Bags under the eyes—mild swelling or puffiness under the eyes—often start appearing in individuals in their 40s or 50s, though some develop them in their 20s. Excessive use of electronic devices, staying up late, and an imbalanced diet, among other unhealthy habits, can lead to the early onset of under-eye bags. Although they do not harm vision or pose health risks, under-eye bags can make eyes appear swollen and tired and make a person look older.
As individuals age, the tissues around the eyes weaken, including some of the muscles that support the eyelids. The supportive fatty tissue may migrate into the lower eyelids, causing them to appear swollen. Fluid accumulation beneath the eyes can also result in mild swelling, sagging or loosening of the skin, and dark circles.
According to the Mayo Clinic, various factors contribute to or exacerbate this condition, with aging being one of the causes of bags under the eyes.
The Medifine Skin Clinic in the UK indicates that as the skin naturally ages, proteins like collagen and elastin, which contribute to skin tightness, diminish. Decreased collagen content can lead to loss of elasticity and tone in the skin and facial muscles, resulting in sagging skin. In particular, the skin beneath the eyes is fragile, and over time, “bags” begin to form, and the fat pads beneath the eyes slide down to fill the space.
“The most common cause of eye bags or puffiness is natural aging,” says Dr. Sean Doherty, a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon. “As older individuals’ skin becomes excessively loose, it is prone to sagging or wrinkling. The muscles and tissues around the eyes also weaken, causing eye bags to appear loose. This weakening makes the fatty tissue around the eyes protrude, creating a bubble-like appearance.”
6 Factors That Worsen Under-Eye Bags
Apart from aging, the Mayo Clinic highlights six other factors that contribute to the formation or worsening of the appearance of under-eye bags, including:1. Fluid Retention
Excessive salt intake in the diet can cause sodium to retain water in the body, resulting in symptoms of fluid retention. This can make a person look more swollen, particularly around the eyes and abdomen. Reducing salt intake helps decrease excess fluid in the body. The UK National Health Service (NHS) recommends adults limit their daily salt intake to 6 grams (approximately 1 level teaspoon), including salt already in food and salt added during and after cooking.2. Lack of Sleep
A study published in the journal Sleep in 2013 found that inadequate sleep affects facial appearance, leading to puffiness below the eyes, droopy eyelids, red eyes, and dark circles.The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults aged 18 to 60 get at least seven hours of sleep per night.
3. Allergies
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, allergies occur when the body’s immune system reacts to usually harmless allergens. When allergens come into contact with the eyes, specific cells within the eyes (called mast cells) release histamine and other substances to combat the allergens. This reaction can cause redness, swelling, and itching of the eyelids and conjunctiva.Unlike other types of conjunctivitis, eye allergies are not contagious. Individuals with eye allergies often experience nasal allergies, with itchy, stuffy nose and sneezing. It is usually a temporary condition associated with seasonal allergies.
Johns Hopkins Medicine indicates that congestion and inflammation caused by allergies can sometimes exacerbate under-eye puffiness.
4. Smoking
Smoking irritates and damages the eyes, causing redness, itching, and tearing. Even exposure to secondhand smoke can trigger allergic reactions, resulting in teary eyes and swelling in the under-eye area.A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 2007 found that smoking is an independent risk factor for premature facial wrinkling and aging. The more one smokes, the higher the risk.
Another study also indicated that smoking damages collagen and elastin fibers in the dermis, leading to loose, hardened, and less elastic skin. Nicotine, carbon monoxide, and other toxic substances inhaled while smoking cause skin blood vessels to contract and become oxygen-deprived, contributing to premature skin aging.
5. Genetic Predisposition
Some individuals are more prone to developing under-eye bags due to genetics. Therefore, if your parents have under-eye bags, you may develop them as you age.6. Medical Conditions
Bags under the eyes are usually a cosmetic concern and rarely a sign of a severe medical condition, though dermatitis, dermatomyositis, kidney disease, and thyroid eye disease may be culprits.6 Home Remedies for Under-Eye Bags
The Mayo Clinic suggests the following six home remedies that may help delay and eliminate eye bags:- Apply cold compresses: Wet a clean towel with cold water. Gently press the damp towel on the skin under the eyes and the surrounding area for a few minutes.
- Limit salt intake: Reduce fluid intake before bedtime, alleviating fluid retention that can contribute to under-eye bags.
- Quit smoking: Smoking worsens bags under the eyes. The American Academy of Ophthalmology states that smoking accelerates the loss of collagen, making the delicate skin beneath the eyes even thinner, resulting in more apparent blood vessels.
- Ensure adequate sleep: The ideal sleep duration for most adults is seven or eight hours. Elevating your head slightly with an additional pillow helps prevent fluid accumulation around the eyes during sleep.
- Avoid allergens: Nonprescription allergy medications can be used to combat allergies. If you experience lower eyelid reactions due to hair dyes, soaps, cosmetics, or other allergens, consult a physician for preventive strategies.
- Use cosmetics: To conceal under-eye circles, use concealer to cover the shadows.
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