Sagging, swelling or puffiness under the eyes—sometimes referred to as “bags”—is a common side effect of the natural aging process. As we grow older, tissues and muscles that support the upper eyelids can weaken, causing fat that is positioned around the eye to migrate to the lower eyelids and the area below the eye. Fluid can also accumulate beneath the eye, which contributes to under-eye circles and a puffy appearance.
Dr. Joel Schlessinger explains the causes of under-eye puffiness.
Under-eye puffiness often runs in families. Some individuals never experience bags and others experience bags prematurely. If your mother or grandmother have them, there’s a good chance that you will eventually have them too. In addition to genetics, there are several lifestyle habits that can worsen under-eye puffiness:
• A High-Sodium Diet: A diet that is high in sodium can cause fluid retention and a puffy appearance throughout the body, including the area around the eyes
• Alcohol: Alcohol can be dehydrating, pulling water from your skin and worsening the appearance of an aging eye
• Smoking: Smoking can dry out facial skin and cause collagen breakdown, resulting in a more wrinkled, sagging eye area
• Lack of Sleep: Lack of sleep can worsen fluid retention in the eye area, and discoloration can grow darker due to dilated blood vessels
• Hormone Levels: Fluctuating hormones can lead to fluid retention
Under-eye puffiness is primarily a cosmetic issue, but in certain circumstances, it may be indicative of allergies or other medical issues, particularly concerning the kidneys. See a doctor if the swelling is severe, accompanied by pain, redness and itching or if these symptoms have spread to other areas of the body.
A topical treatment can help combat the appearance of bags, says Dr. Joel Schlessinger.
There are many home remedies for under-eye puffiness that have been passed around for decades, such as placing tea bags, cucumbers or cold spoons over the eyes. These can temporarily reduce swelling, but they are not a viable long-term solution. Dr. Schlessinger recommends skipping out on these practices and applying a topical treatment instead. When used regularly and combined with a healthy lifestyle, these creams can help nourish the skin around the eyes and minimize puffiness.
LovelySkin LUXE Brightening Eye Cream, a brand-new product developed by Dr. Schlessinger, is a light-diffusing formula that helps to brighten dark circles and minimize under-eye puffiness. Hyaluronic acid helps to plump and hydrate skin, diminishing the appearance of fine lines, while Persian silk tree extract and horse chestnut extract help to address signs of fatigue.
Try Neocutis Lumiere Eye Cream (with PSP), a formula that helps to smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with growth factors. The cream also features hyaluronic acid to intensely hydrate the skin around the eyes and caffeine to help reduce under-eye circles and puffiness.
Dr. Schlessinger also recommends Obagi ELASTIderm Eye Cream. Perfect for normal to dry skin, this cream contains the gentle exfoliator, malonic acid, to help remove dulling debris and restore elasticity. It also helps to tighten sagging skin around the eyes and eliminate dark circles and puffiness for a more youthful appearance.
SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Eye Complex contains peptides, plus a blend of antioxidants, to help prevent collagen breakdown and loss of firmness. Exclusive anti-inflammatory ingredients help to combat dark circles and puffiness for a visibly improved appearance in as little as 12 weeks.
Ask a dermatologist, like Dr. Joel Schlessinger, about cosmetic procedures.
Cosmetic procedures are also available for under-eye bags, with fillers and laser treatments among the most common options. However, success can vary greatly by individual with these treatments, and they can carry added risk since the skin around the eye is thin and fragile. If you’re interested in exploring cosmetic surgery, it’s crucial to choose a board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon who has the skills and expertise to provide the best treatment for your needs.
Do you have a questions for Dr. Schlessinger? Let us know in the comments section.