A: Foods that are high in sodium, such as canned meats and vegetables, cheese and processed foods, can cause puffiness under the eyes. Drinking caffeine and alcohol can also cause dehydration, which may lead to under-eye bags. If you have stubborn eye bags, the next-level approach includes therapies like laser resurfacing and chemical peels and fillers. They’re non-invasive and can tone and tighten your skin. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

JSYK, under-eye bags and dark circles aren’t the same thing, even though they’re often lumped together in the same complaint. If you’re dealing with both, try this vitamin C-spiked eye cream, which can help brighten skin over time. Vitamin C not only protects against damage-causing free radicals (which lead to premature fine lines and collagen loss), but it also helps disrupt the melanin production in your skin, working to fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation.

Treatment

If under-eye bags leave you looking like you’ve been out-out on th e prosecco (when you were actually in bed by nine), you might want to read this… Hemorrhoid creams contain phenylephrine, which constricts blood vessels and can temporarily tighten the skin under the eyes. This can temporarily reduce some of the swelling, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. But be very careful not to get the cream in your eyes. Cosmetic eyelid surgery, also known by the medical name blepharoplasty, can tighten and smooth out the skin under the lower eyelids. It can also be used to treat puffy or drooping eyelids. Lifestyle changes (like reducing sodium intake to curb fluid retention in your skin, getting more sleep, reducing major life stressors, etc.) Vrcek I, et al. Infraorbital dark circles: A review of the pathogenesis, evaluation and treatment. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery. 2016; doi:10.4103/0974-2077.184046.

Your health care provider will want to rule out other possible causes that can contribute to the swelling, such as thyroid disease, infection, connective tissue disease or an allergy. You may be referred to a health care provider who specializes in the eyes (ophthalmologist), plastic surgery or plastic surgery of the eyes (oculoplastic surgeon). Causes Keep your allergy symptoms under control by avoiding triggers and taking prescription or over-the-counter allergy medications, as directed by your doctor. Sleep with your head slightly raised. It may help to add an extra pillow or prop up the head of your mattress. Or elevate the entire head of the bed a few inches. This helps prevent fluid from accumulating around your eyes as you sleep.

Health

Use a cool, damp washcloth as an eye compress, preferably while you’re sitting upright. You can also use cucumber slices or cold, damp tea bags to help reduce swelling. Chemical peel: A chemical peel also treats wrinkly under-eye skin by removing superficial top layers. An in-office application of a chemical solution dissolves old skin cells to reveal tighter, brighter skin. Depending on your skin type and sun exposure, results can last a few years. Give yourself props. When you sleep, fluid can collect under your eyes and cause puffiness. Prop yourself up with an additional pillow or elevate the head of your bed. If you’re considering surgery for the bags under your eyes, your surgeon will be able to lay out the process in detail, explain the risks involved, and answer any questions you have.