5 Ways to Eliminate Puffy Eyes

Whether you’re in your twenties or a little older, the last thing you want to see is puffiness around your eyes. While it’s usually not a serious concern, dark circles and swelling can make you look older and prematurely aged �?something no one desires.

Unfortunately, as we age, these under-eye bags only tend to worsen, which means most of us will face them sooner or later. While small bags usually don’t require major medical intervention, there are several measures you can take to reduce their appearance.

First, it’s important to identify the causes of under-eye puffiness. There are several reasons why eye bags form, but typically, they occur when the soft skin around the eyes weakens and sags, causing fluid to accumulate under the eyes, leading to puffiness. Additional factors that can worsen the problem include seasonal allergies, water retention, eczema, and sleeping on your stomach �?genetic factors are also significant. Lastly, we cannot ignore lifestyle factors like drinking alcohol, smoking, and drug use.

If you’re dealing with under-eye bags, here are some tips to help reduce them:

1. Cut Back on Salt

While it’s well known that salt is associated with high blood pressure, any excess sodium can lead to fluid retention, which causes swelling around the eyes. If you can’t give up salt entirely, try using pure Himalayan sea salt in moderation. Stay away from high-salt foods like pizza and even some soups (which can be surprisingly salty). Instead, opt for fresh vegetables �?especially celery, which is known to reduce salt cravings.

2. Control Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal allergies are common, and many people are familiar with the itchy, watery, and swollen eyes that come with an allergic reaction. If you suffer from seasonal allergies, managing your symptoms can significantly improve the appearance of under-eye bags. You might try natural remedies like essential oils to help control allergies or even prevent triggers before an allergic reaction occurs. If essential oils don’t work, consult your primary care doctor about over-the-counter or prescription medications that might help. Remember to carry allergy relief products with you, as allergies can sometimes strike unexpectedly.

3. Quit Smoking and Limit (or Quit) Alcohol

This one should be easy to understand. If you smoke, now is the time to quit. Smoking is not only harmful to your health but also dries out and weakens your skin, making it prone to premature aging �?especially around the eyes. The harmful chemicals in cigarettes also irritate the skin and tissues around the eyes, contributing to dark circles and puffiness.

Alcohol is another culprit when it comes to under-eye bags. It dehydrates the skin and body, which can irritate the delicate skin around the eyes, causing them to look dull and sunken. Excessive drinking is also known to cause bloodshot eyes and fatigue. If you must drink, try to limit your intake to one drink per day, and be sure to drink plenty of water to counteract the effects of alcohol. This not only helps you feel more refreshed, but it also keeps your eyes hydrated and comfortable.

4. Apply Sunscreen Around Your Eyes Every Day

If you’re not in the habit of using sunscreen, now is the time to start. Sun damage doesn’t just age your skin prematurely �?it also contributes to wrinkles and sagging around the eyes. Look for a sunscreen specifically formulated for the delicate skin around the eyes, with adequate SPF and a non-migrating formula.

5. See a Dermatologist or Skincare Specialist if the Bags Persist

If these tips aren’t working, or if you feel your eye bags are severe, a dermatologist may offer medical-grade solutions to give you the results you desire. Treatments like laser therapy and dermal fillers can work wonders to quickly eliminate annoying puffiness and dark circles. In addition to laser treatments, sometimes dermal fillers like Belotero or Restylane-L can be helpful. You’ll need a consultation to determine if these options are suitable for you.

Another option for treating under-eye bags is using clinical-grade skincare products, such as the iS Clinical Youth Eye Complex. The benefits of this eye complex include: providing penetrative hydration, reducing fine lines and wrinkles (including crow’s feet), delivering both instant and long-term improvements, enhancing firmness and elasticity, and soothing and brightening the under-eye area.