Waking up to panda or raccoon eyes can be a visual nightmare regardless if you are a teenager, a twenty-something or a seasoned adult. Dark circles and bags around the eyes are no ‘day at the beach’, but there are ways to prevent and get rid of them in most situations.

What are bags under the eyes?

 Bags under the eyes are caused by the depreciation or weakening of the tissue that lies underneath the eyelids. As a result puffiness and swelling can occur under the eye giving that dreadful bag-like appearance. Other causes of unsightly eye bags include:

• Alcohol
• Allergies
• Drug use
• Eczema
• Excessive crying
• Glaucoma eye drops
• Heredity
• Illness (thyroid disease, kidney, liver, etc.)
• Sleep deprived
• Sleeping facedown
• Smoking
• Water retention

Solutions for bags under the eye

For most cases of bags under the eye there are a few simple solutions that can remove unflattering eye bags. An informative infographic was recently released consisting of five tips to aid in removing eye bags. Some of the key takeaways include:

 Drink plenty of water

 Staying hydrated with water is one of the key components to revitalizing the skin as well as reducing puffiness under the eyes. In addition to having water included in your daily diet, it is recommended to drink a glass of water if eyes begin to feel heavy.

Treat with tea bags

Tea bags produce a chemical compound called tannin which aids in reducing puffiness or swelling (bags under eyes) and discoloration (dark circles). While any tea will work, it is recommended to use green tea bags for treating eye bags and dark circles. The caffeine in green tea shrinks the blood vessels reducing inflammation significantly. It also contains anti-inflammatory ECGC that assists with clearing away fluid that has accumulated around the eye. Additionally green tea is filled with antioxidants that have healing abilities as well. For treatment brew and chill tea bags and then place over eyes for 15 - 20 minutes.

 Allergies

 Allergies often cause red and swollen eyes. Stay away from things that will cause allergens to flair up. Keep the home and linens thoroughly cleaned and take any allergy prescribed medications to reduce swelling.

 Treat your face with care

 After a long day of working or a fun night of partying it can be easy to skip washing the makeup off your face, but this practice is strictly warned against because it can cause bag eyes and breakouts. Also applying sunscreen and wearing sunglasses can decrease the chance of puffy eyes.

 Cosmetic Surgery

 Fillers applied by a nurse or doctor can aid in eliminating the unwanted appearance of bag eyes.

For more severe cases of bags under the eyes, you might consider having blepharoplasty, a surgery to remove or redistribute fat and permanently remove bags.

 For more information, take a look at the following infographic by Campus Eye Group:

Want more beauty tips about makeup and skincare  from the Beauty Entourage Pros?

Download our top 5 tips you need to know before your wedding date or special event!