How to reduce under eye bags

Insufficient sleep, allergies – often accompanied by redness and itching – age, genetics and the excessive application of superficial eye treatments are just a selection of the culprits responsible for the development of under eye bags – a common condition characterized by a mild swelling and puffiness of the under eye area – but did you know that you don’t have to resort to invasive and expensive procedures in order to prevent the puffiness? Here are my top tips for reducing the unsightly appearance of under eye bags:

·        * Avoid the excessive application of superficial eye treatments - overloading the eye area with rich creams – particularly those of a greasier nature that are applied as a nightly treatment – can block the tear ducts and cause fluid retention the following morning (the eyes will appear swollen and puffy) as the cream is forced to melt and invade the eye area due to an increase in body temperature – the body heats up during the hours of sleep. Always use these particular products sparingly and gently blot any excess using a tissue.

·         * Apply chilled slices of cucumber – acting as a cooling compress, the application of chilled cucumber will not only have a hydrating and soothing effect on puffy eyes, it will also aid the relief of any irritation such as the redness and itchiness associated with allergies. Ensuring that your head remains elevated throughout this particular method of treatment will also allow any excess fluid to drain from the affected area.

·         * Change your diet – too much alcohol, caffeine and dietary sodium can all contribute to the development of dark circles and under eye bags by forcing the skin to dehydrate (alcohol and caffeine) and retain fluid (sodium). Swapping processed foods – pay additional attention to tinned foods, crackers, cheese, sauces and certain breakfast cereals etc – for fresh and healthy alternatives, limiting your alcohol and caffeine intake – think chocolate, tea and fizzy drinks – and ensuring that you drink at least two litres of filtered water a day – this will aid the prevention of fluid retention by flushing excess sodium from the body – will all prevent the risk of puffiness.

Although under eye bags rarely indicate a cause for concern, don’t be afraid to seek medical advice should you continue to experience chronic puffiness – particularly if a change in diet and use of natural remedies have failed to improve your condition – in order to rule out an underlying medical condition such as thyroid or kidney problems.