Behind each pair of tired eyes lies a story of sleepless nights, stress, genetics, and aging. It’s one of the most commonly seen and asked about skin concerns; dark circles and under eye bags. What causes them? How do I get rid of them? The questions I get asked are endless, so today we’re going to dive into the causes and treatments that can help in-office and at home.
I also have a dedicated youtube video on this topic, check it out below!
- What are the causes of under-eye bags?
The most common cause is aging because as the tissue and muscles weaken around our eyes, the fat pads begin to bulge and descend giving the under eyes a puffy appearance. Genetics also play a role as some people tend to accumulate more fat under the eyes. We see this happen gradually over many years. Puffiness from swelling and fluid retention is another common cause particularly from alcohol, dehydration, crying, allergies, and colds. Other causes include hormonal shifts and imbalances, thyroid, and kidney disease so it’s best to see your doctor if you are experiencing eye bags despite eating healthy and sleeping well.
- Is it possible to get rid of under-eye bags? How long might this take?
If it doesn’t happen in a few days then it can’t go away in a few days meaning if you had salty foods or slept poorly you can wake up with under eye bags as a result of swelling and puffiness which in turn can resolve quickly using the right measures. In general it can take 24-72 hours depending on the cause and one’s metabolism. If the cause is structural such as eye bag changes seen with aging over years, then it may require a surgical or in-office procedure.
- Are under-eye bags the same as puffy eyes?
Puffy eyes are often due to swelling of the tissue around the eyes or fluid retention leading to the appearance of under eye bags. Whereas eye bags are often referred to as fat pads under the eyes that create a puffy or baggy appearance.
- How Can I reduce my under eye-bags?
First I tell my patients to drink 8-12 oz of water upon awakening in the morning to flush out any excess salt and to hydrate your body since it’s been without water overnight. Applying chilled or frozen tools, eye masks, or devices helps temporarily constrict blood vessels and deflate puffiness fast. These can be applied in combination with a lymphatic drainage massage. Stay away from salt, sugar, and alcohol for at least a week to see a big difference in reducing the appearance of under eye bags. You can also use a caffeine based eye gel to soothe inflammation, help with circulation, and narrow leaky blood vessels to reduce swelling, fluid retention, and puffiness. Using a retinol based eye cream like Eyeglow PM can help boost collagen and firm the skin over time. If you suffer from allergies then taking a daily antihistamine like Claritin can also help under eye puffiness and eye bags.
- What types of in-office treatments are there to get rid of under eye bags?
Blepharoplasty: is a surgical procedure where the bulging herniated fat pads are removed from under the eyes and sometimes transferred to areas of fat loss from aging.
EyeGlow® filler: is a non-surgical option, a patented technique I developed using a white opaque filler blend to lift the under eyes, mask eye bags, and brighten the under eyes similar to how white concealer is used to highlight the under eyes. The EyeGlow® white filler also adds support and structure to certain facial ligaments that weaken and sag with age. This helps reduce under eye bags and lasts for many years.
Exilis: using radiofrequency and ultrasound helps tighten the skin and reduce eye bags. There’s no pain or downtime so it’s a great non-invasive option.
Laser Resurfacing: with a CO2 laser can help tighten the skin and improve eye bags.
If you’re curious about some of these procedures and what they may look like, I have an in-office treatment video dedicated to EyeGlow® and Laser Resurfacing. Check those out below!
- What Are The Best At-Home Treatments/Tricks to Reduce Under-Eye Bags?
A few options for at home remedies can be
- Chilled Cucumbers Soaked in Black Tea: one of my favorite at home spa remedies to reduce eye bags in the morning. Cucumbers have a high water content and act like a natural ice pack while the caffeine in black tea helps draw out the excess fluid. The tea’s caffeine boosts circulation, soothes the area, and tightens the blood vessels in the under eyes, therefore reducing puffiness and inflammation.
- Cold Eye Roller: specifically ones that dispense skincare to glide in a pattern that boosts lymphatic drainage and helps reduce eye bags. I favor L’Oreal’s HA & caffeine serum as it comes with three cooling, stainless steel balls that bends and it’s affordable and accessible. Also, EyeGlowAM formulated with peptides, kelp and rich in antioxidants that reduce inflammation, hydrate, and plump the skin - dispensed from a cooling tip. Using gentle pressure, glide in an outward and upward direction with multiple passes to visibly see the puffiness improve.
- A temporary quick fix such as Peter Thomas Roth’s Instant FirmX eye gel that uses sodium silicate, an inorganic salt that leaves a thin film on the skin. When that film dries, it pulls the loose skin tight temporarily. The effects last for several hours. They can be tricky to use with makeup and the effects only last for a few hours.
- Develop good sleep hygiene to get a good night’s sleep because it’s one of the best prescriptions to combat eye bags. Light at night, particularly blue light, is one of the reasons people don’t get enough sleep as it suppresses the secretion of melatonin, a hormone that influences circadian rhythms. In fact, switch your phone screens to red light 3 hours before bed as it has a calming effect. I also suggest sleeping on a couple of pillows if you are prone to eye bags to minimize pooling fluid to the eye area.
- EyeGlow PM:Formulated with Retinol to tighten the skin, caffeine to depuff the under eyes, brightens dark circles, soothes inflammation reducing under-eye puffiness. Apply 1 pump cold using your ring finger to tap along the under eyes from the inside outward at bedtime to wake up with reduced eye bags.
FAQs
It is true that Botox and Dysport can contribute to the development of eye bags. Certain patients who are more susceptible to fluid accumulation may experience these issues. This includes individuals with sinusitis, allergies, or oculi muscle disorder.
Is it possible for eyebags to go away? ›
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.
What really works for under eye bags? ›
Cold compresses: Cooling the area lessens inflammation and swelling by reducing blood flow. You can place anything cold, such as an ice pack, frozen bag of vegetables, chilled cucumber slices or refrigerated spoons, over closed eyes for a few minutes.
Does castor oil help with eye bags? ›
There are no scientific studies that back up claims that castor oil can treat under-eye circles. It's mostly based on anecdotal evidence.
Why do my under eyes look worse after Botox? ›
You may experience post-treatment side effects, such as puffy eyes or under eye swelling, from receiving too much Botox for crows feet. The muscle surrounding the eye acts like a sphincter, which helps pump fluids out of the area.
What is the new procedure for under eye bags? ›
Endolift is a minimally invasive laser based-technology that can tighten the skin from the inside. The energy from the wave-lengths are delivered to a targeted area using a single optical fibre that is as thin as a human hair. Therefore, the treatment can remove under eye bags without making any surgical incisions.
Does Preparation H work on eye bags? ›
King, Preparation H can theoretically improve under-eye bags because of the constricting effect—but it comes with risks, so you're better off using products meant for the eyes. “Preparation H can hypothetically be helpful for under-eye bags because it constricts blood vessels, which can reduce puffiness,” she says.
How to remove eye bags permanently at home naturally? ›
The following tips can help you reduce or eliminate bags under your eyes:
- Use a cool compress. Wet a clean washcloth with cool water. ...
- Cut down on fluids before bedtime and limit salt in your diet. ...
- Don't smoke. ...
- Get enough sleep. ...
- Sleep with your head slightly raised. ...
- Reduce allergy symptoms. ...
- Use cosmetics.
What is the best non-surgical treatment for eye bags? ›
Can You Eliminate Under Eye Bags Without Surgery?
- Treat your allergy symptoms.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes.
- Get more rest.
- Use creams with caffeine, which work as a vasoconstrictor to tighten blood vessels under the eyes.
- Lay a cool compress or chilled tea bag under the eyes for a few minutes each morning while sitting upright.
What do dermatologists recommend for under-eye bags? ›
For example, hyaluronic acid hydrates and plumps the skin, dimethicone locks in moisture and smooths skin, and caffeine constricts blood vessels and can help with inflammation and under-eye bags. Vitamin C serums can help lighten and brighten skin while providing antioxidants.
Surgery for eye bags can range from between $2,000 and $5,000, depending on the doctor, the type of surgery being performed, and what exactly is required. Talk to your doctor ahead of time to discuss all potential costs and fees that may be associated with a blepharoplasty.
What is the best cream for bags under your eyes? ›
- Best Drugstore. La Roche-Posay Redermic R Retinol Eye Cream. PHOTO: Amazon. ...
- Best Brightening. Ilia Retinol Alternative Eye Cream. ...
- Best Dermatologist-Recommended. Dermalogica Awaken Peptide Eye Gel. ...
- Best Eye Serum for Puffiness. The Ordinary Depuffing Eye Serum. ...
- Best for Puffiness and Wrinkles. Clinique All About Eyes Cream.
Which oil is best for under eyes? ›
Almond oil can help to lighten the dark circles under your eyes and reduce under-eye puffiness. This is thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Almond oil also contains retinol, vitamin E, and vitamin K, which can keep the delicate skin under your eyes smooth without irritating it.
What are the negative effects of castor oil on eyes? ›
In fact, getting castor oil in the eye, he said, can cause eye irritation, reduced tear quality, blurred vision and allergic reactions. It also can block lubricating glands in the eyelid, resulting in dry eye.
What eye drops are good for puffy eyes? ›
Try diphenhydramine (Benadryl) every 6 hours or so. For eyelid swelling that interferes with your child's vision, use a long-lasting vasoconstrictor eye drop such as tetrahydrozoline (Visine). No prescription is needed. The recommended dose is one drop every 8 to 12 hours as needed for 1 to 2 days.
How to Get Rid of Bags Under Your Eyes: The ...yora.comhttps://yora.com ›
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What can go wrong with Botox for crows feet? ›
Having Botox for crow's feet may cause slight bruising, tenderness, redness, inflammation or swelling around the treatment area. These usually subside after a week. Very rare side effects can include drooping of the eyelids, headaches, dry mouth and muscle spasms.
How do you get rid of bags under your eyes from Botox? ›
Wet a clean washcloth with cool water. While sitting up, apply the damp washcloth to the skin under and around your eyes for a few minutes using light pressure. Cut down on fluids before bedtime and limit salt in your diet. This will reduce the fluid retention that can cause bags under eyes.
Does crows foot Botox change eye shape? ›
Does crow's feet Botox change eye shape? No, Botox cannot change the shape of your eyes. Botox is an injectable treatment for reducing the appearance of dynamic fine lines, including the crow's feet at the corners of the eyes.
Can Botox cause watery eyes after crows feet? ›
Spread of Botox can cause changes in vision. This can include double vision, blurred vision, dry eyes, excessive tearing and drooping of the eyelid. If experiencing these symptoms, consult your doctor.