You may be able to reduce the appearance of eyebags long-term with specific lifestyle changes like getting enough sleep and staying hydrated.

Try These 17 Ways to Get Rid of Bags Under Your Eyes
This video shares 10 ways to get rid of bags under your eyes.
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Although many products claim to help de-puff and lighten the under-eye area, they don’t always work. This is especially true if your eye bags and dark circles are genetically inherited.

Other common causes include:

  • allergies
  • eczema
  • chronic fatigue
  • pigmentation issues
  • sun exposure
  • aging

Keep reading to learn how to reduce the appearance of under-eye bags.

You can use caffeinated tea bags under your eyes to help with dark circles and bags.

The caffeine in the tea contains powerful antioxidants and may increase blood flow to your skin. It’s also said to protect against UV rays and potentially slow the aging process.

Green tea, in particular, has potential anti-inflammatory effects, according to a 2020 review of researchTrusted Source.

To try it:

  1. Steep two tea bags for 3 to 5 minutes.
  2. Let the tea bags chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
  3. Then, squeeze out the extra liquid and apply it to your under-eye area.
  4. Leave the tea bags on for 15 to 30 minutes.

You may be able to find relief from dark circles with a cold compress. Applying cold to the area can help the blood vessels constrict quickly for some temporary relief.

Although you can purchase a cold compress at the store, do-it-yourself methods can work just as well.

Some DIY options include:

  • chilled teaspoon
  • cool cucumber
  • wet washcloth
  • bag of frozen veggies

Before applying, wrap your compress with a soft cloth to protect your skin from getting too cold. You only need to apply the compress for a few minutes to see results.

Using a Neti Pot may help relieve under-eye bags and dark circles. A Neti Pot is a device you fill with a saltwater (normal saline) solution. You place the spout in your nose and irrigate your sinuses, removing mucus and other debris.

Only use a Neti pot with safe water

Water can contain tiny germs that may cause a deadly brain infection. To keep yourself safe when using nasal irrigation, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)Trusted Source recommends boiling your water (and then allowing it to cool) before using it in a Neti Pot or buying sterile or distilled water to use with nasal irrigation systems.

Dehydration can contribute to under-eye bags. About half of peopleTrusted Source worldwide don’t meet the daily water recommendations.

How much water is enough? Recommendations range from 6 to 12 cupsTrusted Source and may vary based on many factors, including:

  • age
  • activity level
  • climate
  • sex assigned at birth
  • whether or not you are pregnant

Don’t like water? The good news is that all fluids count toward your daily total. Try sparkling waters, flavored waters, or even water infused with fruit. Hot or cold herbal decaffeinated tea is another good choice.

Allergies can cause puffy dark circles under your eyes. You may also experience discoloration or watery, itchy eyes. This reaction is caused by your immune system’s response to something that irritates it, or allergens.

If you feel your under-eye bags might be allergy-related, ask a doctor about taking over-the-counter (OTC) allergy medications. Some brands include:

It’s also a good idea to avoid potential allergens whenever possible.

If you’re having trouble identifying the cause, consider keeping a diary to see what substances or other things cause the most reaction. If this is a chronic problem, talk with a doctor about allergy testing.

You may have used eye creams in the past, but concentrating on specific ingredients is key. Retinol creams have been used for a variety of skin issues, including:

This ingredient is related to vitamin A, and it comes in cream, gel, or liquid form.

When applied to the skin, retinol can improve collagen deficiency. Concentrations of retinol may vary among different OTC products, but stronger creams require a prescription from a dermatologist. Certain retinol products shouldn’t be applied under the eyes. When choosing a product, look for something intended for use under the eyes.

Experts typically recommend applying retinol to the skin once daily, about a half hour after washing your face.

If you’re pregnant or nursing, doctors usually recommend avoiding retinol creams and extra vitamin A.

Skin-lightening creams contain hydroquinone, an ingredient that interferes with the production of melanin in the skin. This can help reduce the appearance of dark bags or under-eye circles.

You can get hydroquinone by prescription from a dermatologist. You’ll need to use these products regularly to see lasting results.

It’s important to note that the positive effects of hydroquinone are reversed when the skin is exposed to sunlight, so it’s generally applied in winter months at night and accompanied by sunscreen during the day.

Some people also experience side effects, such as:

  • dryness
  • irritation
  • mild skin issues

If you have a reaction, stop using these products.

Protecting your skin against sun damage can help with a number of dermatological issues, like:

  • premature aging
  • skin cancer
  • discoloration

Wearing sunscreen may also help with your under-eye bags and dark circles.

The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends that everyone wear sunscreen. Broad-spectrum sunscreens offer protection against both UVA and UVB rays. The Association recommends choosing a formula that is SPF 30 or higher and water-resistant. Reapply as necessary or as directed by the package instructions.

You can also avoid the sun’s harmful rays by:

  • sitting in the shade
  • wearing protective clothing
  • avoiding tanning beds
  • using caution around water, snow, and sand, which can increase your risk of sunburn

A dermatologist may offer other long-term solutions, like prescription creams or cosmetic procedures that work to reduce swelling, discoloration, and pigment issues like dark circles and under-eye bags. Options can include:

You may need to repeat these treatments for the best results.

Improving your nightly routine may also help you avoid bags under your eyes. It’s especially important to wash your face before bed each night, especially if you wear makeup.

If you sleep with mascara or other eye makeup on your eyes, you may:

  • irritate them
  • experience an allergic reaction
  • develop an infection that creates discoloration, puffiness, or other symptoms

When you sleep in makeup, you’re exposing your skin to free radicals. This has the potential to create what’s called oxidative stress, which may cause your skinTrusted Source to show signs of aging earlier.

Try elevating your head with extra pillows while you sleep. Using two or more pillows or a wedge pillow should do the trick.

Elevating your head helps to prevent fluid from pooling in your lower eyelids and creating puffiness while you sleep.

If propping up your head hurts your neck or you can’t fall asleep, you may also consider elevating the entire top end of your bed by a few inches. You can use bricks under the bed posts or use special bed risers that are specifically made for this purpose.

Although limited sleep may not actually cause under-eye circles, getting little sleep may make your complexion paler. Any shadows or dark circles you have may be more obvious as a result.

Experts recommend that most adults aim to get between 7 and 8 hours of sleep each night.

If you’re having trouble settling down to rest, try improving your sleep hygiene by:

  • creating a sleep schedule, or a regular bedtime and wakeup time, even on the weekends
  • avoiding nicotine in the hours before bedtime
  • avoiding caffeine for 8 hoursTrusted Source before bedtime
  • avoiding beverages containing alcohol before bedtime, as they can affect your sleep quality
  • avoiding eating large meals a few hours before bedtime
  • completing all strenuous exercise a few hours before bedtime
  • avoiding screens, such as televisions, cell phones, and other electronic devices, for 1 hour before bedtime
  • taking a hot bath or shower before bed or using other relaxation techniques
  • making your room dark and cool, if you can

As you get older, the muscles and tissues that support your eyelids weaken. This means that your skin may begin to sag, including the fat that’s usually around your eyes.

Upping your vitamin C intake can help your body absorb more hyaluronic acid. This essential acid is naturally found in the body, but the amount stored decreases with age.

Foods rich in vitamin C and amino acids can also help with collagen production by increasing hyaluronic acid levels, creating healthier skin.

Good sources of vitamin C can include:

  • oranges
  • red peppers
  • kale
  • Brussels sprouts
  • broccoli
  • strawberries

Iron deficiency anemia is a condition where the blood is lacking red blood cells. These cells carry oxygen to tissues in the body. Iron deficiency can cause dark circles under the eyes and even pale skin. Other symptoms can include:

A doctor can check for anemia with a blood test. Depending on the severity, they may recommend eating more iron-rich foods or taking iron supplements to increase your levels.

  • red meat, pork, and poultry
  • seafood
  • beans
  • leafy green veggies, like kale and spinach
  • raisins, apricots, and other dried fruits
  • iron-fortified foods, like cereals, breads, and pasta
  • peas

Eating too many salty foods may contribute to under-eye bags. Salt affects your body’s fluid retention and can make you puffy overall. It may also lead to other health issues, like heart disease and stroke.

The American Heart Association recommends consuming 2,300 milligrams (mg)Trusted Source or less of salt each day. Ideally, adults should consume no more than 1,500 mg of salt each day.

Read packages carefully to see how much salt is in your favorite snacks. One way to immediately lower the salt in your diet is to avoid eating packaged, processed foods. Instead, try eating a diet based more on whole foods, including fresh fruits and veggies, where you can control the salt content.

Drinking alcohol contributes to dehydration, and dehydration may lead to bags and dark circles under your eyes.

If you’re craving a special drink, try grabbing flavored sparkling water or infusing regular water with fruit.

Nicotine depletes your body’s stores of vitamin C, which is the vitamin responsible for creating healthy collagen in your skin. Smoking can contribute to worsening:

  • wrinkles
  • discoloration
  • under-eye bags
  • dark circles

Quitting smoking also helps with a host of other health issues. You can add years to your life and reduce your chances of developing many health conditions and diseases.

Doctors typically recommend tools or programs to support smoking cessation. Medications or other products may help you manage any nicotine withdrawal symptoms.

What gets rid of bags under the eyes fast?

You may be able to reduce the appearance of under-eye bags by applying a cold compress or steeped and chilled green tea bags.

Can eye bags go away?

While you may not be able to get rid of eye bags, you may be able to reduce their appearance with some practices and topical products. These can include getting enough sleep, sleeping elevated, quitting smoking if you smoke, and applying sunscreen. Topical products containing retinol may also help.

What causes bags under the eyes?

You may develop under-eye bags due to genetics, aging, allergies, and skin conditions such as eczema or pigmentation issues.

What is the new procedure for under-eye bags?

Nonsurgical procedures for smoothing the under-eye area include:

  • Filler: This treatment injects a filler, typically hyaluronic acid, under the eye to create a smoother appearance.
  • Laser resurfacing. This procedure uses a laser to remove the top layers of the skin beneath the eye, stimulating new collagen growth.
  • Chemical peel. A chemical peel treats under-eye skin by removing the older, top layer of skin cells, revealing tighter, brighter skin beneath.

Surgical options include a lower eyelid lift, which is called a blepharoplasty.

How can I tighten the skin under my eyes?

You may be able to reduce puffiness under the eyes with some lifestyle changes, such as sleeping elevated, staying hydrated, and reducing your intake of salty foods and alcohol.

If you have allergies, treating that condition or avoiding triggers may reduce the appearance of puffiness.

Having dark under-eye circles typically results from genetics. But you may be able to reduce their appearance with lifestyle changes like getting more sleep, applying topical products, and habits like wearing sunscreen.

Cosmetic procedures performed in a dermatologist’s office may also help — but they may need to be repeated to maintain the effects.