How do you permanently get rid of bags under your eyes without surgery

If under-eye bags leave you looking like you’ve been out-out on the prosecco (when you were actually in bed by nine), you might want to read this…

Not-so-fun fact: The skin under your eyes is ten times thinner than any other skin on your body, which makes it more prone to swelling (caused by gathering excess fluids), and discolouration (the network of blood vessels visible through transparent skin). This is why the area is prone to puffiness and dark circles, aka eye bags.

So what actually causes bags under the eyes? Well, many factors can play a part, such as allergies, stress, fatigue, genetics and good old ageing. “As you age, your skin thins and your face loses fat,” explains Dr Daniel Ezra, Specialist ophthalmic and oculoplastic consultant, “not to mention elastin and collagen, which give skin its support and fullness.”

It could also be that your folks passed on the gift of deep-set eyes (cheers, guys), something even an industrial-strength concealer won’t disguise. “Pigmentation problems can also run in families of colour due to extra melanin in the skin,” adds Ezra.

Ok, so the big question - is it possible to get rid of under-eye bags? The answer? Yes. But it takes time. Here's what you need to know...

1. Tackle the puffiness

Riddle me this: if sleep is so important for well-rested eyes, then why is peeper puff worse in the morning? “A good night’s sleep will stop congestion from building up in the veins and making the under-eyes appear darker,” explains Dr Thivi Maruthappu, Consultant dermatologist for the Skin Health Alliance and Olay. But when we sleep, we lie flat and don't blink, which allows fluids to gather and settle temporarily. Try raising your head up with an extra pillow to encourage drainage and apply your eye cream using gentle sweeping motions along the orbital bone (from the inside corner to the outside) to help speed up lymph drainage. Fluid retention can also be nixed by staying hydrated, avoiding too much salt and eating potassium-rich foods (banana split, anyone?)

2. Find the right eye cream

Can applying a topical product for a few weeks blitz under-eye bags like they were never there? In a word… no. But the best eye creams often contain ingredients that help to reduce inflammation, tighten skin and support the delicate under-eye area, housed in light formulations that won’t exacerbate puffiness. “Look for active ingredients such as peptides to stimulate collagen production,” advises Thivi, “it’s the skin’s natural cushion.”

Olay Collagen Peptide 24 Eye Cream

Great for anti-ageing

Olay Collagen Peptide 24 Eye Cream

Murad Vita-C Eyes Dark Circle Corrector

Great for brightening pigmentation

Murad Vita-C Eyes Dark Circle Corrector

Murad cultbeauty.co.uk

£57.00

Revolution Skincare Cooling Eye Roller Ball

Great for lymph drainage

Revolution Skincare Cooling Eye Roller Ball

Revolution Boots.com

£5.00

Q+A Caffeine Eye Serum 15ml

Great for de-puffing

Q+A Caffeine Eye Serum 15ml

3. Research professional treatments

So you want noticeable results now? Tear trough filler is a non-surgical treatment that involves injecting hyaluronic acid into specific areas around the eyes to replace lost volume. “Not everyone is a good candidate,” explains Dr Ezra, who I chose to administer my treatment. “For example, people with excess skin beneath the eyes, genetic hyperpigmentation, or a medical condition that increases their risk of complications.” It’s not for the faint-hearted - even the strong-hearted might struggle with needles so close to the eye. There are flashes of pain as the needle is inserted, but it’s over pretty quickly, and after a few days of mild bruising, the results are pretty breathtaking. Dr Ezra charges £725 for the treatment – pricey, yes, but the results can last anything from nine months to a couple of years, and I’d be wary of anyone offering the treatment for much less (always check out their credentials at gmc-uk.org).

Cassie Powney Beauty Editor Cassie Powney, Beauty Editor

Victoria Jowett Digital Beauty Director Victoria Jowett is the Beauty Director at Cosmopolitan UK overseeing all the skincare, hair, makeup and fragrance content across print, digital and video.

Can Eyebags be removed without surgery?

Non-surgical eye bag removal involves the use of a hyaluronic acid dermal filler, injected using a thin needle deep underneath the actual eye bag just above the orbital bone. With multiple puncture and threading techniques, the trough is then filled, lifting the under-eye area up.

Can you get rid of Eyebags permanently?

A lower eyelid lift (blepharoplasty) is an outpatient procedure where the surgeon readjusts the fat in the lower eye area and tightens the muscle and skin to create a smooth appearance. In most cases, a lower eyelid lift gets rid of under-eye bags for life — it's rare for people to need future touch-ups.

How can I permanently remove eye bags at home?

Keep reading to learn how you can get rid of your under-eye bags for good..
Apply tea bags. Tea isn't just for sipping. ... .
Use a cold compress. ... .
Clear out your sinuses with a neti pot. ... .
Stay hydrated. ... .
Take an antihistamine. ... .
Add retinol cream to your routine. ... .
Use lightening products. ... .
Wear sunscreen every day..

What is the best non surgical treatment for eye bags?

The best non-invasive option is Neotensil. Neotensil is a topical ointment that acts as a tightening agent for loose skin under the eyes. With a once-daily application, you can better conceal your under-eye bags without surgery.