Eye bags and dark circles are common concerns for both men and women. Not only can they make you look tired, but they can make you look older. While most under-eye bags are often temporary, persistent puffiness or loose skin under the eyes may require targeted cosmetic solutions.
In this article, we’ll explore the causes of this condition and how to get rid of eye bags to restore your youthful appearance. Let’s begin.
What Are Eye Bags?
Eye bags refer to swelling or puffiness in the lower eyelids caused by factors such as ageing, fluid retention, excess fat and skin weakening, to name a few. Unlike temporary puffiness, persistent bags under the eyes may also be accompanied by dark circles, giving you a tired look.
Why Do Eye Bags Form?
As we age, our skin loses collagen, and the thin skin around the eyes becomes less firm. This can lead to excess fat bulging into the lower lids, creating under-eye bags. Fluid retention, thyroid eye disease, and lifestyle factors such as sleep deprivation or salty foods also contribute to the formation of eye bags.
Common Causes of Eye Bags
Let’s delve deeper into the most common causes of eye bags. These include:
Lifestyle Factors
- Sleep deprivation. Lack of deep sleep and frequent waking throughout the night can lead to under-eye swelling.
- Diet. Consuming salty foods causes fluid retention and can worsen puffiness.
- Smoking. Smoking cigarettes can reduce collagen production, affecting the appearance of the skin under your eyes.
Tip: Get enough sleep, limit salt intake and quit smoking to improve your skin’s health and reduce puffiness.
Health and Medical Conditions
- Allergy symptoms. Hay fever and allergic reactions can trigger swelling.
- Thyroid eye disease. This condition leads to puffy eyelids and under-eye swelling.
Tip: Seek the help of a healthcare professional if you suspect that your under-eye bags are caused by these health conditions.
Environmental and Behavioural Influences
- Screen time. Prolonged screen exposure, whether from smartphones, computer monitors or televisions, can strain the eyes and contribute to puffiness.
- Sun exposure. Frequent and prolonged sun exposure accelerates ageing and affects skin tone, leading to under-eye circles.
Signs of Eye Bags
Eye bags can be noticed and seen through these indicators:
Physical Indicators
- Puffy eyelids and swelling in the lower eyelids.
- Loose skin or sagging around the under-eye area.
- Dark circles or shadowing are caused by thin skin or blood vessels.
Associated Conditions
- Tear trough hollowing. Tear troughs are deep indentations under the eyes.
- Crow’s feet. These are fine lines on the outer corners of the eyes.
10 Ways To Get Rid of Eye Bags
Getting rid of eye bags can be challenging. However, following some routines can help you manage them. Check them out below.
1. Apply a cold compress
Use a chilled spoon, cold cucumber slices or a cool, damp cloth. Place it on the under-eye area for 10-15 minutes to reduce swelling.
2. Use tea bags
Steep two caffeinated tea bags in hot water, then chill them in the refrigerator. Place the chilled tea bags over closed eyes for 10-15 minutes to reduce puffiness and dark circles.
3. Elevate your head while sleeping
Sleep with an extra pillow to elevate your head to prevent fluid from pooling under your eyes.
4. Stay hydrated
Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and minimise the appearance of eye bags.
5. Eat a healthy diet
Consume a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals. Reduce salt intake to prevent fluid retention.
6. Get proper sleep
Aim for 7-9 hours of uninterrupted sleep per night to avoid puffiness and dark circles under your eyes.
7. Manage your allergies
Use allergy medications or avoid allergens to reduce eye bags caused by irritation.
8. Apply eye creams and serums
Use eye creams and serums containing ingredients like retinol, hyaluronic acid and vitamin C to help reduce the appearance of eye bags over time.
9. Place cucumber slices
Place chilled cucumber slices over your eyes and leave them on for 10-15 minutes to reduce puffiness.
10. Gently massage
Use your ring finger to gently tap and massage the under-eye area to stimulate blood flow and reduce swelling.
7 Eye Bag Treatments in Singapore
Some topical creams and natural remedies can help you get rid of bags up to a certain level, but will also require you to stay religiously consistent with the treatments. Aesthetic Clinics in Singapore offer non-surgical treatments that give more eye lift and drastically reduce dark eye circles in a shorter period of time.
Before anything else, it’s important to consult a specialist to rule out any underlying conditions causing your eye bags. After this happens, you can identify what eye bag treatment is suitable for your situation.
Sozo Clinic offers a number of eye bag treatments in Singapore:
1. INFINI
INFINI is a treatment that uses two of the most effective rejuvenating techniques which are micro-needling and radiofrequency. This device uses its microneedles to deliver RF energy deep into the skin. INFINI improve saggy skin and fine lines that surround the eyes. The energy emitted by the device stimulates collagen and elastin production – which are both crucial proteins to tighten tissues and improve skin texture.
INFINI treatment cost starts from $850
2. EndyMed
This treatment uses radiofrequency energy in two ways: dermal heating and controlled micro-resurfacing. Dermal heating works deep into the skin to encourage collagen production to make the skin firmer. Micro-resurfacing is responsible for working on fine lines and wrinkles and also brightens the skin complexion. Both of these ways work together to reduce the appearance of bags.
You can have this eye bag treatment starting at $500.
3. Pico Laser
PicoLaser is a powerful picosecond laser that can remove even stubborn pigmentations such as melasma, freckles, and hyperpigmentation. It’s not just a powerful treatment but also safer than traditional laser treatments. It works in ultra-short 450 picosecond laser pulses instead of nanoseconds. This means, it breaks down pigmentation at a faster rate and shatters them into smaller fragments to make it easier for the body to remove.
This treatment costs from $180.
4. HIFU
Also known as High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound, HIFU uses ultrasound energy to reach deep into the skin and deliver heat. This heat stimulates collagen and elastin production leading to a tightening, lifting, and rejuvenating effect. This device targets the dermis and superficial muscular aponeurotic systems to improve saggy skin and wrinkles.
HIFU price for eye bag treatment starts from $450
5. Fractional Picosecond Laser
Fractional Pico laser Resurfacing delivers energy to shatter pigmented cells without damaging surrounding tissues. It created micro-cavities deep into the sub-layers of the skin to stimulate collagen and elastic fibres. This laser treatment reduces the appearance of dark circles under the eyes.
Get this treatment at a price starting from $450
6. Rejuran i Fillers
This is an anti-ageing injection that contains PDRN, a Salmon DNA. It helps reduce the appearance of dark eye circles by helping repair damaged tissues and stimulate collagen production. Rejuran improves sagging skin and fine lines and wrinkles such as crow’s feet that may contribute to tired-looking eyes.
Price starts from $500.
7. Hyaluronic Fillers
Bags under the eyes are also caused by loss of fat and bone volume around the eyes; this is where hyaluronic fillers can help. This filler is injected into the area to replace volume loss and reduce the appearance of bags.
Price starts from $800.
Confused about which treatment you need?
More than 90% of people require a combination of several treatments to achieve satisfactory results. A formal face-to-face medical consultation is required for a definite diagnosis and treatment plan.
How To Prevent Eye Bags?
Eye bags and dark circles can often be managed or prevented with skincare, lifestyle adjustments and proper nutrition. Consistently adopting these habits can improve your skin’s appearance and help maintain a youthful look.
1. Skincare Routines
Establishing a consistent skincare routine prevents under-eye swelling and improves skin texture.
Skincare Ingredients to Look For
Key Active Ingredients
- Caffeine. This chemical constricts blood vessels, reducing puffiness and swelling in the under-eye area. Look for products infused with caffeine, such as caffeine-infused eye creams.
- Retinol. It boosts collagen production to tighten the skin and improve its tone. Opt for products specifically designed for the delicate under-eye area.
- Hyaluronic acid. This hydrates and plumps the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines.
Natural Extracts
- Liquorice extract. This helps brighten dark circles and reduce pigmentation.
- Marine collagen. Eye gels and creams with fish collagen can enhance under-eye elasticity and support smoother skin.
Safety Considerations
- Choose products based on your skin type (dry, oily or sensitive) to prevent irritation.
- Perform a patch test before using new skincare items to avoid allergic reactions.
2. Lifestyle Adjustments
Simple lifestyle changes can help reduce puffiness and improve overall skin health.
- Prioritise sleep. Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep nightly. Sleep with your head slightly raised to prevent fluid pooling in the lower eyelids.
- Manage stress. Incorporate relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga to reduce cortisol levels, which can impact skin health.
- Consume a balanced diet. Avoid salty foods and drink at least eight glasses of water daily.
3. Nutrition for Skin Health
A nutrient-rich diet plays a vital role in preventing eye bags and maintaining youthful skin.
- Hydration. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to reduce fluid retention.
- Consume anti-inflammatory foods. Include options like berries, leafy greens and nuts to combat inflammation.
- Collagen-boosting foods. Incorporate citrus fruits, broccoli and kale to support collagen growth.
Alternative Therapies and Tools for Eye Bags Removal
Consider complementary methods to improve circulation and reduce puffiness.
- Facial exercises. Gently massage the under-eye area with light pressure to improve blood circulation. Do not rub, as the skin under the eyes is very thin.
- Acupuncture. This stimulates the skin and helps reduce swelling. However, it must be done with extreme care by a trained and experienced acupuncturist.
- Aromatherapy. Use essential oils like lavender or chamomile for relaxation, indirectly benefiting skin health.
Conclusion
Preventing eye bags requires a holistic approach, combining skincare routines, healthy habits and proper nutrition. By adopting these practices consistently, you can maintain a smoother appearance and reduce puffiness over time. If persistent under-eye swelling continues, consult a healthcare professional for further advice.
