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Are you wondering why you have puffy eyes or how you can make under-eye bags disappear? Good news: Although they can be bothersome, bags under your eyes don’t usually impact vision or health. But if you want to reduce the puffiness around your eyes, there are temporary and long-lasting solutions.
There are several reasons people get puffy eyes, including:
“The most common cause of under-eye bags or puffiness is natural aging,” says Shaun Desai, M.D., a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon at Johns Hopkins Center for Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. “Older skin becomes too lax and tends to fall or wrinkle. The muscles and tissues around the eye can also weaken and contribute to the baggy look. This weakening allows the fat surrounding the eye to bulge out, creating that bubble-like appearance.”
There are different approaches to reducing under-eye puffiness, depending on the cause. At-home treatments can temporarily shrink lower lids that are sometimes swollen from fluid pooling in the undereye area.
But, says Desai, home remedies and over-the-counter products can only do so much, “To effectively get rid of under-eye bags that are prominent and permanent, medical treatment is oftentimes necessary.
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If you occasionally wake up with puffy lids, these quick fixes may help. They work to reduce swelling until it naturally subsides over the course of the day.
You can also try resting chilled tea bags (caffeinated black tea) on closed eyes.If you’re fed up with under-eye bags, these medical treatments can improve and even eliminate them:
Nonsurgical options
These noninvasive treatments smooth the under-eye area:
An in-office application of a chemical solution dissolves old skin cells to reveal tighter, brighter skin. Depending on your skin type and sun exposure, results can last a few years. Surgical option
A lower eyelid lift (blepharoplasty) is an outpatient procedure where the surgeon readjusts the fat in the lower eye area and tightens the muscle and skin to create a smooth appearance. In most cases, a lower eyelid lift gets rid of under-eye bags for life — it’s rare for people to need future touch-ups.
However, says Desai, sometimes patients require multiple therapies to treat under-eye bags, such as combining laser resurfacing with filler or an eyelid lift.
The eye area is a very delicate part of the face. Serious complications can arise if procedures are done improperly. It’s crucial to find a highly experienced, board-certified surgeon who specializes in treatment of the eyelid area.
Stocksy / Design by Camden Dechert
You’d think getting an adequate amount of rest and eating a healthy diet would make under-eye puffiness disappear, but alas, we still see bags underneath our eyes.
"Under-eye changes are inevitable as we all age (dark or bluish discoloration, depressed appearance, puffiness, bags, etc.)," says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Robert Finney. "And identifying the cause of your under-eye puffiness is required prior to determining how to help treat it."
"The eyes are areas of highly specialized skin that is vulnerable to several different systems and susceptible to various changes that affect their appearance," says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Corey L. Hartman. "Genetics, fluid retention, allergies, sun exposure, lack of sleep, and poor diet can all have a negative impact on the appearance of the upper and lower eyelids."
So what's the best way to de-puff and get rid of under-eye bags once and for all? Ahead, Hartman and Finney, as well as licensed esthetician Ali Tobia, divulge everything you need to know, including why some eye creams can help.
Meet the Expert
01 of 09
One of our favorite puffy eye hacks uses a tool you already have in your kitchen: spoons. Leave two clean teaspoons in your freezer, and on puffy mornings, simply press them against your eyes for a few minutes. "This can be done with a spoon kept in the freezer (wet it before applying it to each under-eye area for a few minutes) and will help constrict the vessels and reduce inflammation in the area," advises Finney.
02 of 09
While we couldn't do without our morning java jolt, caffeine has also become a star player in skincare products.
"Eye gels with active ingredients like caffeine, licorice, and other antioxidants are helpful," says Hartman. "Especially if they are cooled before application." Try chilling your favorite caffeine-infused under-eye gels overnight, then apply them in the morning while you have your coffee.
03 of 09
Finney advises that it's crucial to stay hydrated for many health reasons, but one of the more cosmetic reasons is to help keep puffiness at bay. "When you are dehydrated, your body tries to hold on to all the fluid it can, which could contribute to under-eye puffiness." Studies have found that the ideal water intake for those assigned male is 3000 mL, and 2200 mL for those assigned female.
04 of 09
When shopping for under-eye remedies, "Look for a good moisturizing eye cream with ingredients such as green tea, caffeine, niacinamide, peptides and other antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and constrict blood vessels to reduce puffiness," advises Finney.
"My absolute favorite is the Alastin Restorative Eye Treatment, which has anti-inflammatory properties but also contains a peptide that stimulates collagen to help improve wrinkles and other signs of aging," he says. "The best part is that it is non-irritating. Many eye creams that promise wrinkle reduction contain retinol, and although retinol is great for anti-aging, it can often be irritating in the eye area, given that the skin around the eye is the thinnest and most sensitive anywhere on the body."
For an all-natural eye cream to soothe and de-puff eyes, turn to cold aloe vera gel, which boasts anti-inflammatory properties. Keep a bottle in your fridge and then apply it just like you would eye cream.
05 of 09
Finney explains, "[The under-eye area] is one area on the body where our natural drainage system (lymphatic system) for excess fluid is not the best, some suffering worse than others. There are different ways to accomplish [drainage] including ice rollers (dual action by helping to massage and directly cool the area), jade rollers, etc.
" However, he does warn that "frequently rubbing the skin in this area can result in discoloration and a wrinkled appearance."
Hartman echoes this sentiment: "Eye rollers are a way to provide a gentle massage to the area and are quite effective if used regularly, just don’t apply too much pressure or it can trigger more inflammation."
Watch Now: How to Get Rid of Puffy Eyes
06 of 09
Did you know that the way you apply eye moisturizer affects the state of your under-eye area? Tobia says, "Rubbing cream or moisturizer on your eyes can cause it to be puffy. Instead, try lightly tapping the area of your eyes and massaging the pressure points to encourage lymphatic drainage."
Hartman agrees, advising that a simple, gentle tapping motion with your ring finger can go a long way for draining the lymph buildup that causes puffiness.
Tobia instructs: "Starting with your neck to get the drainage started, drag the backs of your knuckles down along the sides of your neck.
Then, work your way up your face, sweeping your fingertips outward from the center of your face to your ears. When you reach your eye area, you’ll want to make sure that you have your fingertips gliding across the bone just under your eye with a feathery touch." We recommend using a facial oil during this process to avoid tugging on your skin.
07 of 09
While we welcome spring with its blooming flowers and pleasant weather, we could do without the allergies that accompany it. "If you have seasonal or other allergies, it is very common to have extra puffiness under your eyes," says Finney. He recommends, "If you notice a seasonal change in your eyes, try an over-the-counter antihistamine such as Zyrtec or Allegra daily during the time of year when your allergies are heightened."
08 of 09
Hartman advises getting eight to 10 hours of sleep per night to help control puffiness. And while you're at it, he says to try and keep your head elevated overnight.
Finney agrees: "If you are sleep deprived, it usually makes puffiness worse," he says. "An often overlooked fix to de-puffing the eye area that can yield amazing results is to simply sleep in a more elevated position. Try adding an extra pillow to help elevate your head and allow the fluid to drain easier at night."
09 of 09
If at-home options are not working for you, consider a professional treatment with a board-certified dermatologist. The best treatment for you may vary based on your individual concern, but in general, Hartman says that the best treatment for under-eye puffiness is typically radiofrequency microneedling.
"Radiofrequency microneedling devices like Lutronic Genius insert tiny needles (after application of a potent numbing cream) that heat the dermal tissue, reduce fat and edema, and tighten the skin to provide a firm, smooth surface," he says. Be wary of medical spas offering this treatment and instead visit a board-certified dermatologist.
Ask a Dermatologist: What Causes Dark Circles Under Eyes?
Article Sources
Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
Meinders A-J, Meinders AE. [How much water do we really need to drink?]. Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 2010;154:A1757.
Penn Medicine. Aloe vera: not just for sunburns. Updated August 2, 2019.
Barley is an acute purulent-inflammatory process that forms on the eyelid. There are external and internal barley: the first develops inside the hair follicle of the eyelash at the edge of the eyelid and opens outward, the second occurs in its thickness, inside the sebaceous gland, and breaks through from the side of the conjunctiva.
Happy Look opticians talk about how barley develops, what causes the process and how it is treated.
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Barley is an infectious disease most commonly caused by Staphylococcus aureus and less commonly by Demodex skin mites. They can live on human skin for years and cause specific inflammation only with a decrease in immunity, exhaustion of the body, or severe general diseases.
The development of barley can cause:
The transfer of pathogens is possible when using someone else's cosmetics, household items, contact lenses.
The first signs of barley include itching, burning and swelling of the edge of the eyelid. Then additional symptoms develop: nine0003
General well-being, as a rule, does not suffer, that is, a person feels the same as usual, only in the area of the affected eye there is tangible discomfort. However, with a severe course of the process, an increase in temperature and a general deterioration in well-being are possible. nine0003
Barley goes through several stages of development:
Infiltration 1-2 days
There is itching, swelling, redness at the edge of the eyelid, sensation of a foreign body and lacrimation, pain when touched. At this stage, the development of conjunctivitis is possible.
Suppuration 2-3 days
The edema increases, a seal with a white-yellow head of the abscess forms in its center; the pain is constant, aggravated by eye movement or blinking. nine0003
In severe cases, several heads are formed, this is accompanied by a rise in temperature, a deterioration in the general condition.
Breakthrough 1-2 days
The capsule with pus opens spontaneously, relief comes, pus can be released for several days.
Healing 5-7 days
The edema subsides, a crust forms on the eyelid, under which healing occurs.
Most often, the process of formation and transformation of barley takes a little more than a week, with an unfavorable course - multiple abscesses - the condition can last a month. nine0003
To diagnose barley, an external examination is sufficient, sometimes an examination of the inside of the eyelid is required. When the first signs appear, it is recommended to consult a doctor to confirm the diagnosis, since a similar condition develops with dacryoadenitis, chalazion, cysts or swelling of the eyelids.
If necessary, the ophthalmologist can refer the patient for an additional examination - to an endocrinologist, immunologist, gastroenterologist or dermatologist. nine0003
You need to see an ophthalmologist urgently if:
Treatment depends on the stage of the disease: nine0003
If necessary (for example, when a breakthrough does not occur), the doctor makes an incision with washing and drainage of the abscess cavity.
Possible complications of barley include:
Treatment with "folk remedies" can lead to additional complications: nine0003
Barley in children is much more common than in adults. This is due to weaker immunity and the child's habit of rubbing his eyes with dirty hands. In adolescents, teenage acne is often the cause of barley. nine0003
The symptoms of the disease in children and adults are the same, the process goes through the same stages of development, but it is more acute and faster. May be accompanied by an increase in the parotid and submandibular lymph nodes and general malaise with a rise in temperature.
Treatment is similar to the treatment of adult patients, taking into account the age dosage.
Barley is an infectious disease associated primarily with a lack of hygiene, as well as a decrease in the body's defenses. At the first signs of barley - itching and swelling of the eyelid - it is recommended to consult an ophthalmologist. nine0003
Swelling under the eyes can be caused by a variety of reasons from banal lack of sleep to serious diseases. Let's figure out what's the matter and how to eliminate ugly swelling in the eye area in order to get rid of edema quickly and effectively.
Tatyana Shamanina
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Someone takes them all their lives, someone took a month to get rid of them forever.
Swollen eyelids and puffiness under the eyes torment almost everyone. Want to remove the "heavy" look? First establish the cause, and only then begin treatment. We tell in detail what to do with puffiness and what causes it.
Content of article
Puffiness under the eyes is a common phenomenon that everyone has encountered at least once in their life. Why puffiness occurs, does it always signal serious problems, how to prevent the appearance of bags under the eyes and quickly remove them if they do arise - we tell in our material.
Waking up and seeing severely swollen eyelids is not the most pleasant start to the day. However, do not worry, most likely, you can quickly get rid of circles if it is not a disease and not heredity. Edema can appear for a variety of reasons. Let's figure out what causes puffiness in the morning, and how to get rid of swelling under the eyes in these cases.
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One of the most common causes of swollen eyelids in the morning is excessive salt intake the day before. A large amount of salt in the body leads to the accumulation of excess fluid. Including water is collected in the area of the eyelids. Hence the severe swelling under the eyes after sleep.
Solution - You don't have to cut out salt completely, just reduce your daily intake and don't go salty in the evenings. Improvement will not take long. Additionally, drink more water to flush out most of the salt from the body. nine0003
Wild cocktail parties cause more than just hangovers. Why can puffiness under the eyes appear the next morning after heavy drinking? Alcohol leads the body to dehydration, which causes puffiness and swollen eyelids. Alcoholic drinks also expand the blood vessels, in which excess fluid accumulates.
Solution - Drink plenty of water before going to bed after a party. And don't forget to wash off your makeup and apply an eye cream with green tea or aloe vera extract. nine0003
Stop rubbing your eyes and touching them with your hands. Such actions injure the delicate skin around the eyes, provoke swelling of the eyelids, and bags may also appear under the eyes.
Solution - If you need to remove dirt or anything, use soft, clean wipes. If the skin is already swollen, apply a cooling mask around the eyes and make a few cold milk compresses before bed and in the morning to soothe the skin. nine0003
Even mild stress increases cortisol levels and changes the salt balance in the body. The result is swelling under the eyes in the morning.
This item is especially relevant for those who suffer from insomnia and sleep critically.
Solution - Relieve stress with exercise, relaxation treatments, or regular restful sleep. Additionally moisturize the skin around the eyes with cucumber cream, which reduces circles and puffiness. The best treatment for puffy eyes after stress is a good vacation, or at least a quality weekend getaway. nine0003
Read also: Meditation for beginners: how to get rid of headaches and reduce stress
We have studied the main causes that cause morning puffiness. Now we will tell you why, in principle, swelling occurs under the eyes.
Do you constantly relax, take care of your skin, but in a different climate your eyelids still swell up? It's simple - the causes of swelling under the eyes of the eyes in women can be associated with changes in temperature.
For example, in hot countries with high temperatures, the eyes dry more than usual. Due to the overdried mucous membrane, the skin around the eyes thickens and becomes irritated. nine0003
Delicate and “fragile” dermis always react negatively to aggressive chemicals and certain temperatures. Thin skin is quickly irritated and begins to swell. To reduce symptoms, you need to select special care products from pharmacy collections and wash your face only with slightly cool water - not cold and not hot.
Whether it is chrono-aging or skin deterioration due to sun exposure, the skin around the eyes becomes less firm and smooth, lacks collagen. In addition, metabolism slows down with age, which can lead to water retention in the body. nine0003
Time cannot be stopped, but its influence can be slowed down. To increase your collagen content, use laser skin tightening treatments and buy skin care products with retinol, vitamin C and collagen in the composition.
Professional treatments and proper care will make the skin around the eyes firmer and smoother. Creams for puffiness under the eyes will also not be superfluous. Also use sunscreen and avoid products with sodium.
Read also: Skin ages quickly because of these eating habits: alas, you have them
Unfortunately, heredity is one of the reasons why the area under the eyes swells. Edema may be part of the genetic code. If for many years you have been unsuccessfully struggling with swollen eyelids and swelling under the eyes, it is probably a matter of heredity. And there's nothing you can do about it.
Do you wear lenses and notice that the area under your eyes is swollen? Check if everything is in order with contact lenses. Perhaps it's time to change them or you should wear them less often, combining them with glasses. Dirt or a scratch on the lens will increase eye strain and cause swelling. nine0003
Tears that form during crying contain more water than the tears that the eyes secrete for self-cleansing and moisturizing. There is an increased level of salt in the tissues of the eye, so that when tears come into contact with a salty environment, the skin swells. How to remove swelling under the eyes after crying? The best way to deal with them is with cold compresses. The main thing is not three eyes.
Salt and sodium in large quantities retain fluid in the body, which leads to swelling. Reduce the amount of salt to reduce circles and puffiness under the eyes. By the way, excess carbohydrates can also cause puffiness. nine0003
Swelling under the eyes can be caused not only by lack of sleep or heredity. The causes of puffiness in women are also associated with the menstrual cycle. During menstruation, the body experiences stress and retains water in the body. Hence - a couple of extra pounds, puffiness of the body and swelling under the eyes. The treatment of swelling under the eyes in women before and during critical days consists in active care for the skin of the eyelids. Restricting salt can help too. nine0003
Puffiness is not always caused by harmless causes, sometimes swelling under the eyes is a symptom of serious diseases. If the swelling is accompanied by pain and worsens every hour, contact your doctor as soon as possible. All other cases are not so dangerous, however, if home remedies do not help get rid of swelling, do not delay a visit to the doctor.
What diseases can puffiness under the eyes indicate? nine0003
For her, sometimes a careless movement is enough. Focus on the condition of the eye - if there is pain or visual impairment, then urgently see a doctor. 
Morning lack of sleep or condition after a hot party? We share methods on how to remove swelling under the eyes.
General recommendations to help eliminate swelling of the eyelids, eyes and under the eyes:
No cooling masks? Not scary. Put two clean teaspoons in a bag in the freezer for several hours. In the morning, apply chilled spoons to the area around the eyes for several minutes. Another similar way to quickly remove swelling under the eyes is to apply ice cubes. But remember, it is better to make ice from filtered purified water. nine0003
We continue the parade of home anti-edema methods. Next in line are tea bags with green or black tea. How to remove swelling and bruising under the eyes with their help? Pre-brew them in hot water for a minute and let cool to room temperature. Then put them under your eyes for 3 minutes. The natural caffeine in tea will constrict blood vessels and reduce swelling.
What should I do if my eyes are swollen and bags under my eyes have not gone away for a long time? Start your treatment with a gentle massage.
Light tapping with your fingertips on the delicate skin of the eyelids and lacrimal sacs will disperse excess fluid and reduce swelling. Move your fingers from the inside of the lower eyelid to the upper. Gentle stroking movements from the nose to the outside of the eye also help a lot. nine0003
Read also: How to get rid of wrinkles around the eyes with massage: an honest experiment VOICE
Try cosmetic roller for puffiness. The device combines all the important components: an ice metal ball for cooling, caffeinated serum and massage movements to remove excess fluid. The method successfully helps to eliminate dark circles under the eyes and swelling.
Don't know how to quickly remove swelling from the eyes? Use a homemade or store-bought cooling mask for the skin around the eyes. The powerful composition of professional care products reduces swelling, soothes and moisturizes the skin.
And don't forget that eye masks are best stored in the refrigerator.
Cold Aloe Vera Gel is another easy way to soothe skin and reduce under eye circles and puffiness at home. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, aloe gently smoothes the skin texture. nine0003
How to remove swelling, bags under the eyes? In this case, your main allies are eye cream and chilled cucumber slices. First, put the vegetable circles on your eyes for a few minutes, and then apply the cream with patting movements.
If you often sit at the computer, regularly moisten your eyes with special drops. Otherwise, the overdried mucous membrane will become inflamed and swell. Do not forget about regular moisturizing of the mucosa, and you will forget how puffiness looks like under the eyes.
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What to do with puffy eyes, and which skin care products work best - we share recommendations for choosing and specific products.
Masks are ideal for sensitive and dry skin under the eyes, which often lacks moisture and beneficial ingredients. Make masks to get rid of puffiness and for prevention. Judging by the reviews, swelling under the eyes disappears after the first application of masks, but regular moisturizing will be even more effective. nine0003
How to properly use an eye mask?
Read the instructions - some eye masks work only as part of a night care, other products need to be washed off after 5-20 minutes. Each skin care product works differently, but there are some general guidelines to keep in mind:
Cleanse your skin before using the eye mask to help the product penetrate deeper.
Do eye masks in the morning to improve your skin throughout the day. nine0003
If you can leave the mask in the refrigerator, be sure to do so. Cold is the best remedy for swelling under the eyes.
Hydra-Essentiel Eye Mask by Clarins. Botanical ingredients like Kalanchoe, Algae and Chestnut instantly refresh and hydrate tired eyes. In just 10 minutes, the cooling effect smoothes the skin and reduces puffiness under the eyes after sleep.
Guinot Masque Yeux Hydrating Mask. nine0174 Guinot 10 Minute Hydrating Eye Mask works wonders to instantly smooth fine lines and wrinkles, reduce dark circles and puffiness under the eyes.
Swelling of the face under the eyes - a recipe for an effective home mask. But you can save on the mask and make a homemade version that will work just as well and remove dark puffiness under the eyes.
Ingredients:
How to cook:
Grate half a cucumber and squeeze out the juice.
Add two drops of rose water to cucumber juice.
Take a cotton pad and soak it with the resulting mixture.
Wash off the mask with water after 15 minutes. Apply eye cream.
The harmful effects of the sun is one of the reasons why it swells under the eyes and early wrinkles appear. Even 10 minutes of exposure to the sun a day can lead to serious problems. Of course, sunscreen will not instantly get rid of puffiness, but its regular use will help improve the condition of the skin in general and around the eyes in particular. nine0003
When choosing sunscreen, bet on products with a mineral composition.
Mineral sunscreens are a great option for people with sensitive, acne-prone and rosacea-affected skin. Dermatologists recommend regularly applying creams with SPF 30 or higher to prevent puffiness under the eyes and other signs of aging.
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sunscreen SPF 55. If you're looking for an affordable mineral SPF cream, look no further than Neutrogena. The American brand offers a wide range of sunscreens for different skin types. Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin is a thin, lightweight formula that is hypoallergenic, fragrance-free and oil-free. Also, the product does not cause acne and is not felt at all under makeup, which is rare in itself. nine0003
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra Sun Cream SPF 50. Cream combines sunscreens and antioxidants. The technology protects the skin from free radicals, which cause photoaging. This product has a light, liquid, serum-like consistency that almost dissolves on the skin.
SkinMedica Essential Defense Sunscreen. It is free of comedogenic ingredients, parabens, oils and fragrances. The product is suitable for people with sensitive skin or for those who are recovering from aggressive cosmetic procedures, it will prevent the early appearance of wrinkles and puffiness under the eyes. nine0003
Small stickers soaked in care serum relieve puffiness under the eyes, but work without a cumulative effect. If there is no time for masks, just stick on cooled patches for puffiness and bags under the eyes. The main thing is not to overexpose them so as not to dry the skin.
Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Patches by Shiseido. Elastic patches are infused with retinol, so they not only fight eyelid puffiness, but also reduce fine wrinkles around the eyes. The manufacturer also promises that the patches will work on the nasolabial folds.
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Milk Makeup Cooling Water Patches. One of the best under eye patches for puffiness, redness and fine lines. The composition includes sea water and lavender, which soothe the area around the eyes, and caffeine, which tones the skin and removes excess water.
FlashPatch patches from Patchology. Contains hydrating ingredients, tonic caffeine and botanical extracts to brighten the eye area and combat mild puffiness. nine0003
See also: Hydrogel patches: the best way to look stunning
In addition to cosmetics, medicinal ointments sold without a prescription are also effective against puffiness. Before starting treatment for swelling under the eyes in women with the help of such means, it is recommended to consult a doctor.
Troxevasin.
Medical product strengthens blood vessels and improves blood circulation. Troxevasin should be applied no more than twice a day for two weeks. Be careful and make sure that the ointment does not touch the eye itself. nine0003
Heparin ointment. Heparin thins the blood and dilates blood vessels, which visually reduces puffiness around the eyes. Key components of the ointment like peach oil and petroleum jelly moisturize the skin. Heparin ointment for swelling under the eyes is a proven and reliable remedy. It should be used no more than twice a day for 3-4 weeks to significantly reduce swelling and circles. Before starting the course, read the contraindications.
Blefarogel. Eye puffiness ointment controls the amount of fluid and removes its excess. The product contains aloe vera and hyaluronic acid, which in itself is beneficial for the skin. Regularly apply blefarogel with massage movements no more than twice a day until the swelling disappears completely.
