What to do against under-eye bags?

The eye contour is notoriously one of the most delicate areas of the face. Its fragility is due to the thinner skin, low in sebaceous glands, less rich in collagen and elastin, and always stressed by facial expressions (we blink up to thirty times a minute!). For these reasons, if we don't want the signs of aging or an unhealthy lifestyle to multiply, the periocular area needs special attention, from targeted treatments to substances that ensure firmness, compactness, and hydration. Among the most common "blemishes" that make the eyes look tired and aged are wrinkles, expression lines, dark circles and bags. These latter are particularly stubborn to treat, causing us some "discomfort" when we look in the mirror. While making them disappear completely is quite difficult, it is possible to minimize them through natural remedies, cosmetics, and, in more critical cases, surgery.

What are under eye bags

Eye bags are a common issue, particularly prevalent with aging. They appear as a slight swelling because the skin thins, the muscles relax, and the structures supporting the eyelids weaken. Without this support, fluid retention occurs, causing swelling and a loss of skin elasticity in the fat pad of the lower eyelid. Eye bags can be a temporary and occasional condition due to lack of rest, for example, or can be caused by a genetic predisposition. Although they are more common with advancing age, they can appear at any age, even in very young people. Fortunately, only in rare cases are they a symptom of certain conditions such as conjunctivitis, hypothyroidism, liver or kidney problems. However, if something seems off, it's always best to consult a doctor.

The causes

The formation of eye bags depends on a mix of health and behavioral factors. For example, puffy eyes in the morning can result from poor sleeping posture, such as sleeping face down, without a pillow, or with a pillow that is not high enough, all elements that exacerbate swelling. In this case, a solution is to elevate the head with an extra pillow to promote lymphatic drainage, preferably after applying an eye cream with gentle movements along the orbital bone. Here are other common causes of bags under the eyes:

• Aging and genetic predisposition: in most cases, bags under the eyes appear due to the decreased production of collagen and elastin (substances that help keep the skin firm and smooth) and the loss of volume under the eyes due to the natural aging process.
• Dehydration: lack of proper hydration leads to fluid retention around the eyes, which can contribute to their puffy appearance.
• Lack of sleep: beauty sleep and its eight hours are not a myth. A better sleep routine makes one less prone to waking up with puffy eyes and dark circles.
• Diet: as with many skin problems, diet contributes. Eating too much salt or other sodium-rich foods promotes fluid retention, causing fluid buildup under the eyes and other parts of the body. Excessive alcohol consumption and smoking are also detrimental.
• Other environmental causes of bags under the eyes include stress, allergies, fatigue, and eye strain.

Eye bags' remedies

Can bags under the eyes be eliminated? The answer varies depending on the causes and severity. Without resorting to surgery, there is no miracle cosmetic or treatment that can erase them. However, we have several solutions available to minimize them, giving the eyes a healthier, more rested, and youthful appearance. Among the professional treatments are fillers to strategically add volume under the eyes; laser treatments such as laser resurfacing that remodel the skin to help firm, smooth, and brighten the under-eye area; microneedling which creates micro-lesions in the skin to stimulate collagen production, thus helping to improve the appearance of bags under the eyes. Among home remedies for under-eye bags are cold chamomile sachets, frozen spoons, cucumbers and potatoes, tea bags. Here are some tips we can try at home against bags and fluid retention in the periocular area:

• A caffeine eye cream: caffeine is a vasoconstrictor, meaning it narrows blood vessels to reduce the appearance of veins and swelling.
• Cryotherapy: using under-eye patches, creams, facial ice globes and refrigerated or frozen tools helps to temporarily shrink blood vessels and quickly reduce puffiness.
• Under-eye patches: the crescent-shaped masks to be applied under the eyes are excellent last-minute remedies. It's better if they contain caffeine, niacinamide, and other hydrating and anti-inflammatory ingredients like hyaluronic acid or aloe leaf extract.
• Sleeping with the head elevated: if eye bags are caused by fluid retention, sleeping with a slightly higher pillow can help drain them and gradually reduce the bags.
• Trying retinoids: because they can boost collagen, firming and thickening the skin around the eyes.
• Massaging with gua sha and jade roller on the lower eyelid. Combined with an eye serum or cream, they improve lymphatic drainage. Alternatively, even massaging with the hands in circular motions helps to reactivate microcirculation and deflate the area.
• Changing lifestyle: reducing sodium intake, sleeping more, and decreasing major stress factors.