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2 Things I Do To Get Rid Of My Under-Eye Bags
My no-nonsense routine for brighter, smoother skin.
The first time I heard, “You look tired,” I was 25 and not tired at all. In fact, I’d gotten 10 hours of sleep that night and felt refreshed and awake. But when I looked in the mirror there was no denying it: I looked exhausted.
After taking a closer look and examining my face for way too long, I realized I was starting to get bags under my eyes. The very same bags I’d seen on older family members. That was back in the early 2000s when it was all the rage to try cold spoons or cucumbers on your eyes. I did that, several times over, with zero results.
As I got older, the little sacks under my eyes got worse (especially during my cycle or if I had a cold) and sometimes I’d wear sunglasses inside just to cover my eyes because I felt like the bags changed my appearance so much. And pictures? Forget about it. There was no way I’d let anyone document my face looking like that.
I tried every expensive cream, serum and makeup trick too. Even the expensive skincare didn’t work (yes, I paid $150 for an under-eye cream that made false promises), and the makeup always made my under-eye area look even worse.
I did some research a few years ago and heard that having your own plasma injected under your eyes (also known as PRP under-eye treatment) could help. I had it done twice to the tune of $500 a session and that didn’t work either.
I figured I was stuck with the pools of fluid and was done spending money on products that made me feel even more frustrated than I already was, but luckily I stumbled on two things that have completely gotten rid of the bags under my eyes.
1. Gua Sha
After watching a video on how to do Gua Sha, an ancient Chinese technique that involves a smooth-edged tool to gently stroke the skin, I got one. They are inexpensive and can be purchased in almost any skincare department or online. I didn’t even get one to help with the bags either. I’d learned that this technique was done to encourage blood circulation and encourage lymphatic drainage which can lead to toned, glowing skin. I thought it would be fun to try. So I did so, and it made me feel amazing..
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After using it for one night, yes one night, I couldn’t believe the difference in my under-eye area the next morning. The bags were gone. My best friend even noticed it the next day over lunch and asked me what I’d done. Seems all I had to do was move the fluid myself with that trusty tool. After cleansing your skin, add a facial oil or serum to your face and help the tool glide smoothly over your face, taking care not to pull or cause friction.
Hold the tool at a 30-45 degree angle and use gentle pressure as you perform upward and downward movements. The entire routine only takes about five minutes a night, or you can keep a tool in the shower and do it in there. If you’re looking for a more detailed tutorial, you can find one on YouTube..
2. Red Light Masks
While the Gua Sha tool was great and helped my under-eye area so much, I’ve found red light masks take your whole face to the next level. A friend of mine had one and after she told me that she uses it every morning and it takes away all the puffiness in her face, I couldn't press ‘Buy Now’ fast enough. I got one and love it. When searching for your own red light mask, make sure to read the reviews. ,
I followed exactly what my friend did —put the mask on for 10 minutes as soon as I woke up — and I couldn’t believe the difference in my face. Not only did my eyes look refreshed, my entire face had this amazing glow. Over time, I’ve also noticed it works great for fine lines and wrinkles.
Sometimes we’re stuck with things thanks to genetics no matter how much money we spend or how many products we try. My under-eye bags were one of those things, or so I thought. Thankfully I found a solution (or two) because they were really weighing me down.
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