15% off £25 or 20% off £35
Code:BASKET
Struggling with stubborn eye bags? From lifestyle tweaks to expert treatments, discover practical ways to reclaim a fresh look and send puffiness packing
Summary
1What causes bags under the eyes?
You’ve probably heard it’s all about a lack of sleep. But several factors can play a part – let’s take a look at the most common culprits…
2How to get rid of eye bags
A few changes to your routine can help you look and feel more refreshed. Here are some practical steps to tackle persistent bags...
3At-home treatments for puffy eyes
Ready to try some at-home remedies? These simple methods can make a noticeable difference in reducing undereye puffiness...
Tempted to don your shades every morning? You’re not alone.
Undereye bags don’t cause any harm, but they can make us look far more tired than we actually feel. So, what’s really behind the puffiness and dark circles and how can you wave them goodbye?
What causes bags under the eyes?
You’ve probably heard it’s all about a lack of sleep. But several factors can play a part – let’s take a look at the most common culprits…
As you get older, the skin under your eyes naturally becomes thinner and loses elasticity, primarily due to a decline in collagen and elastin production.3,4
These proteins provide firmness, and their reduction can make the undereyes appear looser.5,6 It weakens the tissue structures and muscles that support the eyelids, causing the fatty tissue around the eyes to shift forward and create a ‘bagged’ or puffy look.7
Ever noticed your undereyes looking puffier after a salty meal?8 That’s due to fluid retention, which can be triggered by factors such as high salt intake, dehydration or hormonal changes.9-11
Yep, it’s true – when you have a late night, your face shows it. Puffy eyes, dark undereye circles and pale, dull skin are all common signs of sleep deprivation.12,13 Sleep loss may also dehydrate your skin and increase water loss, weakening its barrier and making skin look less vibrant.13
Bottom line? Beauty sleep is a real thing, so make sure to get those ZZZs.12,13
Got the sniffles? It turns out that allergies can puff up the area under your eyes. When allergies strike, your immune system releases chemicals known as histamines, which can lead to swelling and fluid buildup around the sensitive undereye skin.14-16
Plus, itchy eyes often mean more rubbing, which may cause inflammation and even dark circles from pigment changes or tiny blood vessel breaks.15,17
If eye bags run in your family, you’re more likely to develop them too.18 Genetics can determine things like how you look, how your body works and the way your body stores fat and fluid – all of which could contribute to whether you’re prone to having bags under your eyes.19,20
A night of drinking can take a toll on your undereyes.21 This is because alcohol promotes dehydration, which may make blood vessels more visible.22
Alcohol also increases vascular permeability (meaning it makes blood vessels ‘leakier’), allowing fluid to escape into the surrounding tissues. This fluid may accumulate under the thin undereye area, leading to puffiness or swelling.17,23,24
Smoking can affect circulation and reduce collagen production, accelerating skin ageing and making bags stand out more.25,26
Sometimes, eye bags are due to underlying medical conditions rather than ageing or lifestyle. These conditions include sinus infections, thyroid issues, kidney problems and certain types of dermatitis, such as atopic or contact dermatitis.27-30
If you suspect a medical condition may be causing your eye bags, speak to a healthcare professional. Addressing the underlying issue can often help improve puffiness and restore a healthier appearance to your skin.
How to get rid of eye bags
A few changes to your routine can help you look and feel more refreshed. Here are some practical steps to tackle persistent bags:
- prioritise quality sleep: aim for seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night to give your body time to rest and repair.31,32
- manage allergies: managing your symptoms during allergy season with over-the-counter medications and avoiding excessive eye-rubbing can help reduce the puff and keep your eyes looking fresh. You could also try natural antihistamines 15,33
- hydrate: drinking enough fluids daily, usually around six to eight glasses, helps keep your skin hydrated 34,35
- limit salty foods: high-sodium diets can increase fluid retention, while reducing your salt intake may prevent excess fluids.9 Eating more potassium-rich foods like bananas, leafy greens and yoghurt can help balance sodium levels, potentially reducing puffiness 36,37
- protect with sunscreen: wear sunscreen and sunglasses to protect sensitive undereye skin from UV damage, which can worsen pigmentation and eye bags over time 38-40
- quit smoking: giving up smoking benefits your overall health and helps you maintain a fresher, more youthful look 41,42
At-home treatments for puffy eyes
Ready to try some at-home remedies? These simple methods can make a noticeable difference in reducing undereye puffiness and brightening your skin. Best of all, you can try them without leaving your home.
A cool compress works wonders on puffy eyes by shrinking blood vessels and reducing swelling.32,43 A DIY solution might involve gently pressing a washcloth soaked in cold water on your eyes for a few minutes.
Green and black tea contain caffeine and antioxidants that help narrow blood vessels, potentially promoting a lighter appearance under the eyes and reducing puffiness.44-46
Soak two tea bags in warm water, let them cool in the fridge and then place them over closed eyes for 10 minutes. Green tea, in particular, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which may also help with redness.47
For a natural way to brighten the undereye area, place cool cucumber slices over your eyes for around 10 minutes. Cucumber is naturally cooling, hydrating and soothing to the skin, making it a possible quick fix for tired eyes.48
The final say
Want to lighten the load of eye bags? Whether they’re the result of a few late nights, life’s little indulgences or just time doing its thing, there are options out there for you.
Start with tweaking the basics: prioritise some quality shut-eye, drink plenty of water and protect your skin with sunscreen.32,35,38 Looking to take things up a notch? Try a DIY cool compress, chilled tea bags or eye care products packed with ingredients such as caffeine or retinoids to give your skin a little extra TLC.46
And remember - you don’t have to do anything if they’re not causing you any harm. After all, feeling good in your skin is what really matters.
Want to focus on protecting your skin? Check out our best daily sunscreen picks.
Disclaimer - This article provides informational advice and is not a substitute for medical care. Curated by experts for accuracy, we take great care to ensure the information is up-to-date and relevant. However, you should always consult your GP or healthcare professional before using supplements or alternative products, particularly if you have medical conditions or are under supervision.
1. Hou Y, et al. Optical characteristics of the skin with dark circles using pump-probe imaging. Sci Rep. 2022;12(1):18553. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-21131-5
2. Rana S, et al. Study of causative factors and clinical patterns of periorbital pigmentation. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2019;10(3):293. https://doi.org/10.4103/idoj.IDOJ_158_18
3. Al-Atif H. Collagen supplements for aging and wrinkles: A paradigm shift in the field of dermatology and cosmetics. Dermatol Pract Concept. 2022;12(1):e2022018. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8824545/
4. Heinz A. Elastic fibers during aging and disease. Ageing Res Rev. 2021;66:101255. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arr.2021.101255
5. Brown TM, Krishnamurthy K. Histology, dermis. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535346/
6. Baumann L, et al. Clinical relevance of elastin in the structure and function of skin. Aesthet Surg J Open Forum. 2021;3(3):ojab019. https://doi.org/10.1093/asjof/ojab019
7. Labib AM, et al. Lower eyelid laxity examination. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK576403/
8. Sami M, et al. Eyelid edema. Semin Plast Surg. 2007;21(1):24–31. Available from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2884828/
9. Rakova N, et al. Increased salt consumption induces body water conservation and decreases fluid intake. J Clin Invest. 2017;127(5):1932–43. https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI88530
10. Taylor K, Jones EB. Adult dehydration. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555956/
11. Giersch GEW, et al. Estrogen to progesterone ratio and fluid regulatory responses to varying degrees and methods of dehydration. Front Sports Act Living. 2021:3:722305. https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2021.722305
12. Sundelin T, et al. Cues of fatigue: Effects of sleep deprivation on facial appearance. Sleep. 2013;36(9):1355–60. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3738045/
12. Sundelin T, et al. Cues of fatigue: Effects of sleep deprivation on facial appearance. Sleep. 2013;36(9):1355–60. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3738045/
13. Léger D, et al. “You look sleepy…” The impact of sleep restriction on skin parameters and facial appearance of 24 women. Sleep Med. 2022;89:97–103. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sleep.2021.11.011
14. Patel RH, Mohiuddin SS. Biochemistry, histamine. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557790/
15. Park KY, et al. Treatments of infra-orbital dark circles by various etiologies. Ann Dermatol. 2018;30(5):522–8. https://doi.org/10.5021/ad.2018.30.5.522
16. Baab S, et al. Allergic conjunctivitis. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448118/
17. Nakra T, et al. Infraorbital dark circles: A review of the pathogenesis, evaluation and treatment. J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2016;9(2):65–72. https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-2077.184046
18. Sarkar R, et al. Periorbital hyperpigmentation: A comprehensive review. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2016;9(1):49–55. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4756872/
19. CDC. Genetics basics [Internet]. [cited 2024 Nov 23]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/genomics-and-health/about/index.html
20. Li X, Qi L. Gene – environment interactions on body fat distribution. Int J Mol Sci. 2019;20(15):3690. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms20153690
21. Mac-Mary S, et al. Identification of three key factors contributing to the aetiology of dark circles by clinical and instrumental assessments of the infraorbital region. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2019;12:919–929. https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S217956
22. Matsui MS, et al. Physiological and lifestyle factors contributing to risk and severity of peri-orbital dark circles in the Brazilian population. An Bras Dermatol. 2015;90(4):494–503. https://doi.org/10.1590/abd1806-4841.20153520
23. Liu L, Chen J. Advances in relationship between alcohol consumption and skin diseases. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2023;16:3785–3791. https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S443128
24. Karimi S, et al. Alcohol and the eye. J Ophthalmic Vis Res. 2021;16(2). Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8126742/
25. Yazdanparast T, et al. Cigarettes smoking and skin: A comparison study of the biophysical properties of skin in smokers and non-smokers. Tanaffos. 2019;18(2):163–8. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7230126/
26. Goodman GD, et al. Impact of smoking and alcohol use on facial aging in women: Results of a large multinational, multiracial, cross-sectional survey. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2019;12(8):28–39. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6715121/
27. Radovani P, et al. Orbital complications of sinusitis. Balkan Med J. 2013;30(2):151–4. https://doi.org/10.5152/balkanmedj.2013.8005
28. Moledina M, et al. The changing landscape of thyroid eye disease: Current clinical advances and future outlook. Eye. 2024;38(8):1425–37. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41433-024-02967-9
29. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Nephrotic syndrome in adults [Internet]. [cited 2024 Nov 23]. Available from: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/kidney-disease/nephrotic-syndrome-adults
30. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Atopic Dermatitis [Internet]. [cited 2024 Nov 23]. Available from: https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/atopic-dermatitis
31. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. How sleep works: How much sleep is enough? [Internet]. [cited 2024 Nov 23]. Available from: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/sleep/how-much-sleep
32. Lyons AB, et al. Circadian rhythm and the skin: A review of the literature. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2019;12(9):42–5. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6777699/
33. Randall KL, Hawkins CA. Antihistamines and allergy. Aust Prescr. 2018;41(2):42–5. https://doi.org/10.18773/austprescr.2018.013
34. British Nutrition Foundation. Hydration Information [Internet]. [cited 2024 Nov 23]. Available from: https://www.nutrition.org.uk/nutritional-information/hydration/
35. Akdeniz M, et al. Does dietary fluid intake affect skin hydration in healthy humans? A systematic literature review. Skin Res Technol. 2018;24(3):459–65. https://doi.org/10.1111/srt.12454
36. Office of Dietary Supplements. Potassium: Fact sheet for health professionals [Internet]. [cited 2024 Nov 23]. Available from: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Potassium-HealthProfessional/
37. Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Food sources of potassium [Internet]. [cited 2024 Nov 23]. Available from: https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/food-sources-potassium
38. Guan LL, et al. Sunscreens and photoaging: A review of current literature. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2021;22(6):819–28. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40257-021-00632-5
39. Shanbhag S, et al. Anti-aging and sunscreens: Paradigm shift in cosmetics. Adv Pharm Bull. 2019;9(3):348–59. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6773941/
40. Yardman‐Frank JM, Fisher DE. Skin pigmentation and its control: From ultraviolet radiation to stem cells. Exp Dermatol. 2020;30(4):560–71. https://doi.org/10.1111/exd.14260
41. CDC. Benefits of quitting smoking [Internet]. [cited 2024 Nov 23]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/about/benefits-of-quitting.html
42. Serri R, et al. “Quitting smoking rejuvenates the skin”: Results of a pilot project on smoking cessation conducted in Milan, Italy. Skinmed. 2010;8(1):23–9. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20839421/
43. Charkoudian N. Skin blood flow in adult human thermoregulation: How it works, when it does not, and why. Mayo Clin Proc. 2003;78(5):603–12. https://doi.org/10.4065/78.5.603
44. Peluso I, Serafini M. Antioxidants from black and green tea: From dietary modulation of oxidative stress to pharmacological mechanisms. Br J Pharmacol. 2016;174(11):1195–208. https://doi.org/10.1111/bph.13649
45. Khokhar S, Magnusdottir SGM. Total phenol, catechin, and caffeine contents of teas commonly consumed in the United Kingdom. J Agric Food Chem. 2002;50(3):565–70. https://doi.org/10.1021/jf010153l
46. Elias M, et al. Caffeine in skincare: Its role in skin cancer, sun protection, and cosmetics. Indian J Dermatol. 2023;68(5):546–50. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijd.ijd_166_22
47. Li J, et al. Anti-inflammatory effects of GTE in eye diseases. Front Nutr. 2021;8:753955. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2021.753955
48. Mukherjee PK, et al. Phytochemical and therapeutic potential of cucumber. Fitoterapia. 2013;84:227–36. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fitote.2012.10.003
Related Articles
.png)
Shop by wellness goal
