"Applying cool spoons under the eyes can help reduce puffiness [because] the cool temperature constricts blood vessels and the pressure of the spoon against the skin enhances lymphatic drainage of excess fluid," says board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner.
Cold spoons
Don't underestimate the value of a cold spoon. A cold spoon will help relax the blood vessels around the eyes thus reducing puffiness. All you have to do is put 2 spoons in the fridge for around half an hour, and then place their backs on the affected area for about 10 minutes.
The NEI recommends keeping a cold compress on an eye injury for 15 minutes . It is fine to repeat the treatment as necessary every couple of hours. It is essential never to apply ice directly to the skin. People should also take care not to use a frozen cold compress for too long.
Cold compress: Apply cold spoons to your eyes to help shrink dilated blood vessels. This can reduce puffy eyelids and the appearance of dark circles.
Dermatologist Suneel Chilukuri recommends applying cold cucumbers over the eyes for five minutes. The cucumber juice and the cold temperature act as anti-inflammatory compresses. Dr. Jeanniton adds that chilled green tea bags make a great compress as well.
Bags under eyes are caused when the tissue structures and muscles supporting your eyelids weaken. The skin may start to sag, and fat that's usually around the eye can move into the area below your eyes. Also, the space below your eyes can gather fluid, making the area look puffy or swollen.
Although they are routinely used as a treatment for various eye conditions, it actually constitutes good eye hygiene if you use a compress habitually.
The best way to reduce them long-term is to make certain lifestyle changes. Drinking more water and applying a cold compress can help shrink eye bags quickly, but these are not long-term remedies. This is especially true if your eye bags and dark circles are genetically inherited.
Cold compresses: Cooling the area lessens inflammation and swelling by reducing blood flow. You can place anything cold, such as an ice pack, frozen bag of vegetables, chilled cucumber slices or refrigerated spoons, over closed eyes for a few minutes.
Use a Cold Compress for Eye Swelling and Redness
Swelling in the eye area due to an infection, black eye or another type of injury can also be reduced by applying a cold compress, as cold temperatures numb pain and minimize swelling. Cold temperatures can also help minimize puffiness in the eyelids.
Surgical interventions such as laser resurfacing, chemical peels, and fillers that may improve skin tone and tighten the skin. Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) is an option to remove bags under eyes, which is usually an outpatient procedure.
Even better, drink water instead, which can help smooth the skin beneath your eyes. Improve your diet—Try to lower your salt intake. It may help reduce the puffiness under your eyes, and it's better for your heart.
When used for swelling, reapply a cold compress after 2 hours. Alternate 20 minutes with the compress with 2 hours without the compress for 3 days or until the swelling completely subsides. For ocular allergies use the compresses on an as needed basis for symptomatic relief.
Applying the chemical ice pack directly onto the closed eyelids could cause localized frostbite.
Avoid using cold compresses for more than 20 minutes at a time. It's best to alternate between 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off. You can keep icing for days if needed. There is no set amount of time in which you need to stop.
Vitamin deficiencies, including vitamin B12, E, K and D, have been associated with dark circles.
Dark circles under the eyes may be a sign of iron deficiency anemia . In those cases, an iron supplement may be helpful to normalize blood levels.
By narrowing blood vessels and calming skin, caffeine can temporarily reduce under-eye bags. Caffeine can also wake up tired eyes by reducing the appearance of dark circles, informs Dr. Mariwalla.
Cold numbs the affected area, which can reduce pain and tenderness. Cold can also reduce swelling and inflammation.
Use a pack of frozen vegetables or partly fill a plastic bag using small ice cubes or crushed ice. Wrap the bag in a dry cloth. Hold the pack on the injury and top up with ice to keep it cool.
Apply an ice or cold pack to the injured or sore area at least 3 times a day for as long as you have pain, swelling, and inflammation. For the first 72 hours, ice for 10 minutes, once an hour.