How to Prevent Eye Bags

A few small daily habits can make a big difference when it comes to preventing eye bags. If you treat the skin around your eyes gently, you can keep your skin firm and prevent long-term damage. Drinking plenty of water and getting enough sleep will also go a long way in reducing puffy eyes. If you want more drastic results, you might even try a cosmetic treatment like fillers or surgery.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Caring for the Skin

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Take a clean washcloth, and dampen it with cool water. Wring out the excess water. Drape it over your eyes and press down gently. Hold this position for a few minutes. This can prevent or reduce eye bags that might appear in the morning.^{[1]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
Eye bags can form if you treat your eyes too roughly. Avoid rubbing, tugging, or pulling the skin around your eyes. Instead, use your ring finger to gently pat in creams and moisturizers.^{[2]XResearch source}
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3
Remove your makeup before you go to bed. If you leave makeup on while you sleep, it can cause the area to swell. To remove makeup safely, apply eye makeup remover to a cotton pad or ball. Press it gently against your eyes for a minute to dissolve the makeup. Sweep up the eyelashes with the pad to remove mascara.^{[3]XResearch source}
- When you are done, rinse the area with water and wash your face with your normal cleanser. This will ensure that all of the makeup is gone.
4
Apply a daily eye cream to your eyes. Creams will moisturize the skin around your eyes to prevent wrinkles and bags. Some may be able to thicken the skin to reduce dark circles as well. Use the cream twice a day: once when you wake up and once before you go to bed. To apply the cream, use a finger to dot it into the ridge at the top of your cheekbone.^{[4]XResearch source}
- Creams with retinoids can thicken the skin around your eyes. This can reduce darkness under the eyes and prevent eye bags from forming.
- Creams with vitamin C, kojic acid, caffeine, and licorice extract may be able to reduce darkness and soothe irritation around the eyes, helping you avoid puffiness.^{[5]XExpert SourceChristin Birckhead
  Makeup ArtistExpert Interview. 14 April 2020.}
- If a cream causes your eyes to water, itch, or turn red, wash it off immediately. Do not use the cream again.
5
Wear a non-irritating sunscreen under your eyes. The sun can damage the area around your eyes. To stop this damage, wear sunscreen underneath your eyes every day. Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before you go out. Carefully tap the sunscreen around your eyes using your ring finger. Avoid getting it in your eye.^{[6]XResearch source}
- Some eye creams will contain SPF protection. Look for one with an SPF of at least 15.
- Wearing large sunglasses with UV protection can also help protect your eyes from sun damage.
- Wear large brimmed hats when you go out in the sun to help protect your eyes.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Changing Your Lifestyle

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Drinking water can actually prevent fluid building up around your eyes.^{[7]XExpert SourceChristin Birckhead
Makeup ArtistExpert Interview. 14 April 2020.} One 8 ounce (230 g) glass before bed could help stop bags from appearing in the morning when you wake up.^{[8]XResearch source}
^{[9]XExpert SourceChristin Birckhead
Makeup ArtistExpert Interview. 14 April 2020.} Puffy eyes often appear when you haven’t gotten enough sleep. To reduce eye bags as you rest, sleep on your back with your head propped up on a pillow. Keep your head elevated all night.^{[10]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
3
Eat a low-sodium diet. Salt can cause your body to hold more water. This, in turn, can cause swelling or puffiness around your eyes. Reducing salt in your diet may be able to stop eye bags before they even start.^{[11]XResearch source}
- Cook your own food instead of eating out or buying prepared dishes. This will allow you to control exactly how much salt you add to your food. If you do order out, avoid adding extra salt to the dish.
- Avoid fried food, prepackaged snacks, canned soups, sauces, and processed meats like ham or bacon. These are all usually high in sodium.
- Look for low-sodium options when shopping, such as unsalted pretzels, low sodium soups, or sodium-free salad dressings.
4
Stop smoking. Smoke from cigarettes can irritate your eyes and cause swelling. If you smoke, now is the best time to quit. In addition to preventing eye bags, you’ll also improve your general health and reduce your risk of developing wrinkles.^{[12]XResearch source}
- Talk to your doctor if you want to quit smoking. They may be able to give you a prescription to reduce cravings or help you create a plan to quit.
5
Reduce how much alcohol you drink. An occasional drink or night out won’t hurt your skin in the long run, but too much drinking can cause dehydration. Dehydration can increase swelling and puffiness around the eyes. Aim to drink no more than 1 drink a day on average.^{[13]XResearch source}
- If you have a few drinks, drink plenty of water the next day to counteract the effects.
- Mixed drinks might also contain salt, which can make your eyes look puffy.
Exercising can reduce swelling in your body and improve circulation, which will make your eyes look less puffy. If you’re not able to exercise regularly, try doing some yoga instead.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Undergoing Medical Treatments

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An antihistamine or another allergy medication may be able to reduce your eye bags as well as any other unpleasant symptoms you may get from allergies. If possible, go to your doctor before allergy season starts to prevent bags from forming.^{[14]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
2
Visit a dermatologist to get tear trough fillers. Fillers can prevent eye bags from appearing for roughly 9 months. They work by filling the empty socket (known as a tear trough) under your eyes. Your dermatologist may be able to recommend a treatment based on your needs.^{[15]XResearch source}
- Juvederm and Restylane are the most common fillers used under the eyes. Talk to your dermatologist to determine which is best for you.
- The cost of one injection can be between $800-1000 USD.^{[16]XResearch source}
3
Undergo eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) to remove eye bags. If you want to prevent eye bags from worsening, eyelid surgery may be an option for you. During this surgery, a plastic surgeon will make a cut under your eyes. They will remove excess fat from the area or tighten your muscles to make the skin appear firm and smooth.^{[17]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
- Ask your doctor for a referral to a qualified, certified surgeon. You can also find one by using the American Society of Plastic Surgeon's online database here: https://find.plasticsurgery.org/.
- It may take 10-14 days to recover from this surgery.
- The average cost of this surgery is around $3,000 USD.^{[18]XResearch source}
Some home remedies can temporarily reduce the appearance of eye bags. Lay down somewhere comfortable and rest chilled spoons, slices of cucumbers, or tea bags on your eyes to reduce puffiness. You can also drink chicken bone broth to increase the collagen levels in your body, which will help prevent eye bags.^{[19]XResearch source}

Expert Q&A

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Question
How do I naturally remove eye bags?
Christin Birckhead
Makeup Artist
Christin Birckhead is a Makeup Artist and the Founder of Conceptual Beauty, a beauty service based in Washington, DC specializing in wedding services such as engagements and bridal parties along with fashion shows and executive headshots. She has over 20 years of makeup and beauty consulting experience. She is also the lead makeup artist for Ascender Communications and freelances with the local NBC news team in the DC metro area. Her clients include Nancy Pelosi, Nancy Cartwright, Armin Van Buuren, Hugh Jackman, Vashawn Mitchell, Richard Smallwood, Benjamin T. Jealous, Colin Powell, Wanda Durant, and Former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
Christin Birckhead
Makeup Artist
Expert Answer
Make sure you're getting your 7–8 hours of sleep every night to help make your bags less noticeable.
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What can I use to tighten the skin underneath my eyes?
Christin Birckhead
Makeup Artist
Christin Birckhead is a Makeup Artist and the Founder of Conceptual Beauty, a beauty service based in Washington, DC specializing in wedding services such as engagements and bridal parties along with fashion shows and executive headshots. She has over 20 years of makeup and beauty consulting experience. She is also the lead makeup artist for Ascender Communications and freelances with the local NBC news team in the DC metro area. Her clients include Nancy Pelosi, Nancy Cartwright, Armin Van Buuren, Hugh Jackman, Vashawn Mitchell, Richard Smallwood, Benjamin T. Jealous, Colin Powell, Wanda Durant, and Former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
Christin Birckhead
Makeup Artist
Expert Answer
You can try applying an eye cream that contains caffeine to help bring down puffiness.
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What causes bags under your eyes?
Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.
Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Expert Answer
Bags under your eyes can be inflammation due to lack of sleep or allergies. They can also be caused by eating salty foods or by sleeping without your head elevated. Heredity can also play a role.
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Warnings

If your eye bags are accompanied by redness, tearing, or pain or if they last longer than a week, talk to your doctor. This swelling could be caused by allergies or an infection.
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