JUARA Skincare
JUARA Skincare

What To Do About Puffy Bags Under Eyes

JUARA Skincare -

What To Do About Puffy Bags Under Eyes

Fighting back against those under-eye bags can feel like an ongoing battle, but it's not a lost cause. A lot of people who deal with dark circles or puffy eyes have found that certain practices and products make a huge improvement.

From home remedies to reconstructive surgery, we'll take a closer look at correcting bags below.

See Related: What Happens If You Don't Moisturize Your Face?

1. Make sure you don't have any underlying medical conditions

Eye bags and discoloration around the eyes are due to a combination of factors that include genetics, age, and overall health.

Some folks don't have to deal with dark circles or puffy eyelids, though it can cause frustration for so many others. Chances are that if bags under the eyes run in your family, then you'll have similar issues. We can improve the skin's appearance to a certain extent, but we can't always shake what our mama gave us, so to speak.

In addition to acknowledging the role genetics play, you should discuss health issues with a doctor, and see if medical treatments may be in order.

Not to get too serious or stoke unnecessary worries, but it is a good idea to make sure your puffy eyes aren't an indication of an underlying health condition. Some medical conditions, like thyroid issues, can cause puffy lids and under-eye bags.

Certain allergies can irritate the under-eye area, causing redness, itchiness, and swelling.

Sometimes a simple sinus flushing with a neti pot can reduce the excess moisture and mucus that's caused by seasonal allergies and colds. Over-the-counter medicines may also help reduce under-eye puffiness while addressing allergy symptoms.

Your doctor will be able to help you assess if your condition necessitates a medical treatment or if it is more of a cosmetic issue that can be addressed with a combination of skincare and diet adjustments.

2. Pass (on) the salt, please

As we've mentioned many times before, getting that gorgeous glow has as much to do with what you put in your body as what you put on the surface.

When it comes to your diet, there are a couple of stand-out culprits that contribute to puffy eyes and inflammation in general.

As tasty as they may be, eating an excessive amount of salty foods can cause you to retain water. Fluid retention often means swelling. Even if you aren't adding salt to your food, making frequent fast food stops and skimping on fresh foods may mean you're getting too much sodium.

Fluid retention or health conditions can cause infraorbital dark circles or puffy lower eyelids

If you have gluten or dairy sensitivities, then you're probably already aware of some of the side effects, like bloating and fatigue. It depends on the individual, but if these foods have caused other health issues for you, which could be an indication you need to cut back.

Sugar, though it tastes delicious and certainly has its place, can be the opposite of sweet when it comes to skin health.

A diet high in sugar can have deleterious effects on your health. It can lead to chronic inflammation, damaging the body’s healthy cells and weakening the immune system. Plus, this kind of diet can increase the risk of everything from chronic diseases to tooth decay.

Now that we've suggested you limit salt, and touched on a few foods you may want to watch out for, it's important to point out some of the healthier options that can counteract inflammation.

Foods rich in vitamin A (such as carrots and peppers) and vitamin C (like citrus fruits, broccoli, and brussel sprouts) are anti-inflammatory. You can ingest this goodness by consuming whole foods that contain these vitamins or by taking supplements.

3. Treat under-eye bags with ingredients that hydrate and heal

We say a lot with our eyes, but sometimes eye bags reveal more than we'd like.

Whether you've dealt with puffy eyes for a while or it's something that has happened over time, JUARA Miracle Tea Eye Cream can make a major difference.

Bags under eyes benefit from green tea and turmeric and may not need laser resurfacing

Even though it's luxuriously lightweight with a cloud-like texture, it has nutrients and vitamins that revitalize the skin. A whole host of natural ingredients imbue this cream with an almost magical ability to improve the appearance and texture of the delicate area under the eye.

Candlenut oil and illipe butter bring moisture that helps with the skin barrier's ability to prevent water loss and provide protection. Not to mention that candlenut oil is one of the best body oils out there. 

Golden chamomile calms stressed skin, reducing inflammation, promoting lymphatic drainage, and lessening the appearance of dark circles.

Five flavor berry firms and tightens skin, giving tired-looking eyes a more vibrant and refreshed look. 

This formula also helps with fine lines. Ingredients like turmeric and clove flower are packed with antioxidants that help protect against free radical damage and also have anti-inflammatory properties. Kombucha brings additional antioxidant power and vitamin B.

The Miracle Tea Eye Cream works wonders by combining all these nourishing botanicals. You can refresh your face and fight back against early signs of aging.

Though it's exceptionally moisturizing, it makes for the perfect layer underneath your concealer or foundation. Eye makeup will glide on smoothly and stay there longer.

Bonus: How To Use Body Lotion After A Shower

4. Try a cold compress to calm under-eye bags

Sometimes those tried and true remedies really work. A cool compress is a simple DIY treatment that can calm swelling and inflammation, minimizing the bags under your eyes.

You can use a damp washcloth or make a more nutrient-rich cucumber mask. Either way will help reduce some swelling.

For the first option, simply run some cool water over a clean washcloth. Ring it out a little, then place it on your closed eyes. You can lean back and relax, or try sitting upright so fluid doesn't gather around the eyes.

It should bring some immediate relief to the swollen area, and reduce puffiness in both upper and lower eyelids.

You can also swipe an ice cube back and forth under the eyes for a quick fix.

A cucumber compress can be as simple as placing cool slices over tired eyes, or blending it up a bit before applying it as a mask. You can also incorporate other ingredients like aloe vera or yogurt that help tighten skin, minimize the look of pores, and bring additional hydration.

A cool compress could also consist of chilled tea bags placed over the eyes. Not only will it fulfill the relaxation factor but different teas can have flavonoids, caffeine, or other added benefits, like free-radical fighting antioxidants.

A compress using a washcloth or tea bags will reduce puffiness and help get rid of bags

5. Treat yourself to tea

We're not quite done spilling the tea about tea. Several factors make tea a restorative remedy for the face.

Green and black teas both have caffeine, which can improve skin elasticity and reduce swelling. Caffeine may also make a difference with dark eye circles since it's a vasoconstrictor (meaning it constricts the blood vessels) and reduces blood flow to the skin. This can help that thin skin under the eyes look a bit brighter.

Green tea has particularly high flavonoid levels which may bolster the anti-inflammatory effects.

Not surprisingly, the teas play a critical role in making JUARA Tamarind Tea Hydrating Toner a superb skin-balancing and beautifying product. This toner gives you that all-over glow, whether you have sensitive, oily, or dry skin.

Infused with a triple tea blend, the Tamarind Tea Hydrating Toner will soothe, protect, and repair the skin.

Tamarind seed extract, which is rich in vitamins and has smoothing and hydrating properties, takes this toner to the next level. Together with hyaluronic acid - that powerful humectant that attracts water to the uppermost layer of the epidermis - these ingredients will help your skin look more moisturized and plumped up.

This toner can take you from puffiness to perfection, from depleted to divine. Where previously you saw puffy eyes, you'll notice smooth surfaces and even skin color. If you treat yourself to more of the JUARA products, you'll be pleased to see and feel a marked difference.

This toner - along with JUARA cleansers, masks, and moisturizers - will completely clarify and brighten your complexion.

Use it right after you cleansing your face with an exfoliating scrub, and before applying serums or moisturizer. It's a step that many people skip, but now you know better.

6. Protect yourself from the sun

If you're dealing with issues like eye bags and discoloration, you may be surprised to know that a little less sun exposure could improve your situation.

Yes, those ultraviolet (UV) rays can really be a drag. They can cause age spots, worsen wrinkles, and lead to even more serious conditions. Excess exposure to the sun will increase melanin content that could make dark under-eye circles much worse.

That's why wearing sunscreen is essential.

Before you head out for a fun day in the sun, grab a sunscreen with broad-spectrum SPF that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. 

7. Stop smoking (or better yet, don't start)

Now that we have decades of research revealing the negative health impact smoking has on our bodies, it seems rather logical to avoid picking up this unhealthy habit. Of course, humans aren't always so logical.

They say "all things in moderation," but if you can pass on smoking entirely, your body will thank you. Unfortunately, once a person starts smoking it can be quite a challenge to quit.

However, if you're a smoker and want to get rid of bags under your eyes, the most obvious option is kicking nicotine to the curb.

Nicotine disrupts our natural sleep patterns, and we'll get more into why that's a problem in a bit.

Smoking reduces the flow of oxygen and nutrients to our skin cells. The process of smoking produces substances that break down the skin's elasticity. In addition, repeatedly pursing your lips to take a drag makes your pout more prone to wrinkling.

Luckily, when you stop smoking the body begins to repair itself.

Complexion can improve within just a few weeks after quitting. And then, after several months, you may notice a significant improvement in skin tone and texture - especially if you are making other changes in your beauty and wellness routine.

8. Cut out potential allergens and irritants

Here's something you can do that's probably much easier than ditching a cigarette habit. 

As we mentioned earlier, allergies can exacerbate swelling of the upper and lower lid, and of the eye area in general. You may even rub your eyes in an attempt to address the itching, which usually makes it worse. 

Well, it's not just dander and pollen that cause this kind of irritation. You may be using soaps, hair dyes, detergents, or other products that cause rashes, puffiness, and other skin issues.

If you have allergies, you should definitely check the ingredient list of all the products that come in contact with your face. Or, if you're not sure exactly what it is that's causing the issue, then try cutting out the most likely culprits to see if there's an improvement. 

One suggestion that many skincare specialists make is to avoid harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances.

9. Get more sleep to minimize dark under-eye circles and bags

Sometimes the best thing to do is give it a rest. Our bodies need time to recuperate. And while you sleep, there's a lot of restorative work going on inside.

You can probably notice a difference in your own face after a night of interrupted sleep. Getting enough sleep is essential for overall health and helps you look bright-eyed and beautiful - sometimes even more so than after a body polishing treatment

People say less is more, but in the case of sleep, more is more. Most adults need 7 to 9 hours each night.

Some people suggest sleeping with your head slightly lifted to help prevent fluid from gathering around the eye area as you sleep. Use an extra pillow to lift yourself up a few inches, but don't go overboard and overcompensate. No one needs a pain in the neck!

Sleep is a natural treatment to address eye bags

10. Explore eyelid surgery if bags under your eyes affect your vision

As the years go by, you may notice a loss of firmness in your face and observe how the skin starts to sag. Sometimes that eye area is hit the hardest.

When we age, the structures that support our eyelids weaken. Muscles and other tissues wear down over time, and fat deposits around the eyes shrink and shift, causing bags to form. 

It's all part of the give and take of getting older. We gain wisdom and experience while we say goodbye to some of that spryness of our youth. 

However, if some of the physical changes are affecting your functioning, then there are more serious treatment options available. If drooping eyelids are impeding your vision, for example, plastic surgery could be an option. 

With eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), a surgeon would cut into the eyelid creases, trim sagging tissue, and remove extra skin and excess fat. Then they'd stitch up the incisions with small dissolving stitches. 

Bags under the eyes generally present more of a cosmetic concern and don't necessitate medical treatment. However, chemical peels and laser resurfacing are still options, as are all the tips on this list.

If you'd like some additional information, Dr. Rupa Wong goes into detail on dark circles and eye bags in this video below:

Keep Reading: What Is The Best Soap For Body Odor?

--

Juara Skincare incorporates ancient rituals with western skincare science creating the ultimate beauty experience. We aim to transport you from the mundane to the extraordinary with our exotic ingredients, intoxicating scents, and powerful, skin-improving formulas. All of our products are nutrient-rich, and botanically based. We are proud to be certified cruelty-free. Get the latest skin care tips and info on Juara products by following us on TwitterFacebookInstagramLinkedInand Pinterest.