10 Ways To Get Rid of Eye Bags Naturally

Whether you have bags under your eyes from lack of sleep or genetics, they are not something most people want to have other see!  

If you listen to the beauty industry, it takes tons of money in creams, gels, retinols, laser resurfacing, blah, blah, blah to get rid of eye bags.  But don’t worry, there are easy home remedies for eye bags that will save your looks AND your bank account!

Please note: This article contains affiliate links, and that means that I may earn a commission if you buy something. Read my full disclosure here.

1. Caffeine

Caffeine is a vasoconstrictor, which means it narrows blood vessels (anyone who gets migraines are well aware that caffeine is our friend for just that reason!) but it also contains antioxidants which will increase blood flow to the skin.  

The easiest way to get the benefit under your eyes is to use a black or green tea bag.  Black tea has more caffeine, but green tea has added anti-inflammatory properties.

It’s easy to use, plus you can drink your morning cup of tea, and some to have later as iced tea!  Simply steep two tea bags for 3 to 5 minutes.  Next, put the tea bags in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes (tea sipping time!)  Then, squeeze out the extra liquid and apply the tea bags to your under-eye area for about 15 to 30 minutes.

2. Cold Compress

Cold is also a vasoconstrictor and this remedy is super simple and super-fast.  The fastest way is to wet a washcloth and stick it in the freezer for 5 to 10 minutes.  Then place it under your eyes for a few minutes.  A bag of frozen veggies or cold spoons work too!

Oh, and moms, after you get rid of the eye bags, you can give it to your infant if they are teething.  They will chew on it and it will numb their gums.  Call this a two-fer!

3. Hydration

If you don’t drink enough water, you will get under-eye bags and dark circles.  This isn’t an instant fix but making sure to drink enough liquids daily will mean an instant fix may not be necessary next time!  All fluids count but try and stay clear of too much caffeine (internally!)

Do not worry about fluid retention! Water is the nectar of life!

4. Wash your face

It sounds silly but going to bed without washing your face will help you avoid eye bags.  Especially for women who wear makeup!  

There are a lot of reasons, but ladies, leaving the makeup on may cause irritation to your eyes from mascara or eye makeup, cause allergic reactions in your eyes or skin and expose your skin to free radicals from the makeup itself.  Plus, it’s just really gross!

5. Sleep

8 hours, please!  Generally, we don’t get enough sleep, and this is the easiest remedy to dark circles and eye bags.  If you have trouble falling asleep, try these tips:

• Try creating a sleep schedule, or a regular bedtime and wake-time.
• Avoid caffeinated beverages and foods 6 to 12 hours before your bedtime.
• Avoid alcoholic beverages around bedtime.
• Finish all meals and snacks two hours before bedtime.
• Finish all strenuous exercise a few hours before bedtime.
• Turn off televisions, cell phones, and other electronic devices one hour before bedtime.

Also, you can try elevating your head while sleeping.  Use an extra pillow or raise the head of the bed with risers.  Doing this will keep fluid from pooling in the lower eyelids.  It will also help with minor sleep apnea.  Anything major in the apnea department needs a doctor!

6. Raw Potatoes

Potatoes aren’t just yummy, they are great at removing dark circles and puffiness.  The starch in the potato has anti-inflammatory properties that benefit the skin.

It’s easy to use.  

Simply slice a raw potato, place the slices on your eyelids for about 15 minutes and relax.  Or, you can grate a potato (wash it first) and put the peels in a soft cloth and then put the cloth on your eyes for the same length of time.  Do this regularly.

7. Cucumbers

Cucumber slices are not just for salads and water!  Cucumbers have astringent properties and enzymes that reduce inflammation and tighten skin.  

Slice a cucumber into medium slices and chill for 10 minutes (unless you keep your cukes in the fridge, then just slice and go!)  Put the slices over your eyes for 10 minutes or until the slices warm up.  Repeat as necessary.

8. Egg Whites

Egg whites are great for tightening the skin, and for your eyes, that’s good news if you have bags or wrinkles.  This one take some prep time and practice, though! 

Separate the whites and yolks from 2 eggs.  Then whisk the whites until they are firm.  You can also add a few drops of rose water or witch hazel (or both), just use sparingly and don’t water down the egg whites.  Then use a soft brush, cloth or cotton pad to apply to your eyes.  Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes after it dries.

9. Aloe Vera

You know that aloe vera you got for sunburn?  It’s antioxidants and vitamin E aren’t just great for burns, it’s also fabulous for reducing puffiness and under-eye bags, AND preventing fine lines and wrinkles.

Aloe vera also improves blood circulation and flushes out the fluids around the eyes, which then reduces swelling.

Apply fresh aloe vera gel around your eyes and leave it there for about 15 minutes, then wash off with cold water.  Be careful about getting the gel IN your eyes, though.  Consider keeping an aloe plant.  A renewable source!

10. Strawberries

Strawberries are extremely effective in eliminating under-eye bags, swelling, puffiness and dark circles, because they contain alpha hydroxy acid (AHA).  AHA’s are great for smoothing skin.  

So, grab those berries from the fridge (they should chill there for at least a half an hour), slice them up and then put the slices under your eyes for about 10 minutes.  If you decide you just must put the rest on some ice cream… well I won’t tell!