What Causes Bags and Dark Circles Under Eyes?

Bags and dark circles under your eyes can be the result of many factors, including age, food, sleep habits, even your environment.¹ If you are fighting bags and dark circles, it may be a sign you need to make a change.

What causes bags under eyes?

The quality of your sleep, diet, and exercise can affect your physical appearance, including under eye bags. Allergies and some medications can also make your eyes look puffy. If you’ve adjusted your daily routine to try and fix the problem, and see no changes, check in with your doctor. There may be other reasons.

How can I get rid of bags under my eyes?

Knowing how to get rid of bags under eyes is a process of trial and error. Here are some tips that may help:

• Get enough sleep. Being well-rested can help reduce swelling around your eyes.
• Try sticking to a low-sodium diet. Salt induces your body to retain water, which can cause bags and puffiness.
• Limit the amount of alcohol and tobacco products you use.

What causes dark circles under eyes?

Like bags under eyes, dark circles can be caused by some of the same factors.

• Fatigue and exhaustion can make your eyes look dark.
• Salt/sodium in your diet can also affect dark circles.
• Alcohol and tobacco use can contribute, as well.
• Your family history could also make you prone to dark circles.

How do I get rid of dark circles under my eyes?

As with reducing puffiness, sleeping, and eating well can help reduce the look of dark circles under eyes. Try these:

• Work on getting enough uninterrupted sleep so you can look rested and refreshed.
• Try limiting both excess salt and sugar from your diet.
• Limiting your intake of alcohol and use of tobacco products, may also help.
• Some cosmetics can work in a pinch to help cover up dark circles.

If you’ve made improvements to your health and wellness routine and still see no change, consider talking to your doctor. They may be able to suggest other options that are right for you.

How can I get rid of bags and dark circles under my eyes?

Learn how to get rid of bags and dark circles by experimenting with a combination of improving your diet, limiting alcohol and tobacco use, getting the right amount of sleep for you, as well as adding in sun protection. The skin around the eyes is very sensitive. To help reduce the chances of sun damage, make sure you’re wearing sunscreen/block, as well a hat and sunglasses when outside.

You can also try changing your skin care routine. As you age, the skin around the eyes loses moisture and elasticity. Some moisturizers may help improve skin texture, lessening the look of bags and dark circles. Certain cosmetics may also help provide a quick cover-up.

What are some home remedies for bags under eyes?

Applying a chilled slice of cucumber, tea bags, or a cold compress over each eye is believed to help reduce puffiness.

The skin around your eyes is sensitive and should be treated with care. To help reduce puffiness and dark circles, make sure you’re sleeping well, reduce salt/sodium from your diet, go easy on the alcohol, and practice good skin care.

¹ 6 causes of dark under-eye circles, according to a dermatologist, Insider Health, October 1, 2020, https://www.insider.com/what-causes-dark-circles-under-eyes