Introduction  

Puffiness or bags under the eyes is a common problem that affects both men and women. Often, under eye bags are a form of fluid retention. They are caused by the build-up of fluid in the under-eye area. The excess fluid causes swelling making the eye appear puffy. The accumulation of fluid under the eye area can be due to a range of factors, including:

High-salt intake
A diet containing a lot of salty foods can lead to water retention and cause swelling.

Genetics
In some cases under eye bags are hereditary 

Allergies
Inflammation and congestion from allergies may at times exacerbate puffiness under the eyes

Medical conditions
Some health conditions like thyroid disorders can cause the eyes to become swollen

Lifestyle
One's habits including not getting enough sleep, overexposure to the sun, smoking, excess alcohol consumption, working on the computer for extended periods, etc., can lead to dark circles, bags, and puffiness under the eyes

Natural aging process
Under eye bags caused by skin aging have to do with the skin structure. As people get older, the muscles and tissues around the eyelid might begin to lose their firmness. The skin becomes weaker and starts to fall or wrinkle. The lax skin allows the fat around the eyes to sag, move down and bulge out in the under-eye area.

The good news is that there are simple treatments, such as chill-out techniques that can minimize the appearance of bags, puffiness and dark circles under the eyes.
 

Types of Home Treatments

There several DIY treatment options one can use to reduce the baggy look until it subsides naturally during the day, including:

Chill out or cold compresses
Cold treatment helps to reduce inflammation and swelling by decreasing blood flow. One can use anything cold, such as an ice pack, chilled cucumber or potato slices, frozen bag of vegetables, or refrigerated spoons and place it over closed eyes for several minutes.

Caffeine
It is a vasoconstrictor, i.e., it constricts capillaries under the eye. It temporarily firms up the under-eye skin to produce relaxed, younger-looking eyes. Caffeine is also a natural diuretic and works to decrease the amount of fluid under the eye area. It is among the most common ingredients in products designed to reduce the appearance of dark circles, puffiness and under eye bags.

Hemorrhoid creams
These are over-the-counter eye creams, masks, and gels designed for under eye treatment. They contain ingredients like phenylephrine that help to narrow blood vessels under the eyes to reduce swelling. However, one must use the products with caution because they can irritate the area. It is also important to prevent the medication from getting in the eyes. 
 

Chill Out Remedies

For many people, cold treatment is often a more effective strategy against the baggy look. The cold is a natural form of vasoconstriction that tightens the blood vessels beneath the eyes temporarily. Cold treatment has demonstrated dramatic results in short intervals of time. One can use ice cubes, ice-cold water, ice-cold milk, cold facial masks and eye gels and creams chilled in the refrigerator.

When using liquids like ice water or milk, one should use a cotton ball and squeeze out the liquid before pressing the ball under the eye. Usually, cold compresses require about ten to 15 minutes, reducing the puffiness under the eyes. However, one must not use ice cubes for longer than the skin can tolerate it.

Chill out remedies to remove under eye bags tend to produce quicker and longer results than other forms of treatment, including eye masks, creams and gels. The colder temperatures decrease swelling, which is the leading cause of the baggy look, but some people find that the discoloration remains. Cold treatment using fruits and vegetables like apple, strawberry, tomato, potato and cucumber slices may help both with the blemish and the bags. They are rich in nutrients that feed the area surrounding the eye, including the eyelids and the under portion. The nutrients are healthy for the body when ingested and for the skin when applied to it. 

One can also try chill out techniques such as applying ice or cold teaspoons and lying down with potato or cucumber slices covering the eyes. Tapping under the eye area with a finger for a minute or so can help to disperse the accumulated fluid. 
 

Prevention

Diet and lifestyle changes can help to fight the appearance of bags, puffiness and dark circles under the eyes. A healthy diet containing food rich in antioxidants, especially vitamins A, C and E, can also help to remove or reduce the puffiness. It works to maintain a moist, clear and healthy skin-restoring that attractive young look. 

Lifestyle changes can also work wonders in preventing and reducing fluid accumulation beneath the eye. Some of the changes include:

  • Not smoking
     
  • Getting enough sleep
     
  • Removing makeup before going to bed
     
  • Minimizing salt and alcohol consumption 
     
  • Taking breaks when working on the computer
     
  • Controlling exposure to harsh weather, including the sun
     
  • Getting rid of dust mites and other allergens from the home, especially in the bedroom
     

If the condition is critical or persistent and is linked to uneasiness, pain, indistinct vision, or other disorders, one should consult an eye care professional.