If under-eye bags leave you looking like you’ve been out-out on th e prosecco (when you were actually in bed by nine), you might want to read this… There are different approaches to reducing under-eye puffiness, depending on the cause. At-home treatments can temporarily shrink lower lids that are sometimes swollen from fluid pooling in the undereye area. Give yourself props. When you sleep, fluid can collect under your eyes and cause puffiness. Prop yourself up with an additional pillow or elevate the head of your bed.

Pinpoint your allergies. Allergies may cause you to rub your eyes. This makes them puff up. If you know what you’re allergic to, talk to your doctor about medication. If you don’t, explore your soaps, hair dyes, hair spray, cleansers, and cosmetics to see if eliminating anything makes your bags better. Excess fluid in the body can also pool in this area, making the lower eyelids look even more puffy and swollen. Any shadows or discolored skin under the eyes will make eye bags look more prominent. If you have stubborn eye bags, the next-level approach includes therapies like laser resurfacing and chemical peels and fillers. They’re non-invasive and can tone and tighten your skin.

Quizzes

When the bags under your eyes are a result of environmental or health issues, simple home remedies and lifestyle changes may help reduce their appearance. Under-eye bags are mostly a cosmetic issue. They’re usually harmless, but can sometimes be a sign of an underlying medical condition. If you’re considering cosmetic eye surgery, keep in mind that procedures will not be covered by medical insurance when they’re done solely to improve appearance. Avoid screens, such as televisions, cell phones, and other electronic devices, for 1 hour before bedtime.

Patient education: Allergic rhinitis. American Academy of Family Physicians. https://www.clinicalkey.com/#!/content/patient_handout/5-s2.0-pe_AAFP_allergic-rhinitis_en. Accessed Nov. 12, 2021. Targeted eye creams (like caffeine-based formulas to temporarily constrict blood vessels and reduce swelling) While you may not be able to get rid of eye bags, you may be able to reduce their appearance with some practices and topical products. These can include getting enough sleep, sleeping elevated, quitting smoking if you smoke, and applying sunscreen. Topical products containing retinol may also help. How can I tighten the skin under my eyes? Cryotherapy (i.e., usings chilled or frozen tools, eye masks, and devices to temporarily constrict blood vessels and deflate some puffiness fast)Most eye bags under the eyes are more noticeable in the morning, after the fluid has had all night to settle in. What causes bags under the eyes? Aging is the most common cause of bags under the eyes. As we get older, we experience a loss of fat padding and collagen, the major component of connective tissues in skin, muscles and other body parts. Lifestyle changes (like reducing sodium intake to curb fluid retention in your skin, getting more sleep, reducing major life stressors, etc.) Halt the salt. If you’re a little heavy-handed with the salt shaker -- or enjoy high-sodium foods like pizza and potato chips -- switch to something less salty. Sodium makes your body retain fluid and can cause bags to form.

Keep your allergy symptoms under control by avoiding triggers and taking prescription or over-the-counter allergy medications, as directed by your doctor. So what actually causes bags under the eyes? Well, many factors can play a part, such as allergies, stress, fatigue, genetics and good old ageing. “As you age, your skin thins and your face loses fat,” explains Dr Daniel Ezra, Specialist ophthalmic and oculoplastic consultant, “not to mention elastin and collagen, which give skin its support and fullness.” A: Foods that are high in sodium, such as canned meats and vegetables, cheese and processed foods, can cause puffiness under the eyes. Drinking caffeine and alcohol can also cause dehydration, which may lead to under-eye bags. You may develop undereye bags due to genetics, aging, allergies, and skin conditions such as eczema or pigmentation issues. Can eye bags go away? Laser treatments (can help tighten, smooth, and brighten skin, depending on the type of laser used)

Prevention & Wellness

Get plenty of sleep; the CDC recommends at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night for adults, depending on your age. A lower eyelid lift (blepharoplasty) is an outpatient procedure where the surgeon readjusts the fat in the lower eye area and tightens the muscle and skin to create a smooth appearance. In most cases, a lower eyelid lift gets rid of under-eye bags for life — it’s rare for people to need future touch-ups. You may be able to reduce the appearance of undereye bags by applying a cold compress or steeped and chilled green tea bags. What causes bags under the eyes?