Those bags under your eyes? They could be a result of your diet, sleep patterns, or health issues. Curious to learn more? Let’s take a closer look.

August 13, 2021

Late nights at work. Early mornings at the gym. Long to-do lists on the weekends. It can all lead to short stretches of sleep in between. And what could you be left with? A high chance of under-eye puffiness. But it’s not always the crazy schedules and lack of sleep that can lead to this unsightly skin reaction. According to medical professionals, it can also be genetic. But under-eye puffiness shouldn’t cause alarm since it doesn’t typically impact vision or health. And, if it’s any consolation, it’s a lot more common than you might think (it’s good makeup that may have you thinking otherwise). Let’s take a closer look at how to reduce visible eye puffiness and what causes it.

What May Be Causing Your Under-Eye Puffiness?

There’s no one cause for under-eye puffiness. While it differs from person to person, it usually circles back to one (or more) of seven main reasons:

1. Sleep:​ Rest isn’t underrated. In fact, not getting enough may cause your blood vessels to expand. This can result in a reddish-blue appearance (or dark “bags”) under the eyes. It can also increase the retention of fluid around the eyes, which may cause swelling for up to 24 hours. But, keep skimping on sleep and those signs may stick around longer than you’d like.
    
2. Sodium:​ Feeling puffier than usual? Totally normal. But those potato chips and takeout food might be to blame. High-salt foods can cause your body to retain water and lead to that all-too-familiar puffy feeling—especially around the eyes where the skin is thin. Drinking plenty of water can help flush out the sodium and reduce visible eye puffiness.
    
3. Allergies:​ Whether it’s pollen and dust mites or perfumes and makeups, allergies may cause fluid to build up in your sinuses and around your eyes. To offer support, your body typically releases a chemical called histamine—this may be what causes swelling and irritation around your eyes.
4. Alcohol: ​Between happy hours and special occasion dinners, we can’t blame you for wanting a celebratory drink. But, beware—alcohol can dehydrate your body, which may cause the skin under your eyes to become weak and sag (cue the bags). Not to mention, it may also cause tiny blood vessels to become leaky, which may lead to an accumulation of water under the skin.
    
5. Genetics: You might not want to hear it, but your visible under-eye puffiness might just run in the family. Thanks, mom (or dad).
    
6. Makeup: We know. It’s tempting to head straight to bed after a late night out. But, falling asleep without removing your makeup might cause irritation and swelling under your eyes.
7. Health Issues: ​Don’t overlook underlying issues. For example, hypothyroidism can cause the fat around the eyes to thicken. In some cases, this can cause under-eye puffiness. Always consult a healthcare professional to discuss more complicated health concerns.

How to Help Avoid Visible Under-Eye Puffiness

Figuring out how to get rid of under-eye puffiness isn’t always straightforward. What works for one person might not work for you. But, here are some of the most common changes you can explore:

• Make lifestyle changes: ​Repeat after us—more sleep, less salt, fewer drinks—except water (you can never have enough H2O). And when you need a reminder of why, go re-read the first section of this article. 
• Stay hydrated: On the topic of water, being dehydrated can worsen the appearance of bags under your eyes as much as the effects of salt consumption, alcohol, and poor sleep. 
• Reduce sun exposure: Sunglasses aren’t just for looks. Protect your eyes (and the skin around them) from ultraviolet rays, which can break down collagen and elastin—which can result in a higher chance of puffiness under your eyes.
• Address your allergies: Reactions may develop over time. So, just because you weren’t allergic to dander as a child, doesn’t mean you aren’t now. Consult your doctor to determine which allergies you may have, and the best solution to soothe them.
• Wash your face before bed: Make sure your face is clean before your head hits the pillow. While you should be removing all traces of makeup from your face, pay special attention to buildup on the lash line.

How to Help Reduce Eye Puffiness

Whether you have a big meeting during the day or a special occasion at night, the bags under your eyes shouldn’t get in the way of making you feel great. So, how can you help reduce the appearance of eye puffiness? Apply a cold compress to your eyes to deflate some of the puffiness. Feel free to use a washcloth, or experiment with cooling eye gel pads like the Eye Look Rested De-Puffer + Brightener from Artistry Studio™. These serum-infused patches can help provide an instant wake-me-up that can leave you feeling recharged, refreshed, and ready to start your day. Or try our new Eye Look Energized eye serum to brighten and reduce the look of puffiness.

By hydrating the delicate area around the eye, the patches can cool and depuff the skin, helping it to appear brighter. Best of all? They’re suitable for all skin types. You can follow up your eye gel pads with an eye roller to further help lessen the puffiness. An eye roller can help stimulate blood flow and oxygen and reduce eye puffiness.

Eye creams or serums containing caffeine may also help to reduce visible eye puffiness and darkness below the eye. Don’t have any serums on hand? Try a wet, cool teabag, which may have anti-irritation qualities.

The only bags on your body should be on your arm or in your hand. Now that you’ve figured out how to reduce visible eye puffiness, you can kiss those dark circles goodbye. Whether you opt for a little less sodium in your breakfast or eye gel pads, the right habits and tools can help you wake up looking refreshed and ready to start your day.