Can You Get Rid of Under-Eye Bags With Supplements?

by JAIME HERNDON  

Under-eye bags are more common as you get older. Photo Credit Ralf Nau/Digital Vision/Getty Images

Under-eye bags, or puffiness under the eyes, is a common occurrence as you age, says MayoClinic.com. Tissues around the eyes weaken with age, and fat that supports the eyes can migrate into the lower eyelids along with fluid, causing bags. They can also occur due to fluid retention, lack of sleep, allergies or heredity. These bags are typically just a cosmetic concern and not a symptom of a medical condition. There are herbal supplements that may help you manage these symptoms, but they may not work for everyone. Talk with your doctor before using any supplements to make sure they are safe for you to consume.

Step 1

Take a vitamin C supplement or apply a vitamin C skin lotion to your under-eye bags. According to Medline Plus, this vitamin is necessary for making collagen, which helps with skin elasticity. It is also an antioxidant, which can prevent cell damage caused by free radicals and may help fight the aging process of cells.

Step 2

Take a valerian supplement if you suffer from insomnia. MayoClinic.com states that getting enough sleep can help reduce under-eye bags, but if you are unable to sleep, a natural sleep aid may help. Valerian has been used for thousands of years to treat insomnia and anxiety, and is an alternative to prescription sleep aids. The University of Maryland recommends taking 250 to 600 mg, one to two hours before bedtime.

Step 3

Take 250 to 600 mg daily, in divided doses, of quercetin. According to the University of Maryland, quercetin contains anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce the appearance of under-eye bags. It is also an antihistamine, which helps fight allergy symptoms. MayoClinic.com says that some under-eye bags are caused by allergies.

Warnings

• Before using any herbal supplements, talk with your doctor to make sure they are safe for you to take. Tell her about any other medications or supplements you are taking, to avoid any adverse interactions.

Tips

• Applying a cool compress to your under-eye bags may help reduce the puffiness of the bags, suggests MayoClinic.com.
• Sometimes surgery or skin treatments like peels, are treatment options for under-eye bags. If the bags really bother you, talk with your doctor to see if these treatments are appropriate for your situation.

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