11 Ways to Banish the Bags Under Your Eyes

       

Curb the Salt

Put down that salt shaker! Water will always find its way from parts of your body that are low in sodium to those that have the most. The area around your eyes is a prime example. That’s why a dinner loaded with salt often results in morning-after puffiness.

       

       

Manage Your Allergies

Allergy season and watery, puffy eyes go hand-in-hand. Here’s the good news: Those over-the-counter medicines that you take for your allergies, colds, or sinus infections can dry up your puffy eyes -- along with your runny nose.

       

Use a Neti Pot

Try a neti pot. Use this gizmo, which looks like a small teapot, to pour salt water into one nostril and let it drain out the other. It sounds weird, but it might help flush out all that extra moisture in your sinuses from seasonal allergies, colds, or infections.

       

       

Switch Your Sleep Position

Are you a side or stomach sleeper? Gravity causes fluid to collect under your eyes, which might explain those pesky bags. Try to sleep on your back and add an extra pillow under your head.

       

       

Take Your Makeup Off Before Bed

Don’t hit the hay with your eye makeup on. It can make your eyes water, and cause a case of morning-after puffiness. Wash off the gunk with soap and water, or use a remover every night.

       

Go Easy on the Alcohol

A glass of wine is fine, but don’t overdo it. Why? Booze can pull the water out of your skin. Once you weaken the delicate area around your eyes, it's more likely to sink into a pouch. If you do tie one on, drink water before you go to bed and use a moisturizer around your eyes.

       

Protect Your Eyes From UV Rays

You do a lot to protect your body from sunlight. Are you doing the same for your face? Too much sun can make the skin around your eyes sag or wrinkle. Use sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats to protect your face from harmful rays.

       

Don’t Smoke

Want another reason to kick the habit? Smoking can dry and weaken the skin on your face. Say no to smokes and save yourself from wrinkled, droopy eyes.

       

       

Give Your Eyes a Cooldown

Got swollen eyes? Chill them out! A cold compress can ease puffiness. Try chilled spoons, cucumber slices, or tea bags. What you use doesn’t matter -- the low temperature does the work.

       

       

Consider Eye Cream

Store shelves groan under the weight of creams and lotions made to reduce puffy eyes. Try them out to see if one works for you. Here's one product to avoid: Don’t use old-fashioned hemorrhoid cream. It can irritate the skin around your eyes. Try a retinol eye cream instead.

       

       

Cover Up

Are dark circlesa problem? You can often hide them with concealer. Choose one that matches your skin tone. Apply it by lightly patting it on -- don't try to rub it in.