Instead, try lightly tapping the area of your eyes and massaging the pressure points to encourage lymphatic drainage." Hartman agrees, advising that a simple, gentle tapping motion with your ring finger can go a long way for draining the lymph buildup that causes puffiness.
You can use massage and pressure point movements at home to increase your lymphatic circulation, reducing dark circles and increasing the blood circulation, bringing fresh oxygen and nutrients to the area.
But don't expect miracles. Says Dr. Few, these gadgets "only allow for very superficial penetration of the top layer of skin." Which means they're not as effective as techniques used in a plastic surgeon or dermatologist office, such as micro needling to the lower eyelid.
Based on the theory of lymph drainage for eye bags, here's what you can do for your eyes: Using gentle tapping motions with your index and middle fingers (no tugging or dragging), tap out a circle around your eyes. Tapping brings blood flow to the area.
Promote lymphatic drainage
Lymphatic drainage is the process of helping “drain” lymph fluid, which can help awaken the skin and get rid of puffiness. At home, you can practice lymphatic drainage by giving yourself a face massage either with your hands or with a tool like a jade roller.
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.
There is no known lymphatic outflow from the eye. However, several lymphatic channels including uveolymphatic pathway might serve the ocular fluid homeostasis. Furthermore, lymphangiogenesis plays important roles in pathological conditions in the eye including corneal transplant rejection and ocular tumor progression.
Wet a clean washcloth with cool water. While sitting up, apply the damp washcloth to the skin under and around your eyes for a few minutes using light pressure. Cut down on fluids before bedtime and limit salt in your diet. This will reduce the fluid retention that can cause bags under eyes.
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.
Non-surgical and minimal invasive, tear trough fillers are an effective way to tighten skin under the eyes, treat wrinkles, improve the hollowed-out look under the eyes and brighten dark circles. Hyaluronic acid fillers are made of a transparent gel that mimics the natural substance that our bodies produce.
Lower intensity issues may only require four or five rounds to provide relief, while more intense issues may take 10 or 12 rounds. Intense or chronic issues are best addressed through consistent tapping over time. The benefits are cumulative, meaning you will get the best results by tapping everyday.
Relieve tired or dry eyes by doing a self-massage to help increase blood circulation to the eye area and release muscle tension. The eye exercise below can be used daily to encourage healthy habits and to reap the benefits of soothing eye care.
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.
Bagginess under the eyes may also be due to genetics, and in these cases, are difficult to resolve and may be more permanent. They may appear almost overnight, may develop over time, and may stay for as long as the underlying cause is unresolved.
Cold spoons
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.
A thin layer of honey, applied to the eyes at night time for about 20 minutes, will tighten the skin around the eyes and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines (we recommend washing off with cold water and gently icing afterwards!).
1) Apply cucumber slices
Cucumbers contain ascorbic and caffeic acids, both of which reduce saggy eyelids. They decrease inflammation and naturally tighten skin. Cucumber slices help make your skin look healthy, smooth and glowing brighter than before. Lay two slices of chilled cucumber over your eyes.
Massage down and inwards toward your collarbone. Always keep your fingers above your collarbone. Start massage on the area of your neck that is close to your shoulder and gently stretch the skin towards the middle of your neck. Gently stretch the skin just as far as it goes without pain.
In most cases under-eye swelling goes away on its own. Whether or not you need treatment depends on the cause. Your doctor may prescribe treatment such as: anti-allergy medication.