17 Ways to Get Rid of Bags Under Your Eyes
Medically reviewed.
● Tea bags
● Cold compress
● Neti pot
💧 Water
● Antihistamines
● Retinol
● Lightening
● Sunscreen
● Procedures
● Nightly routine
● Elevation
● Sleep
● Collagen
● Iron
● Salt
● Alcohol
17. ● Smoking
FAQ
Takeaway
You may be able to reduce the appearance of eyebags long-term with specific lifestyle changes like getting enough sleep and staying hydrated.
Although many products claim to help de-puff and lighten the under-eye area, they don’t always work. This is especially true if your eye bags and dark circles are genetically inherited.
Other common causes include:
●allergies
●eczema
●chronic fatigue
●pigmentation issues
●sun exposure
●aging
Keep reading to learn how to reduce the appearance of under-eye bags.
1. Apply tea bags
You can use caffeinated tea bags under your eyes to help with dark circles and bags.
The caffeine in the tea contains powerful antioxidants and may increase blood flow to your skin. It’s also said to protect against UV rays and potentially slow the aging process.
Green tea, in particular, has potential anti-inflammatory effects, according to a 2020 review of research.
To try it:
Steep two tea bags for 3 to 5 miutes.
Let the tea bags chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
Then, squeeze out the extra liquid and apply it to your under-eye area.
Leave the tea bags on for 15 to 30 minutes.
2. Use a cold compress
You may be able to find relief from dark circles with a cold compress. Applying cold to the area can help the blood vessels constrict quickly for some temporary relief.
Although you can purchase a cold compress at the store, do-it-yourself methods can work just as well.
Some DIY options include:
●chilled teaspoon
●cool cucumber
●wet washcloth
●bag of frozen veggies
Before applying, wrap your compress with a soft cloth to protect your skin from getting too cold. You only need to apply the compress for a few minutes to see results.
Prevent macular degeneration
3. Clear out your sinuses using nasal irrigation
Using a Neti Pot may help relieve under-eye bags and dark circles. A Neti Pot is a device you fill with a saltwater (normal saline) solution. You place the spout in your nose and irrigate your sinuses, removing mucus and other debris.
Learn how to use a Neti Pot.
Only use a Neti pot with safe water
Water can contain tiny germs that may cause a deadly brain infection. To keep yourself safe when using nasal irrigation, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends boiling your water (and then allowing it to cool) before using it in a Neti Pot or buying sterile or distilled water to use with nasal irrigation systems.
4. Stay hydrated
Dehydration can contribute to under-eye bags. About half of people worldwide don’t meet the daily water recommendations.
How much water is enough? Recommendations range from 6 to 12 cups and may vary based on many factors, including:
● age
● activity level
● climate
● sex assigned at birth
● whether or not you are pregnant
Don’t like water? The good news is that all fluids count toward your daily total. Try sparkling waters, flavored waters, or even water infused with fruit. Hot or cold herbal decaffeinated tea is another good choice.
5. Take an antihistamine
Allergies can cause puffy dark circles under your eyes. You may also experience discoloration or watery, itchy eyes. This reaction is caused by your immune system’s response to something that irritates it, or allergens.
If you feel your under-eye bags might be allergy-related, ask a doctor about taking over-the-counter (OTC) allergy medications. Some brands include:
● diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
● cetirizine (Zyrtec)
● loratadine (Claritin)
It’s also a good idea to avoid potential allergens whenever possible.
If you’re having trouble identifying the cause, consider keeping a diary to see what substances or other things cause the most reaction. If this is a chronic problem, talk with a doctor about allergy testing.
6. Add retinol cream to your routine
You may have used eye 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
This ingredient is related to vitamin A, and it comes in cream, gel, or liquid form.
When applied to the skin, retinol can improve collagen deficiency. Concentrations of retinol may vary among different OnTheCounter products, but stronger creams require a prescription from a dermatologist. Certain retinol products shouldn’t be applied under the eyes. When choosing a product, look for something intended for use under the eyes.
Experts typically recommend applying retinol to the skin once daily, about a half hour after washing your face.
If you’re pregnant or nursing, doctors usually recommend avoiding retinol creams and extra vitamin A.
7. Products for hyperpigmentation
Skin-lightening creams contain hydroquinone, an ingredient that interferes with the production of melanin in the skin. This can help reduce the appearance of dark bags or under-eye circles.
You can get hydroquinone by prescription from a 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 the skin is exposed to sunlight, so it’s generally applied in winter months at night and accompanied by sunscreen during the day.
Some people also experience side effects, such as:
● dryness
● irritation
● mild skin issues
If you have a reaction, stop using these products.
8. Wear sunscreen every day
Protecting your skin against sun damage can help with a number of dermatological issues, like:
● premature aging
● skin cancer
● discoloration
Wearing sunscreen may also help with your under-eye bags and dark circles.
The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends that everyone wear sunscreen. Broad-spectrum sunscreens offer protection against both UVA and UVB rays. The Association recommends choosing a formula that is SPF 30 or higher and water-resistant. Reapply as necessary or as directed by the package instructions.
You can also avoid the sun’s harmful rays by:
● sitting in the shade
● wearing protective clothing
● avoiding tanning beds
● using caution around water, snow, and sand, which can increase your risk of sunburn
9. See a derm
A dermatologist may offer other long-term solutions, like prescription creams or cosmetic procedures that work to reduce swelling, discoloration, and pigment issues like dark circles and under-eye bags. Options can include:
● microneedling
● laser therapy
● chemical peels
● injectable fillers to treat puffy eyelids
You may need to repeat these treatments for the best results.
10. Wash your face before bed
Improving your nightly routine may also help you avoid bags under your eyes. It’s especially important to wash your face before bed each night, especially if you wear makeup.
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 discoloration, puffiness, or other symptoms
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 cause your skin to show signs of aging earlier.
11. Stay elevated while you sleep
Try elevating your head with extra pillows while you sleep. Using two or more pillows or a wedge pillow should do the trick.
Elevating your head helps to prevent fluid from pooling in your lower eyelids and creating puffiness while you sleep.
If propping up your head hurts your neck or you can’t fall asleep, you may also consider elevating the entire top end of your bed by a few inches. You can use bricks under the bed posts or use special bed risers that are specifically made for this purpose.
12. If you can, get at least eight hours of sleep
Although limited sleep may not actually cause under-eye circles, getting little sleep may make your complexion paler. Any shadows or dark circles you have may be more obvious as a result.
Experts recommend that most adults aim to get between 7 and 8 hours of sleep each night.
If you’re having trouble settling down to rest, try improving your sleep hygiene by:
● creating a sleep schedule, or a regular bedtime and wakeup time, even on the weekends
● avoiding nicotine in the hours before bedtime avoiding caffeine for 8 hours before bedtime
● avoiding beverages containing alcohol before bedtime, as they can affect your sleep quality
● avoiding eating large meals a few hours before bedtime
● completing all strenuous exercise a few hours before bedtime
● avoiding screens, such as televisions, cell phones, and other electronic devices, for 1 hour before bedtime taking a hot bath or shower before bed or using other relaxation techniques making your room dark and cool, if you can.
13. Eat more collagen-rich foods
As you get older, the muscles and tissues that support your eyelids weaken. This means that your skin may begin to sag, including the fat that’s usually around your eyes.
Upping your vitamin C intake can help your body absorb more hyaluronic acid. This essential acid is naturally found in the body, but the amount stored decreases with age.
Foods rich in vitamin C and amino acids can also help with collagen production by increasing hyaluronic acid levels, creating healthier skin.
Good sources of vitamin C can include:
🍊 oranges
● red peppers
● kale
● Brussels sprouts
● broccoli 🥦
● strawberries 🍓
14. Eat more iron-rich foods, too
Iron deficiency anemia is a condition where the blood is lacking red blood cells. These cells carry oxygen to tissues in the body. Iron deficiency can cause dark circles under the eyes and even pale skin. Other symptoms can include:
● extreme fatigue
● cold hands and feet
● brittle nails
A doctor can check for anemia with a blood test. Depending on the severity, they may recommend eating more iron-rich foods or taking iron supplements to increase your levels.
Iron-rich foods include:
● red meat, pork, and poultry
● seafood
● beans
● leafy green veggies, like kale and spinach
● raisins, apricots, and other dried fruits
● iron-fortified foods, like cereals, breads, and pasta
● 🫛 peas
15. Cut back on salty foods
Eating too many salty foods may contribute to under-eye bags. Salt affects your body’s fluid retention and can make you puffy overall. It may also lead to other health issues, like heart disease and stroke. Do not use bleached white table salt. Use natural harvest sea salt or Himalayan Pink salt.
The American Heart Association recommends consuming 2,300 milligrams (mg) or less of salt each day. Ideally, adults should consume no more than 1,500 mg of salt each day.
Read packages carefully to see how much salt is in your favorite snacks. One way to immediately lower the salt in your diet is to avoid eating packaged, processed foods. Instead, try eating a diet based more on whole foods, including fresh fruits and veggies, where you can control the salt content.
16. Cut back on alcohol
Drinking alcohol contributes to dehydration, and dehydration may lead to bags and dark circles under your eyes.
If you’re craving a special drink, try grabbing flavored sparkling water or infusing regular water with fruit.
17. Quit smoking, if you smoke 🚬 🚭
Nicotine depletes your body’s stores of vitamin C, which is the vitamin responsible for creating healthy collagen in your skin. Smoking can contribute to worsening:
● wrinkles
● discoloration
● under-eye bags
● dark circles
Quitting smoking also helps with a host of other health issues. You can add years to your life and reduce your chances of developing many health conditions and diseases.
Doctors typically recommend tools or programs to support smoking cessation. Medications or other products may help you manage any nicotine withdrawal symptoms.
Frequently asked questions about under-eye bags
What gets rid of bags under the eyes fast?
You may be able to reduce the appearance of under-eye bags by applying a cold compress or steeped and chilled green tea bags.
Can eye bags go away?
While you may not be able to get rid of eye bags, you may be able to reduce their appearance with some practices and topical products. These can include getting enough sleep, sleeping elevated, quitting smoking if you smoke, and applying sunscreen. Topical products containing retinol may also help.
What causes bags under the eyes?
You may develop under-eye bags due to genetics, aging, allergies, and skin conditions such as eczema or pigmentation issues.
What is the new procedure for under-eye bags?
Nonsurgical procedures for smoothing the under-eye area include:
Filler: This treatment injects a filler, typically hyaluronic acid, under the eye to create a smoother appearance.
Laser resurfacing. This procedure uses a laser to remove the top layers of the skin beneath the eye, stimulating new collagen growth.
Chemical peel. A chemical peel treats under-eye skin by removing the older, top layer of skin cells, revealing tighter, brighter skin beneath.
Surgical options include a lower eyelid lift, which is called a blepharoplasty.
How can I tighten the skin under my eyes?
You may be able to reduce puffiness under the eyes with some lifestyle changes, such as sleeping elevated, staying hydrated, and reducing your intake of salty foods and alcohol.
If you have allergies, treating that condition or avoiding triggers may reduce the appearance of puffiness.
Takeaway
Having dark under-eye circles typically results from genetics. But you may be able to reduce their appearance with lifestyle changes like getting more sleep, applying topical products, and habits like wearing sunscreen.
Cosmetic procedures performed in a dermatologist’s office may also help — but they may need to be repeated to maintain the effects.
How to Get Rid of Dark Circles Permanently
Takeaway
Dark circles can happen due to fatigue or aging. You can try reducing their appearance with cold compresses, tea bags, and other home remedies, or get treatment from a dermatologist.
Are dark circles a serious health problem? Not really, but many people feel that dark circles under their eyes make them look tired, older, or unhealthy.
There are a number of methods — both natural and medically prescribed — that people use to get rid of or lessen the appearance of, dark circles under their eyes. Although not all of these treatments are permanent, with maintenance and consistency they will help reduce the appearance of dark circles.
Why do I have dark circles under my eyes?
Although dark circles under your eyes are most commonly caused by fatigue, there are other causes as well, including:
allergies
allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
atopic dermatitis (eczema)
contact dermatitis
heredity
pigmentation irregularities
scratching or rubbing eyes
sun exposure
Another cause of dark circles is the natural aging process. When you age, you tend to lose fat and collagen, and your skin often thins. This can make the reddish-blue blood vessels under your eyes more prominent.
Also, as people age, they commonly develop puffy eyelids or hollows under their eyes. Sometimes these physical changes cast shadows that can appear to be dark circles under the eyes.
What gets rid of dark circles the fastest?
There are a number of ways that people report they’ve eliminated or reduced the appearance of dark circles under their eyes. Everybody is different, so some of these remedies might not work for you.
As with any treatment, it’s always a good idea to review your plans with your doctor before testing them out on yourself.
Sleep
Fatigue and a lack of sleep can cause dark circles under your eyes. It can also make you look paler, which might make your dark circles appear darker. Make sure you’re getting seven to eight hours of sleep each night and practicing good sleep hygiene.
Elevation
When you sleep, try extra pillows under your head to lessen the puffiness of fluid pooling in your lower eyelids.
Cold
Sometimes dilated blood vessels can darken the area under your eyes. A cold compress can cause the blood vessels to constrict, which may result in a lessening of the dark circles.
Sun
Reduce or eliminate sun exposure to your face.
Moisturizers
There are a number of over-the-counter moisturizers that might help you with the dark circles under your eyes. Many of them contain caffeine, vitamin E, aloe, hyaluronic acid, and/or retinol.
Cucumber
Proponents of natural healing suggest chilling thick slices of cucumbers and then placing the chilled slices on the dark circles for about 10 minutes. Then rinse the area with water. Repeat this treatment twice a day.
Almond oil and vitamin E
Natural healing advocates suggest mixing equal amounts of almond oil and vitamin E and then, just prior to bedtime, gently massaging the mixture into the dark circles. In the morning, wash the area with cold water. Repeat the process nightly until the dark circles disappear.
Shop for almond oil.
Vitamin K
A 2015 studyTrusted Source showed that placing a pad (which contained a mixture that included caffeine and vitamin K) under the eye resulted in a reduction in wrinkle depth and dark circles.
Tea bags
Natural healers suggest soaking two teabags — use caffeinated tea — in warm water and then chilling the bags in the refrigerator for a few minutes. Place a bag on each eye. After five minutes, remove the teabags and rinse the area with cold water.
Shop for tea bags.
What your doctor might suggest for dark circles
Your doctor might offer a medical option, depending on their diagnosis of the cause of the circles under your eyes. That recommendation might include the following.
Skin-lightening cream
To lighten under-eye hyperpigmentation, a dermatologist might prescribe a skin-lightening cream with azelaic acid, kojic acid, glycolic acid, or hydroquinone. Some of these creams, in formulas with lower percentages of the active ingredient, are available over the counter.
Laser therapy
Laser treatments use heat energy to vaporize damaged cells. The darker pigment under the eyes can be targeted. Along with lightening darker skin tones, laser therapy may induce new collagen formation.
Chemical peels
A dermatologist might suggest a light chemical peel to lighten dark pigmentation under the eyes. Commonly these will include glycolic acid, retinoic acid or hydroquinone. Your dermatologist might also suggest a Jessner peel, which includes a combination of salicylic acid, lactic acid, and resorcinol.
Blepharoplasty
Fat can be surgically removed in a lower lid blepharoplasty by a plastic surgeon, oculoplastic surgeon, or dermatologic surgeon. The procedure can decrease the shadow cast by your eyelid, which can decrease the appearance of dark circles.
Fillers
A hyaluronic acid-based dermal filler such as Restylane or Juvederm can be injected into the tissue under the eye by an ophthalmologist, dermatologist, plastic surgeon, or specially trained healthcare provider. Fillers help with volume loss under the eye, which can cause dark circles.
Frequently asked questions
When should I see a doctor?
If swelling and discoloration appear under only one eye, you should talk to your doctor about it, especially if it appears to get worse over time.
Is it possible to remove dark circles permanently?
There are different solutions — both natural and medical — to remove or prevent dark circles from appearing under your eyes.
This includes simply making sure to get enough sleep, but also things like vitamins, oils, tea bags, or a procedure like a chemical peel.
While none of these treatments provide long-lasting results, if you do them consistently, they may help you lighten the look of your dark circles.
How do dermatologists treat dark circles under the eyes?
There are various medical treatments for dark circles under the eyes. These can be topical medications like tretinoin (Retin-A), laser treatments, or in some cases dermal fillers.
What deficiency causes dark circles?
Under-eye circles can have many causes, but researchTrusted Source suggests low iron or vitamin B-12 might play a role.
Takeaway
Although having dark circles under your eyes typically isn’t a health concern, you might want them to disappear for cosmetic reasons.
There are a number of home remedies and medical treatments for removing or reducing the appearance of dark circles. You should check with your doctor to see which one is best for you.
Removing Dark Circles Under Eyes for Men
In most cases, dark circles under your eyes are more of a cosmetic concern than a health issue.
Some men may think dark circles under their eyes make them look older, less youthful and energetic, or in need of more sleep.
Many men aren’t comfortable wearing makeup to conceal dark circles. So, what are the alternatives for men who want to get rid of the dark circles under their eyes?
How men can treat dark circles under their eyes
There are several things you can try to get rid of your dark circles without the use of makeup:
Get more sleep
A lack of sleep typically won’t cause undereye dark circles, but it might make you pale which can make any dark circles or shadows appear more obvious.
Change your diet
Along with drinking enough water to stay hydrated, eat foods that support collagen. According to a 2014 study, hyaluronic acid will support collagen production.
Foods rich in vitamin C and amino acids that can increase collagen and hyaluronic acid include:
oranges
broccoli
strawberries
Brussels sprouts
kiwis
cauliflower
Treat your allergies
Hay fever and other allergies can cause puffiness and swelling of the skin under your eyes. This can result in a darkening of the skin. Your doctor might recommend antihistamines like cetirizine and loratadine.
Stop smoking
Tobacco smoke damages the skin on your face. Among other things, it can break down collagen.
Add an extra pillow
When you lie flat, fluid can pool in your lower eyelids and cause your eyes to be puffy. Consider elevating your head with an extra pillow or two.
Calm your eczema
Eczema can thin your skin. Talk to your doctor about what triggers your eczema — household cleaners, fragrances, wool — and if you need prescription topical medications such as:
cortico steroids
PDE4 inhibitors
calcineurin inhibitors
Get more exercise
Exercising more often and for a longer period of time will boost circulation, leading to benefits for your complexion.
Stop rubbing your eyes
Rubbing your eyes can damage the small blood vessels in your eyelids and the skin under your eyes. Those broken blood vessels can appear as dark circles.
Wear sunscreen
UVA rays can penetrate deeply into your skin and cause damage to the elastin and collagen that keep your skin youthful.
Home remedies for treating dark circles
Shrink your blood vessels
Consider using a cold compress on your eyes for about 20 minutes. The cold may reduce puffiness and help shrink blood vessels. This can result in a diminishment in the appearance of dark circles.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties and moisturizing and antiaging effects on skin. Before going to bed, consider massaging aloe vera gel under your eyes and leaving it on for about 10 minutes before cleaning with a clean cloth or cotton pad. Advocates of natural healing suggest that this might help reduce the appearance of dark circles under your eyes.
Coconut oil
The moisturizing properties of coconut oil promote skin health. Natural healers suggest treating dark circles under your eyes by massaging a few drops of virgin coconut oil under your eyes before going to bed and then leaving it there overnight.
Tomato juice
According to a 2012 studyTrusted Source, the phytochemical lycopene found in tomatoes is beneficial to skin.
Proponents of natural healing suggest mixing equal parts tomato juice and lemon juice and then applying this mixture under your eyes for around 10 minutes before washing it off with cold water. You can apply the mixture twice a day for two to three weeks.
Prevent macular degeneration
Two untreatable causes of dark circles
Heredity
You might be genetically predisposed to dark circles under your eyes since your genes influence your skin’s level of pigmentation.
Aging
As you age, your skin tends to get thinner and lose collagen and fat. When that happens under your eyes, the blood vessels are more obvious and may cause your skin to appear darker.
Takeaway
Unless the dark circles under your eyes are hereditary or the result of advanced age, you have a number of different options to reduce — or even get rid of — their appearance.
If you’re still concerned or home
Do Cucumbers Improve Undereye Skin?
Cucumber juice has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may help treat the skin under your eyes. You can apply them for about 15 minutes at a time.
Putting cucumbers over your eyes to treat dark circles and puffy skin is probably one of the best-known beauty remedies. There are plenty of people who swear by this remedy, and the evidence for using cucumbers on eyes is more than anecdotal.
There is some science that supports this treatment as a natural and gentle way to make your skin look and feel better. The key is in the unique hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties of the cucumber. Keep reading to find out what you should know about using cucumbers on your eyes.
What the science says
Studies have shown that the juice of the cucumber can reduce swellingTrusted Source, soothe damaged skinTrusted Source, and stimulate antioxidant activityTrusted Source.
The cooling effect of the cucumber juice can also help give skin a refreshed look and feel. Cucumbers are rich in vitamin C and folic acidTrusted Source. Vitamin C can “wake skin up” and stimulate new cell growth, while folic acid stimulates antioxidants that help your skin fight off environmental toxins that can make eyes appear puffy or tired.
Since cucumber has such a highTrusted Source water content, it can also moisturize the area under the eyes when it’s used as a treatment. One clinical trial indicatedTrusted Source that cucumber juice would be an effective ingredient in products used to prevent wrinkles because it helps restore skin’s natural elasticity.
Much of this evidence is based on what we know about the contents of cucumber, and the fact that people have been relying on it for centuries as a way to heal and hydrate the skin underneath the eyes. We don’t currently have clinical trials that measure the way cucumber slices can help the skin around your eyes. There are multiple causes of under-eye inflammation and circles, and it’s possible that some people will respond better to this treatment than others.
How to use it
To use cucumbers as a beauty remedy, make sure to have chilled cucumbers on hand in the refrigerator. Start with clean, dry skin and prep an area of your home where you can lay down undisturbed for at least 15 minutes.
Cut off one end of the cucumber and discard. Then cut two slices off the cucumber, about half an inch thick. It’s important not to slice the cucumber too thin. You may want to peel the cucumber skin off, as it could contain pesticides that you don’t want near your eyes.
Set a timer nearby for 15 minutes or so. In a reclining position, place one cucumber slice over each eye and relax while the cucumber’s natural acids soak into your skin. If one side of the cucumber becomes warm against your face, flip it over and enjoy the cooling sensation all over again.
You can perform this remedy as much as you’d like, as many times as you’d like to try it. But if you don’t see any results from this remedy, you may want to consider speaking to your doctor about dark circles or excessive puffiness under your eyes. While rare, these symptoms could be an indicator of another health condition that should be diagnosed and treated.
You can also find products that use cucumber extracts to treat puffy eyes and dark circles. These products are fairly easy to find and available in most drug stores. Keep in mind that using a real cucumber is probably the most natural and simple way to get the benefits of cucumber for your eyes.
