Under-eye puffiness can be the result of passing time, poor care or a sleepless night; in the latter case, they disappear after supplementing sleep deficiencies. Four out of ten women must struggle with bags under the eyes on a daily basis. Where do they come from and what at-home methods will allow us to get rid of them? What treatments for under-eye puffiness do I recommend and what makeup will effectively camouflage them? Let’s find out!

Where do under-eye bags come from?

The swelling of the lower eyelids, known as “under-eye bags”, is the result of lymph stasis in the subcutaneous tissues. The reasons for this can vary, including:

• genetic predispositions,
• mature age (decreasing eye muscle tension, which also weakens the tissues around it),
• lifestyle (regular all-nighters, unhealthy diet, stimulants, sedentary lifestyle, frequent sunbathing),
• diseases of the heart, circulatory system, kidneys or thyroid.

Homemade methods to get rid of under-eye puffiness

Under-eye puffiness can be reduced or effectively concealed. To make them less visible, I recommend doing the following activities right before bedtime: open the window and let the fresh air in, drink a glass of water and sleep with your head on a pillow. Water will help cleanse the skin of the metabolic waste products stored in it, and the raised head supports the circulation of liquids. In the morning, it’s worth washing your face with cool water and following one of the methods for reducing bags under the eyes:

Proper cosmetics 

The best cosmetics for under-eye puffiness are light, refreshing and cooling, oil-free gels or creams stimulating blood and lymph circulation. Choose those with vitamin C and K, caffeine, and extracts from: eyebright, ginkgo, parsley, cornflower or arnica. After applying such a cosmetic, it should be massaged in a way that unlocks the lymphatic vessels and thus helps to remove the excess lymph.

What is more, the method of application is also of great importance. I like to distribute it gently with my fingertips and lightly skim my eyelids. Next, with my middle finger, I put pressure on the eyelids – first the upper and then the lower one. I always choose creams with a metal applicator attached to the container which massages my skin. In addition, I apply a mask that reduces edema twice a week. I like gel masks the most, especially in the form of patches infused with substances that improve microcirculation.

Cool compress

I thoroughly recommend applying frozen cucumber slices onto the eyelids (or crushed ice cubes either in a zip-lock bag or a cotton cloth). The cold will help constrict lymphatic vessels, and thus, remove the excess liquid remaining inside. Leave them on for about 10 minutes. You can additionally give yourself a massage around the eyes; just apply ice cubes to the skin and gently apply pressure to the swollen areas from the center to the outer corners.

Chilled teaspoons 

They work just like the compresses mentioned above. Chilled steel spoons refrigerated prior the use are to be applied to your eyes face down.  Lay down with them for about 10 minutes.

Tea bags 

Heat the teabag in lukewarm water for several minutes, then, place it on the swollen area. The caffeine contained in the tea leaves will make the blood vessels shrink and thus, reduce edema. Such compress is best to leave on even for half an hour.

Potato slices 

Potatoes are rich in potassium that is responsible for reducing puffiness. They also abound in starch with inflammation-soothing properties. The potato should be peeled and washed, then cut two slices half a centimeter each. Place it on the lower eyelid for 5-10 minutes.

Treatments for under eye area 

If the at-home methods that I introduced above did not solve the problem, it is worth going to a beauty salon. A lymphatic drainage of the swollen areas will help reduce the puffiness. This is a special kind of massage that improves the flow of lymph and other tissue fluids.

Not just beauty salons have treatments for bags under the eyes in their offer. You can also try aesthetic medicine offices. They include:

• Light Eyes Ultra – a procedure during which – with the mesotherapy method – a bomb of care substances composed of hyaluronic acid, raspberry, vitamin C and hexapeptides is injected. The treatment improves microcirculation and elasticity of the skin and reduces the tendency to accumulate liquids around the eyes.
• Dermaheal Eyebag Solution – a procedure during which biomimetic peptides are injected into the lower eyelid. These substances stimulate lymphatic drainage and prevent stagnation of fluids in the tissues.

Makeup for skin with under-eye puffiness

Makeup obviously does not reduce the swelling under the eyes, but it will cover it up. To do this, reach for a highlighter and apply it to the inner corners of your eyes. You can replace it with a concealer of a tone lighter than the skin tone. Apply it only to the border of swelling and the rest of the skin to blend out the transition. Camouflaged parts of the skin can be slightly powdered, provided you have not applied the foundation before.

What are your ways for reducing bags under your eyes? Do you prefer home-made methods or professional beauty treatments? Share your experience!