Key takeaways
- Under-eye bags and dark circles stem from multiple factors, including genetics, natural aging processes, insufficient rest, and allergic reactions, which means treatment approaches vary depending on the root cause.
- Simple at-home strategies like applying cold compresses, staying well-hydrated, getting adequate sleep, and limiting salt and alcohol intake can noticeably diminish puffiness and discoloration beneath the eyes.
- Topical treatments containing retinol or hydroquinone, when used consistently over several weeks, may help address wrinkles and pigmentation issues, though professional cosmetic procedures offer more dramatic long-term results.
Many products claim to help de-puff and lighten the area under your eyes, but they don’t always work. This is especially true if your eye bags and dark circles are genetically inherited.
Treatment may depend on the underlying cause, such as allergies, chronic fatigue, and aging. A combination of home remedies, over-the-counter (OTC) options, and prescription medications may help reduce the appearance of bags under your eyes.
Learn more about 16 remedies you can try at home, as well as when to connect with a healthcare professional.
Applying chamomile or caffeinated tea bags under your eyes may help manage dark circles and bags.
Caffeine contains antioxidants and may help increase blood flow to your skin, protect against UV rays, and support healthy aging. Green tea, in particular, has potential
To try it:
- Steep two tea bags for 3 to 5 minutes.
- 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.
Applying a cold compress may help relieve dark circles and puffiness by constricting the blood vessels in the area.
Although you can purchase a cold compress at the store, do-it-yourself methods can work just as well. Some 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.
Nasal irrigation may reduce inflammation around the eyes, which could help relieve under-eye bags and dark circles.
You can use a Neti pot for nasal irrigation. This is a device you fill with a saltwater (saline) solution, then place the spout in your nose and irrigate your sinuses, removing mucus and other debris.
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
Dehydration can contribute to inflammation and circles under the eyes.
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends that adult females drink at least 11.5 cups (2.7 L) of water daily, and adult males 15.5 (3.7 L) daily.
Factors like age, activity level, and climate may affect how much water you need daily.
Allergies may cause dark, puffy circles under your eyes, possibly due to rubbing the eyes from symptoms like itchiness and wateriness.
Common causes of allergies include exposure to pollen, animal dander, harsh soaps and detergents, as well as eating certain foods.
If you experience allergy symptoms, consider speaking with a healthcare professional about OTC antihistamine medications like diphenhydramine (Benadryl), cetirizine (Zyrtec), and loratadine (Claritin).
These help manage histamine, a compound released during an allergic reaction that can trigger symptoms such as inflammation.
It’s also a good idea to avoid potential allergens whenever possible.
Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A, which is a fat-soluble compound. It’s a common ingredient in many dermatological products, such as creams, gels, and ointments, because it may help:
- protect against collagen degradation and UV rays
- support skin barrier function
- form new blood vessels from old ones
A small 2022 study found that applying a retinol cream to the under-eye area helped reduce puffiness, wrinkles, and dark circles after 12 weeks.
However, it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional before using a retinol cream on the face, especially if you’re pregnant. Some products aren’t safe for facial application or certain populations.
Skin-lightening creams contain hydroquinone, an ingredient that inhibits melanin production. This may 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 at night in winter months and accompanied by sunscreen during the day.
Some people also experience side effects, such as dryness, irritation, and mild skin issues. If you have a reaction, stop using these products.
Protecting your skin against sun damage may help prevent several dermatological issues, such as early aging, skin cancer, and discoloration.
Wearing sunscreen may also help with your under-eye bags and dark circles.
Broad-spectrum sunscreens offer protection against both UVA and UVB rays. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends choosing a formula with SPF 30 or higher and water resistance. 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
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
Sleeping with makeup also exposes the skin to free radicals. This can lead to oxidative stress, which may accelerate the signs of aging on your skin.
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 may help 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 made for this purpose.
Bags under the eyes and dark circles may be common signs of fatigue and insufficient sleep. Getting little sleep may make your complexion paler, so any shadows or dark circles you have may become more noticeable.
Experts recommend that most adults get between 7 to 9 hours of high quality sleep each night. Some ways to help improve your sleep hygiene
- 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
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.
Eating foods rich in vitamin C and amino acids may help support collagen production, influence skin hydration, and protect the skin against UV rays.
Good sources of vitamin C may include:
- oranges
- red peppers
- kale
- Brussels sprouts
- broccoli
- strawberries
Eating too many salty foods may contribute to puffiness and bags under the eyes. Salt can affect your body’s fluid retention, making you puffy overall.
The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that adults aim to consume no more than
Before buying food, consider reading the packages carefully to see how much salt is in your favorite snacks. One way to lower your salt intake is to limit packaged, ultra-processed foods. Instead, focus on eating a diet based more on whole foods, including fresh fruits and veggies, in which you can control the salt content.
Regularly consuming more than 8 alcoholic drinks weekly may contribute to puffiness and dark circles under the eyes. Alcohol increases inflammation in the body, could impact your sleep quality, and also contributes to dehydration.
There are many alcohol-free options available, such as beer, wine, and cider, as well as herbal teas and flavored sparkling water.
Smoking is also associated with under-eye puffiness, dark circles, and wrinkles. This may be due to its inflammatory effects in the body and impact on the skin barrier.
Doctors typically recommend tools or programs to support smoking cessation. Medications or other products may help you manage any nicotine withdrawal symptoms.
A dermatologist is a healthcare professional who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the skin, hair, and nails.
They may offer several long-term solutions, such as prescription creams or cosmetic procedures, that may help reduce swelling, discoloration, and pigment issues under your eyes.
Some cosmetic procedures include:
You may need to repeat these treatments for the best results.
You may not be able to permanently get rid of eye bags, but you can reduce their appearance with certain practices and topical products.
You may develop under-eye bags due to genetics, aging, allergies, and skin conditions, such as eczema or pigmentation issues.
There doesn’t appear to be one single vitamin deficiency that may contribute to bags under the eyes. Eating a diet high in watery fruits and vegetables can help you meet your body’s overall vitamin and water needs.
Having bags and dark circles under the eyes may result from genetics, allergies, lack of sleep, and certain lifestyle and dietary habits.
But you may be able to reduce their appearance with lifestyle changes, such as getting more sleep, applying topical products, and wearing sunscreen.
Cosmetic procedures performed in a dermatologist’s office may also help, but they may need to be repeated to maintain the effects.