Liputan6.com, Jakarta Do you often look in the mirror and see puffy bags under your eyes? Many people want to know how to get rid of under eye bags. These bags can make you look tired or older than you are. Don't worry, there are ways to fix this problem.
Under eye bags are swollen areas under your eyes. They can be caused by many things like not sleeping enough, eating salty foods, or just getting older. Sometimes they run in families too. Under eye bags are not usually a health problem, but they can make you feel less confident about how you look.
In this article we will talk about everything you need to know about the under eye bags. From their causes and how to get rid of under eye bags to some tips to prevent them from happening again.
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Why Are You Having Eye Bags?
There are several reasons why you might have under eye bags:
1. Not enough sleep: When you don't get enough rest, your body retains more water to compensate for the lack of sleep. This extra fluid can accumulate under your eyes, causing puffiness and bags. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep nightly.
2. Too much salt: A diet high in sodium causes your body to hold onto extra water. This excess fluid can gather in various parts of your body, including the area under your eyes, leading to puffiness and swelling.
3. Allergies: Allergic reactions can cause inflammation and swelling around your eyes. When your body reacts to allergens, it releases histamines, which can make the blood vessels under your eyes expand and become more visible.
4. Getting older: As you age, the tissues around your eyes weaken and the fat that usually stays in place can shift downwards. This natural aging process can create a puffy, baggy appearance under your eyes over time.
5. Genetics: Your genes play a significant role in determining your skin's structure and how it ages. If under eye bags run in your family, you may be more likely to develop them, regardless of your lifestyle habits.
6. Too much sun: Excessive sun exposure can damage the delicate skin under your eyes, breaking down collagen and elastin. This damage makes the skin less firm and more prone to sagging, contributing to under eye bags.
7. Smoking: Cigarette smoke contains harmful chemicals that accelerate skin aging. It reduces blood flow to the skin, damages collagen, and weakens the skin under your eyes, making bags more noticeable.
8. Drinking alcohol: Alcohol is dehydrating and can cause fluid retention in your body. When you drink, the skin under your eyes may become puffy and more prone to showing bags, especially the morning after.
9. Medical conditions: Certain health issues, like thyroid problems or kidney disease, can cause fluid retention throughout your body. This excess fluid can settle under your eyes, creating or worsening the appearance of bags.
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How to Get Rid of Under Eye Bags Naturally
There are many natural ways to reduce under eye bags:
1. Cold compress: Applying something cold to your eyes for 10-15 minutes can constrict blood vessels and reduce swelling. Use a cold spoon, frozen peas wrapped in cloth, cucumber slices, or chilled tea bags for best results.
2. Get more sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Good sleep allows your body to repair and regenerate, reducing fluid retention and puffiness around your eyes. Create a relaxing bedtime routine to improve sleep quality.
3. Drink more water: Staying well-hydrated helps flush out excess sodium and reduces water retention throughout your body, including under your eyes. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water daily, more if you're active or in hot weather.
4. Reduce salt: Limit your intake of salty foods to prevent fluid retention. Read food labels to identify hidden sodium sources, and try seasoning your meals with herbs and spices instead of salt.
5. Use tea bags: Place cold, used tea bags on your eyes for 15 minutes. Green or chamomile tea work well as they contain antioxidants and caffeine that can reduce inflammation and constrict blood vessels.
6. Try a gentle massage: Softly massage the area under your eyes using your ring finger. This can help stimulate blood circulation and reduce the accumulation of fluids that cause puffiness. Use a light touch to avoid damaging the delicate skin.
7. Use a natural cream: Mix 1 teaspoon aloe vera gel, 2 drops vitamin E oil, and 1/2 teaspoon coconut oil. This cream may help reduce puffiness and hydrate the skin. Gently pat under your eyes before bed using your ring finger. Wash off in the morning.
8. Eat more potassium: Increase your intake of potassium-rich foods like bananas, spinach, and avocados. Potassium helps balance sodium levels in your body. It may reduce the accumulation of fluids that cause the puffy eyes.
9. Use a neti pot: If allergies contribute to your eye bags, try using a neti pot to rinse your nasal passages. This can help clear allergens and reduce overall facial swelling, including around your eyes.
10. Try facial exercises: Try gentle face movements, yoga poses, and blinking exercises. These can help blood flow, remove waste from your face, and make eye muscles stronger, possibly reducing eye bags.
How to Prevent Under Eye Bags
Preventing under eye bags is often easier than getting rid of them. Here are some tips to stop them from forming:
1. Sleep well: Establish a consistent sleep schedule, going to bed and waking up at the same time each day. This helps regulate your body's internal clock and improves overall sleep quality, reducing eye puffiness.
2. Sleep on your back: Sleeping on your side or stomach can cause fluid to accumulate under your eyes. Try to sleep on your back to prevent this fluid buildup and reduce morning puffiness.
3. Use an extra pillow: Elevate your head slightly while sleeping by using an extra pillow. This position helps prevent fluid from pooling under your eyes overnight, reducing morning swelling and puffiness.
4. Protect your skin from the sun: Always wear sunglasses and apply sunscreen to the delicate under-eye area. Sun damage can break down collagen and elastin, making the skin more prone to sagging and forming bags.
5. Don't rub your eyes: Avoid rubbing your eyes, especially when tired or removing makeup. Rubbing can irritate the skin, cause inflammation, and potentially damage blood vessels, making eye bags more noticeable.
6. Eat a healthy diet: Consume a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. These foods provide essential nutrients that support skin health and can help reduce inflammation throughout your body.
7. Limit alcohol and caffeine: Reduce your intake of alcohol and caffeine, especially before bedtime. Both can dehydrate your body and disrupt sleep patterns, contributing to under eye puffiness and bags.
8. Stop smoking: If you smoke, try to quit. Smoking damages your skin's collagen and elastin, accelerating aging and contributing to under eye bags. Seek support from a healthcare professional if needed.
9. Remove makeup before bed: Always remove all makeup before sleeping. Leaving makeup on can irritate your eyes and skin, leading to inflammation and puffiness. Use a gentle, oil-free makeup remover.
10. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your body well-hydrated. Proper hydration helps maintain skin elasticity and can reduce the appearance of under eye bags.
11. Manage allergies: If you have allergies, work with a doctor to find effective treatments. Controlling allergies can significantly reduce eye irritation, swelling, and the resulting under eye bags.
12. Use a good eye cream: Invest in a quality eye cream containing ingredients like caffeine, vitamin K, or retinol. Apply it gently each night to help strengthen the delicate under eye skin and reduce puffiness.
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