Puffy Baggy Eyes? Practical Solutions

By : Linda Robsion

Do You Suffer From Bags Under The Eyes?

From time to time, everyone has experienced baggy, puffy eyes --– even young people. For some it’s hereditary and for others it’s due to a physical or medical condition.

Besides making us look old and tired, this condition could also be an indication of a variety of health issues. However, regardless of the cause - one thing we all know – everyone hates them.

Fluid Retention and Puffy Eyes

The most common reason for bags under the eyes is fluid retention.
Fluid collects around the eye socket (orbits) and the loose skin above and below the eye bulges out -- causing a puffy look. This sometimes even gives the appearance of dark circles – when it’s just a shadow caused by the bulge.

Ways To Reduce Congestion Around Eye Area

• Cold Compress – Place a cold wash cloth, cold spoons, eye masks, or frozen cucumbers placed over the eye area helps to reduce the fluid.


• Reduce salt intake.- This is hard for me because I love salt! Consider taking a mineral supplement or eat potassium rich food. Like bananas, apricots, avocados, cantaloupe….B-complex vitamins also help reduce water retention.


• You can also try Facial Exercises or a Face Massage. This will encourage fluid drainage.


• Physical exercise and sweating can help or take a Sauna.


• Eye gels made to reduce fluid retention in the eye area work pretty well. My favorite is Eye Brite by a Japanese company called DHC.


• Elevate your head when sleeping. Slightly elevating your head – perhaps with an extra pillow can help reduce the amount of fluid build-up while sleeping.

Medical Conditions/Medications

Allergies, thyroid disorders, heart disease, kidney disorders, hormonal imbalances are possible causes for fluid retention and therefore can cause serious bags under eyes.

Eye disorders including blephartits, chronic blephartits, and conjunctivitis can also cause puffy eyes. The use of certain medications such as those containing cortisone is also another factor.

Other factors include lack of sleep or too much alcohol. If this is the case, you know what to do here….stop drinking and get some sleep!