Whether you’re still in your twenties or, ahem, a little older, the last thing you want is to see bags under your eyes. While they’re almost always not a cause for concern, dark circles and puffiness can still make you look older and age you prematurely — something that no one wants.
Unfortunately these bags tend to only get worse as you age, meaning that they are something that most of us will have to deal with at one point or another. While small bags don’t typically require serious medical intervention, there are steps you can take to help reduce their appearance.
First, we need to find out what is behind the cause of your bags. There are many things that can lead to bags, but typically they occur when the gentle skin tissues around your eyes weaken and sag, allowing for fluid to accumulate beneath your eyes and lead to a swollen appearance. There are also several things that can exacerbate the problem, including seasonal allergies, retaining water, eczema and sleeping downward on your face — and hereditary is a big factor too. And finally, we can’t leave out causes that are completely self inflicted, including drinking alcohol, taking drugs, and smoking.
Unfortunately these bags tend to only get worse as you age, meaning that they are something that most of us will have to deal with at one point or another. While small bags don’t typically require serious medical intervention, there are certain steps you can take to help reduce their appearance. Let’s look a little closer…
1. Lay off the salt
While salt is commonly known for being linked to high blood pressure, all of the sodium can cause fluid retention, which can lead to swelling and puffiness around your eyes. If you simply can’t give up your salt habit, try using pure Himalayan sea salt, and limit your consumption to just a little bit. Try to stay away from foods that are notoriously high in salt, such as pizza and (surprise) even some soups. Instead, try eating fresh vegetables — celery, in particular, has been known to reduce cravings for salt.
2. Get your seasonal allergies under control
With seasonal allergies being such a common ailment, many people are well versed in allergy flare ups and the itchy, watery and puffy eyes that come along with them. If you suffer from seasonal allergies, working to get your allergies under control can go a long way toward improving the appearance of the bags under your eyes. There are natural remedies you can try, such as essential oils, to help manage your allergies and possibly even stop the triggers before they start. If essential oils aren’t doing the trick, talk to your primary care doctor about over the counter or prescription remedies that may be helpful. And remember to keep a small stash of your allergy oils or medicine handy, since many people report flare ups coming out of the blue.
3. Eliminate cigarettes and limit (or eliminate) alcohol
This one should come as a no brainer. If you smoke, now is the time to stop. Smoking is not only bad for your health, it also dries out and weakens the skin over your whole body. In addition, it leads to premature aging — particularly around the eyes. The dangerous chemicals in cigarettes are also toxic, irritating your eyes and the tissues around them, leading to those dark circles and bags that you’re trying to get rid of.
Alcohol can also play a factor in the appearance of bags underneath your eyes. Alcohol also dehydrates your skin and your body, leading to irritation of the delicate skin around your eyes, causing them to appear dark and sunken. And it’s no secret that too much alcohol can cause bloodshot eyes and a tired appearance. If you must partake, try to limit your intake to one glass per day. And be sure to counteract the alcohol’s effect by drinking plenty of water. Not only will you feel more refreshed, your eyes will be more hydrated and comfortable.
4. Wear sunscreen around your eyes every day
If you aren’t a habitual wearer of sunscreen, you should be. Sun damage not only prematurely ages your skin, it can also cause wrinkles and sagging around your eyes. Look for a sunscreen developed specifically for the delicate skin around your eyes, with a sufficient SPF and a non-migrating formulation.
5. For serious bags, or bags that don’t improve, head to your dermatologist or skin care professional
If these tips don’t do the trick, or if you feel your bags are severe, dermatologists have medical-grade fixes that can give you the results you’re looking for. Lasers and fillers can work wonders to quickly banish that pesky puffiness and those dark circles. In addition to lasers, sometimes Dermal fillers, specifically Belotero or Restylane – L may help. They will need a consultation to see if they are a candidate.
Another solution to bags under your eyes would be a clinical grade skincare product like the iS Clinical Youth Eye Complex. Benefits of the youth eye complex include; provides penetrating hydration, reduces the appearance of periorbital fine lines and wrinkles including crow’s feet, provides immediate and long-term improvments, enhances the appearance of firmness and elasticity, soothes and brightens the under-eye area.
Our laser treatments are second to none and work quickly to fix a number of woes you may be experiencing. Contact us to learn more about our monthly specials or to schedule a consultation or appointment today.
