When weakened and sagging skin relaxes and forms a pouch, bags under the eyes, commonly known as eye bags, appear. The fat pads beneath the eyes then sag down to cover the gap, giving the appearance of a “bag.”
Excess bodily fluid can accumulate in this location, making the lower eyelids appear even puffier and bloated. Eye bags will appear more noticeable if there are any shadows or discolored skin under the eyes.
The majority of the time, under-eye bags are purely cosmetic. They are normally harmless, but they can occasionally indicate a medical problem. The fluid has had all night to settle in; thus most eye bags under the eyes are more evident in the morning.
Causes of Eye Bags
The most prevalent cause of bags beneath the eyes is aging. As we age, we lose fat padding and collagen, the main component of connective tissues in the skin, muscles, and other body parts.
Skin and underlying muscles throughout the body lose suppleness and tone as collagen levels drop. Because the skin surrounding the eyes is so thin, the drooping is most noticeable there.
Bags beneath your eyes can be caused by a variety of circumstances, including:
- Retention of fluid
- Sleep deprivation
- Allergies
- Stress
- Tired eyes
- Facial traits that have been passed down down the generations
- Infections
- Smoking
- Medical disorders that are long-term (such as thyroid disease).
Consult an eye doctor if the swelling becomes severe, painful, itchy, red, or persistent.
- As an eye compress, use a cool, damp washcloth, especially while sitting upright. Cucumber slices or cool, moist tea bags can also be used to assist in reducing edema.
- Avoid triggers and take prescription or over-the-counter allergy medications as advised by your doctor to keep your allergy symptoms under control.
- Conceal dark under-eye shadows with cosmetic concealers.
Hemorrhoid cream is a popular home treatment for decreasing bags beneath the eyes. (It’s true.) Phenylephrine, which constricts blood vessels and can temporarily tighten the skin around the eyes, is used in hemorrhoid creams. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, this can temporarily alleviate some edema. However, avoid getting the cream in your eyes.
Make every attempt to quit smoking if you are a smoker. Smoking cessation is beneficial not only to your overall health and vision but also slows the loss of collagen, which thins the skin. If you choose cosmetic surgery to remove the bags under your eyes, quitting smoking will help you heal faster.
Wrinkle treatments and skin therapies to tighten under-eye skin and minimize puffiness are also available. There are a variety of choices available, including:
- Chemical peels
- Laser resurfacing
- Dermal fillers that can be injected.
Your ophthalmologist, oculoplastic surgeon, or plastic surgeon should explore these options’ advantages, disadvantages, and risks.
