Under-eye bags
The great Maya Angelou once said, "Most people don't grow up. They find parking spaces, honor their credit cards, get married, have children, and call that maturity. What that is, is aging." Under-eye bags, too, are commonly just aging.
Aging causes the muscles supporting our eyelids to weaken, often resulting in under-eye bags as fat and fluid fill the lower eyelids. Happily, while aging is kind of inescapable, under-eye bags don't have to be.
Without further ado, let's get down to the nitty-gritty: what (else) causes eye bags, how to get rid of eye bags, and when to see a doctor about eye bags.
What (else) causes eye bags
Besides aging, what might be to blame for those dark circles under eyes? The list reads like a string of potential side effects from a prescription-drug commercial: lack of sleep, chronic fatigue, allergies, eczema, pigmentation issues, medical conditions, smoking, genetics (thanks, Mom and Dad), high-salt diets (thanks, instant ramen), and fluid retention upon waking up.
Medical experts at Johns Hopkins assure us that under-eye bags are usually harmless, but many of us still want them gone for cosmetic reasons.
How to get rid of eye bags
For temporary, at-home relief, try these under-eye bags treatments:
- Apply cool compresses (you can use almost anything cold: an ice pack, cucumber slices, chilled tea bags, your ex, etc.)
- Reduce salt intake
- Drink less fluid before bed
- Get enough sleep (7-9 hours for most adults)
- Sleep with your head slightly raised
- Reduce allergy symptoms
- Wear sunscreen daily
- Use over-the-counter eye creams and products for eye bags
If you decide to treat eye bags with over-the-counter eye creams and skincare products, look for ingredients like caffeine and hyaluronic acid--a TikTok darling that hydrates, plumps, and brightens the skin.
When to see a doctor about eye bags
Are your under-eye bags persistent, itchy, red, or severely swollen? See a doctor. They'll probably try to rule out other causes that could be contributing to the bags. They may also recommend long-term solutions like prescription creams, laser therapy, chemical peels, injectable fillers, or eyelid surgery.
And that's a wrap. We wish you luck, whether you choose to embrace those under-eye bags or eliminate them.