Bags under the eyes are very common, particularly as people age. They are caused by a weakening of the muscles and tissues under and around the eyes, which occurs naturally with age. They are not usually a cause for concern, but they can give the appearance of tiredness and fatigue. Any treatment for under eye bags is typically cosmetic as it helps to invigorate and revitalise the face and fight signs of ageing. This article will discuss what bags under the eyes are, how they’re caused and what people can do to minimise them.
What Are Eye Bags?
Bags under the eyes, or eye bags, are a normal part of ageing and result from the weakening of the tissue and muscles around the eyes. Over time fat can move towards the lower eyelids, making them seem puffy, and in some cases, fluid may occur, further increasing the appearance of bags under the eyes. They may appear more prominent when a person is stressed, tired or not getting enough sleep in general. The characteristics of eye bags include:
- Minor swelling
- Dark circles
- Sagging
- Loose skin
What Causes Bags Under Eyes?
Bags under the eyes have various causes, with the most common being age but they can also be genetic. As mentioned above, they occur when tissue and muscles around the eyes weaken and provide less support to the overall structure of the eye. Fluid and fat that help support the eye can gather, resulting in prominent bags. The skin may also begin to sag due to increased pressure or as a result of the natural ageing process. There are also lifestyle causes of bags under the eyes, including:
- Smoking
- Not getting enough sleep
- Allergies
- Some medical conditions involving the kidney, heart or liver
- Sun exposure
Another cause of under eye bags is known as “pseudo under eye bags”, which are caused by volume loss in the mid-face that gives the illusion of under eye bags. This occurs when the fat pads in the cheeks start to thin, which then descends downwards leaving behind a “tear trough deformity’. Pseudo under eye bags are very common and are usually caused by ageing or weight loss. This is important to keep in mind since the treatment of under eye bags depends on the cause.
How To Get Rid Of Bags Under Eyes
Fortunately, there are many things you can do to resolve under eye bags. The effectiveness of treatment depends on whether there are underlying issues and how severe the under eye bags are. Some people will find under eye bags easier to get rid of than others.
It is normally best to start with lifestyle changes that can improve or remove under eye bags. Taking care of your body in general is a good start. We recommend:
- Eating a healthy balanced diet
- Reducing salt intake
- Staying hydrated
- Getting a good seven to eight hours of sleep each night
- Reducing stress levels
- Using a cold compress
Cream For Bags Under Eyes
Creams for under eye bags can often help minimise their appearance. One of the best active ingredients to look for is retinol, which is effective as a treatment for a range of skin conditions.
One of its key benefits is that it increases collagen production, which is invaluable for tightening skin and strengthening tissues. This makes it an excellent way to improve the appearance of eye bags and other wrinkles. You can get retinol-containing products from skincare brands or ask your doctor for a prescription for a stronger retinoid cream such as Tretinoin.
There is also evidence that applying a caffeine-based eye cream or serum can help reduce the appearance of under eye bags. Products like ELASTIderm serum contain caffeine which helps constrict blood vessels and reduces puffiness under the eyes.
Bags Under Eyes Treatment
If home remedies or skin creams are not effective at removing your under eye bags, then you may need to get in touch with a dermatologist or aesthetic doctor. They will be able to offer you more intensive treatments to help get rid of eye bags, depending on the cause and severity of your eye bags. Using a qualified and experienced doctori is crucial when trying to resolve any skin issue or concern, as they will be able to recommend bespoke treatments and the best possible care.
Tear Trough Filler
Tear trough fillers are an effective way to get rid of under eye bags. They use hyaluronic acid to plump up the appearance of the eyes, eliminating the appearance of eye bags and providing an instantly refreshed and youthful look. The filler is injected into the area where the under eye and cheek meet to smooth out the area. This treatment will usually last for up to a year and will then need to be reapplied. Tear trough fillers will only treat under eye bags that are caused by hollowing of the under eye area. In addition, they do not get rid of under eye bags but instead smooth them out hence reducing their appearance. They are not an effective treatment for under eye bags caused by fat prolapse or fluid retention. In fact they could make the eye bags look worse if they are used for this.
Cheek Fillers
Cheek fillers are an effective treatment where there is hollowing under the eyes and in the mid cheek. This gives the appearance of a sunken mid face and a separation between the cheek and under eye area giving the appearance of under eye bags. Cheek fillers are done by injecting hyaluronic acid into the areas of the cheek to replace the volume loss and reduce the separation between the under eyes and cheeks.
They are also often combined with tear trough fillers in severe under eye and mid face hollowing.. The filler can be placed in areas that help to uplift and smooth out bags under the eyes. Dermal fillers can also help boost collagen production, further minimising the appearance of bags under the eyes. Like tear trough fillers, you will normally need to apply the treatment again, as cheek fillers will normally last up to a year depending on the product used. As with tear trough fillers, this treatment is only effective in certain types of under eye bags and they do not remove the bags but instead conceal them.
Laser Resurfacing
Laser resurfacing uses lasers to remove the top layer of wrinkled or sagging skin. This creates an instantly youthful appearance and can stimulate the production of collagen. This can be highly effective for getting rid of mild bags under the eyes, as it firms up any weakened skin or tissue that causes eye bags. Collagen is vital to improve the tautness of the skin and keep it looking healthy and glowing. In some cases, the results of laser resurfacing can last for years, but the treatment may be required more regularly to continue seeing the best results.
Microneedling combined with Chemical Peels
Like laser resurfacing, chemical peels also remove the top layer of skin to create a more youthful, brighter and smoother appearance of the under eye area. Microneedling and RF microneedling stimulate collagen production which can help reduce hollowing under the eyes and hence reduce the appearance of mild eye bags. Chemical peels combined with microneedling work together to improve the surface appearance of the skin as well as induce it to become plumper and tighter. This treatment is applied all over the face and can also be used to enhance the overall appearance of your skin. It is important to discuss your concerns about your under eye bags with your doctor, as they will be able to design a bespoke chemical skin peel and microneedling treatment around your specific concerns, ensuring it targets the places you need it most.
Regardless of whether you want to try an at home treatment or a professional treatment its important to at first try to figure out the cause of your under eye bags. As mentioned above, there are many lifestyle and health factors that can give rise to or worsen the appearance of bags under the eyes.
Addressing these may significantly improve their appearance. There are many at home skincare options as well as non surgical options that can help with reducing the appearance of certain types of under eye bags. If however your bags are severe than non surgical treatments may be limited in what they can do and you may need to consider surgical treatment. As such, make sure you find a medical practitioner who you trust and be clear of your goals that way they can advise which if any of the treatment would be best for you.
Get In Touch
If you want to get rid of bags under your eyes, you’ll be in the best possible hands here at City Skin Clinic. We have a team of expert doctors who can help you manage, minimise or eliminate your under eye bags entirely. Any treatment for delicate areas like the eyes and surrounding areas should be carried out by experts with extensive experience working in that area, and City Skin Clinic has some of the leading doctors in the UK. To see the very best results, get in touch with our team by booking an appointment today.
Sources
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bags-under-eyes/symptoms-causes/syc-20369927
https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/how-to-get-rid-of-bags-under-eyes
https://www.obagi.com/skin-care-lines/elastiderm-eye-serum
https://cityskinclinic.com/radiofrequency-microneedling/
