Woke up puffy? Under-eye bags are one of the most common skin complaints at every age. Some puffiness comes and goes with sleep, salt and allergies; some comes from natural changes as we age. Here is how to make them look better fast, and keep them that way.
What causes under-eye bags?
- Fluid retention from salty meals, alcohol or lying flat overnight.
- Lack of sleep and stress.
- Allergies that inflame the delicate eye area.
- Aging, as skin thins and the tissue that supports the eye area weakens.
- Genetics: some people simply have more pronounced under-eye bags.
Quick fixes for the morning
- Cold compress. Chilled spoons, a cold washcloth or refrigerated eye pads for 5–10 minutes.
- Gentle tapping. Use your ring finger to tap from the inner to the outer corner to move fluid along.
- Smooth on a balm. The CumaBalm™ glides on under the eyes and smooths the look of bags, puffiness and fine lines within minutes.
Habits that prevent puffiness
- Sleep 7–9 hours with your head slightly elevated.
- Cut back on salt and alcohol in the evening.
- Remove makeup every night.
- Treat allergies and avoid rubbing your eyes.
- Wear sunscreen and sunglasses to protect thin under-eye skin.
When to see a professional
If puffiness is sudden, painful, on one side only or comes with redness or itching, check in with your doctor. Persistent bags caused by aging or genetics can be discussed with a board-certified dermatologist.