Lifestyle and home remedies

The following tips can help you reduce or eliminate bags under eyes:

• Use a cool compress. Wet a clean washcloth with cool water. While sitting up, apply the damp washcloth to the skin under and around your eyes for a few minutes using mild pressure.
• Cut down on fluids before bedtime and reduce salt in your diet. This will reduce the fluid retention that can cause bags under eyes.
• Don't smoke. Smoking can aggravate the problem of bags under your eyes.
• Get enough sleep. For most adults, seven to nine hours is a good amount of sleep.
• 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. Dark circles caused by fluid retention in your lower eyelids usually go away when you get up.
• Reduce allergy symptoms. Avoid allergens when possible. Try over-the-counter allergy medications. Talk to your doctor about prevention strategies if you develop under-eye reactions due to hair dyes, soaps, cosmetics or other allergens.
• Use cosmetics. If you wish to mask your under-eye circles, try using makeup.