Under-eye bags can make you look tired, older, and less vibrant, even when you’re well-rested. While they’re usually harmless, they often feel impossible to get rid of, especially as you age. At Skin Works Medical Spa, we specialize in identifying the root causes of puffiness and helping our patients choose the most effective solutions based on their skin, age, and lifestyle.
Let’s take a closer look at what causes under-eye bags and how to treat them with both home remedies and professional-grade treatments.
What Causes Bags Under Your Eyes?
Under-eye bags typically form due to a combination of factors, including:
- Weakened tissue and muscle structure around the eyes
- Fat shifting or herniating into the lower eyelids
- Fluid retention (especially after high-salt meals or alcohol)
- Sleep position (sleeping face-down can worsen puffiness)
- Genetics and aging (some people are predisposed to eye puffiness)
- Environmental allergies or eczema
- Smoking, alcohol use, and sun exposure
While some causes are out of your control, others can be improved with the right lifestyle changes and clinical treatments.
10 Ways to Reduce or Eliminate Under-Eye Bags
1. ✅ Reduce Salt Intake
High sodium levels can cause your body to retain water, which leads to swelling, especially in delicate areas like beneath the eyes. Focus on whole foods, avoid packaged meals, and try celery as a natural salt craving reducer.
2. ✅ Manage Seasonal Allergies
Allergy-related inflammation can contribute to under-eye puffiness. Consider antihistamines, nasal sprays, or natural remedies like saline rinses or quercetin supplements. Chronic rubbing of itchy eyes will worsen sagging skin over time.
3. ✅ Cut Back on Alcohol
Alcohol is dehydrating and causes inflammation that makes eye bags more visible. Limit your intake, drink water in between cocktails, and hydrate well after social events to reduce fluid imbalance and discoloration.
4. ✅ Quit Smoking
Smoking breaks down collagen and impairs circulation, leading to thinning skin and increased darkness or puffiness around the eyes. Quitting can noticeably improve under-eye appearance within weeks.
5. ✅ Use Targeted Eye Skincare
Look for medical-grade eye creams with peptides, retinols (gentle formulations), caffeine, and hyaluronic acid. These ingredients hydrate, firm, and reduce puffiness. We recommend the iS Clinical Youth Eye Complex for its proven results and multi-layer support.
6. ✅ Get Enough Sleep and Elevate Your Head
Sleeping flat allows fluid to pool under your eyes. Try sleeping with your head slightly elevated and aim for 7–9 hours of consistent rest. Sleep is when your body repairs, and poor sleep equals puffy eyes.
7. ✅ Apply Sunscreen Around the Eyes
Sun exposure degrades collagen and causes premature aging around the eyes. Use a mineral-based sunscreen specifically formulated for the eye area to prevent sagging and dark pigmentation.
8. ✅ Consider Clinical Fillers or Laser Treatments
If puffiness is due to volume loss or fat herniation, dermal fillers like Belotero or Restylane-L can smooth the tear trough and restore natural contours. In other cases, laser skin tightening or resurfacing may improve under-eye texture and firmness.
9. ✅ Cool Compress or Eye Masks
Short-term relief can be achieved with cold compresses, refrigerated eye masks, or chilled green tea bags. Cooling reduces swelling by constricting blood vessels and improving drainage.
10. ✅ Book a Professional Skin Consultation
Sometimes, a trained eye is needed to identify whether your puffiness is caused by fat, fluid, or pigment, and what the right solution is. At Skin Works Medical Spa, we offer personalized assessments and treatment plans for non-invasive and surgical treatments tailored to your skin’s exact needs.
Say Goodbye to Under-Eye Bags
Whether your concern is puffiness, sagging, or dark circles, our team is here to help. With advanced skincare, injectable treatments, and laser technology, we can develop a plan that delivers real results, so you can look refreshed, alert, and confident every day.
📲 Call 844-759-6757 or book your free consultation here to explore treatment options today.