume under the eyes
Laser treatments: lasers can tighten skin and improve under-eye appearance
Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty): a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the under-eye area

When to see a doctor for under-eye bags

Under-eye bags are usually only a cosmetic concern, but in some cases, they may be a sign that something else is going on. Some examples of when to see a doctor include:¹^,^2,

The swelling is severe or painful
It affects only one eye
You have redness, itching or irritation that doesn’t go away
You notice sudden, unexplained puffiness

By understanding the causes of under-eye bags and making a few lifestyle changes, you can help reduce puffiness and keep your eyes looking refreshed. In certain cases, urgent evaluation by a doctor may be needed.