Everyone has experienced them – puffy or swollen eyes when they wake up in the morning. They could be a result of many causes, such as lack of sleep, allergies, or dry eyes. Whatever the case may be, those “pockets” under the eyes might not look very appealing, especially if you have to make an important presentation at work!

Here we break down what causes eye bags and ways to reduce their appearance naturally.

What Causes Eye Bags?

When we are young, the tissues surrounding our eyes are well supported. The orbital septum, a membrane that helps to hold fat in place and gives the eye structure, is taut and strong.

As we age, this membrane becomes weak and stretched out, causing the fat that provides a natural cushion around our eyes to move into the lower eyelids. Skin also loses its elasticity and thins out as we get older, showing more signs of ageing like wrinkles and sagging.

Additionally, volume loss and muscle laxity contribute to eyelid drooping as we grow older.

Some other common factors that lead to eye bags include:

Allergies

Allergies can cause eye bags because allergic reactions produce histamines, which can cause fluid retention. Histamines also make the capillaries in the eye area more permeable, so that blood leaks into the surrounding tissue. This also causes dark circles under the eyes.

Fluid Retention

Fluid retention is another possible cause of eye bags. Excess salt in the diet can cause fluid to gather under the eyes.

Congestion

Another cause of eye bags is sinus congestion. If you can’t breathe well through your nose at night due to a clogged nasal passage or stuffy nose, then this can cause fluid to accumulate around the eyes. This is because mouth breathing is less efficient than nose breathing, making the body work harder to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Ageing

Ageing also causes eye bags to appear. As we get older, our skin loses its elasticity and becomes thinner and more translucent. The fat pads under our eyes start to move down towards our cheeks and then into our lower eyelids, causing a pouch-like appearance that we call 'eye bags'.

5 Natural Ways to Reduce Eye Bag

1. Use a Quality Eye Cream

 A quality eye cream can be a great solution for reducing bags under your eyes because it will contain ingredients that specifically address the causes of under-eye bags such as poor circulation, collagen breakdown, and dehydration.

 If you’re looking for an effective eye cream that won’t irritate your skin, consider trying IOMA Flash Youth Eye Contour Concentrate, a treatment that affects the totality of the eye contour area, taking action against dark circles, puffiness, and slackening eyelids. Fights against the ageing process. A rich creamy texture - perfectly adapted to the thinness of skin around the eye contour area.

2. Get More Sleep

Not getting enough sleep is one of the biggest culprits in causing dark circles and bags under your eyes. And it’s no surprise, when you consider that we have so many distractions in our lives these days that prevent us from winding down at night.

A highly effective way to induce sleep naturally and safely is by using Meditrina Ageless Herbal Cream. This Multi-Tasking body cream can be applied after bath to the whole body or targeted areas, and the all-natural, potent combination of Chasteberry Extract, Fenugreek and Wild Yam positively influence the effects of optimal hormonal balance.

3. Take Care of Congestion and Allergies

Essential oils are natural remedies that may help relieve allergy symptoms and reduce puffy, swollen eyes. Lavender oil has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, while peppermint oil can help with sinus pressure and ease breathing difficulties. Mixing lavender with peppermint creates a powerful anti-inflammatory blend.

Try our very own QiActiv Essential Oil Myofascial Repair that contains True Lavender Essential Oil. Diffuse a few drops in a diffuser at home or rub some on your palms and inhale the scent to clear your nasal passageway.

4. Use a Cold Compress

You can also make your own cold compress by soaking a washcloth in ice-cold water. Wring out excess water and place the cloth over your eyes for ten minutes. Combine it with bSoul Aqua Comfort Lavender, a hydrolat with calming and soothing properties to aid in relaxation.

Gently press the cloth on your eyes, and this will minimize blood flow to the area and reduce swelling.

Other than a washcloth, placing chilled spoons on top of your eyes, slices of cucumbers, or even chilled, dampened tea bags can help constrict the blood vessels around your eyes. The cool temperature is what makes this home remedy effective.

5. Reduce Your Salt Intake

Salt causes your body to retain water and swell in size, which may lead to puffiness under the eyes. Avoiding salty foods and cutting back on foods that are high in sodium can help reduce swelling and tighten skin around the eyes.

Consume foods high in potassium, such as bananas and tomatoes as these foods will help combat excess sodium in your system. Also reduce the intake of processed foods -- such as canned soups, frozen dinners and snacks because they are often very high in salt content.

Final Note

Eye bags may still be there, but at least you’ll know what you can do about them.

Hopefully, you’ve discovered a few new and helpful tips for reducing eye bags. Whatever the case may be, it does not hurt to invest in a quality eye cream and get more restful sleep!