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Simple tips to send eye bags packing

A woman stretches in bed with a sleep mask pushed up to her forehead.

Sept. 29, 2025—If you're experiencing eye bags or dark circles, you're not alone. While they may be unwelcome, they're typically harmless and not a sign of any serious health issue.

More good news: There are plenty of at-home treatments you can try to minimize puffy eyes and dark circles.

Start at the source

If you can figure out what's causing your eye bags or dark circles, your chances of getting rid of them are even stronger. Here are a few common causes:

Aging. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, losing firmness in the tissue around your eyes is a part of the natural aging process. This makes older people more prone to puffy eyelids, dark shadows and swelling under the eyes.

Fluid retention. Morning puffiness around the eyes can be caused by:

High salt intake.
Sleeping in a flat position or face down.
Alcohol consumption.

Genetics. Just like eye color and shape, eye bags and dark circles can run in the family.

Other potential causes include:

Allergies.
Dehydration.
Smoking.
Stress.
Lack of sleep.

Try these home treatments

Use a cool compress. Run cool water over a washcloth and place it around your eyes while sitting upright. Apply gentle pressure for a few minutes to lessen inflammation and swelling.

Sleep for success. Try to get seven to nine hours of beauty sleep. To prevent fluid from pooling around your eyes, sleep with your head propped up slightly—adding an extra pillow can help.

Limit sodium and alcohol. These preventive measures can help reduce fluid retention, a common contributor to puffy eyes.

Treat allergies. According to AARP, allergies don't just cause nasal congestion. They can also affect the small veins under the eyes. As these veins expand, they get darker—causing dark circles. Take steps to counter seasonal allergies.

Quit smoking. The skin around your eyes is delicate, and smoking breaks down collagen and elastin—the proteins that help keep it firm.

Wear sunscreen and shades. Frequent sun exposure can trigger discoloration and dark shadows, so it's always smart to protect your skin with sunscreen and sunglasses with UV protection.

Ask about treatment

These tips can help reduce eye bags and dark circles. But if they're persistent, it may be time to consider your treatment options. A dermatologist can help you explore your options and decide what's best for you.

Sources

AARP. "10 Ways You Can Treat Dark Circles Under Your Eyes." aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/treating-dark-circles-eyes.
American Academy of Ophthalmology. "How to Get Rid of Bags Under the Eyes." aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/bags-under-eyes.
American Society of Plastic Surgeons. "How to Get Rid of Under-Eye Bags." https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/articles/how-to-get-rid-of-under-eye-bags.