How to remove bags under the eyes: causes and remedies

"Bags under the eyes are a really annoying imperfection. Bags refer to the swelling under the eyes, that small accumulation that often appears too obvious and is very difficult to hide with makeup."

The causes of bags under the eyes can be various, and this small swelling can give the face a tired and aged appearance. Moreover, a blemish like this, if not well taken care of, ends up worsening and deteriorating over time.

To fight against bags under the eyes, it is necessary to first understand what they are and how they form. In some cases, it is lifestyle that affects this imperfection, and it is therefore essential to know how to act, what to change, and which products are most suitable for the eye contour area. 

What are bags under the eyes? 

The production of collagen and elastin begins to decrease around the age of 25, and the skin starts to become less toned and more swollen right away. Every small change we observe externally comes from a series of small muscles, connective tissue, ligaments, and fat located just beneath the skin.

The bags under the eyes represent a build-up of fluids while dark circles are due to a lightening of the skin. The skin around the eyes is ten times thinner than other areas of the face and body, which is why it is here that fluids tend to accumulate. 

When talking about bags and swelling under the eyes, including the annoying dark circles and darker areas, one must think bigger and start to understand what may be causing the blemish. It can often be due to allergies, eczema, sun exposure, pigmentation issues, or simply aging.

In general, however, besides being an aesthetic problem, bags under the eyes do not represent a problem in themselves, but they can make you feel uncomfortable about your appearance. 

What is true is that bags under the eyes can be indicative of a different and deeper problem, such as lack of sleep or the presence of an underlying health issue.

"It is therefore better to proceed with a medical examination and thyroid tests that can cause inflammation. The bags under the eyes are created due to fluid retention under the eyes, which can be easily alleviated by simply staying hydrated, avoiding too much added salt, and eating foods rich in potassium." 

The causes of bags and dark circles under the eyes

Not all bags under the eyes are caused by health problems, of course, especially those that appear in a sporadic manner. Some causes may be: 

• Simple and trivial lack of sleep: sleeping few hours puts the entire body under stress. Even the mind benefits from good rest, allowing it to regenerate and rejuvenate. When we sleep, our eyes remain closed and fluids tend to accumulate and stabilize temporarily right around the eyes. A pillow under the head promotes nighttime drainage, and it is possible to use a night cream to accelerate lymphatic drainage. 
• Allergies or sinus problems: you may not know it, but many bags under the eyes can be caused by blocked sinuses, and the tissue of the nasal sinus can therefore appear swollen. Many people have allergies that they do not take into account because they do not feel itching or do not perceive other symptoms. Allergies can cause dark circles and bags under the eyes, which is why it is advisable to consult a specialist and take an antihistamine suitable for the type of allergy. Additionally, it is best to avoid allergens as much as possible. 
• Dehydration: the most common cause of bags under the eyes is dehydration. Fluid retention is the main culprit for swelling in this area, and in general, maintaining proper hydration improves circulation and microcirculation, helping to remove excess fluids. 
• Unbalanced diet: too much alcohol, cigarette smoke, and a not-so-healthy sedentary lifestyle can be harmful to the entire body but also evident in an aesthetic sense. It is better to avoid foods with added salt and to prefer foods rich in vitamin C or vitamin A such as carrots and peppers, in short, anti-inflammatory and soluble foods.

The secondary causes of bags under the eyes

In addition to the main causes just seen, bags under the eyes can also occur due to external agents such as:

• Harmful solar rays: we should not underestimate the solar rays and the way we expose our eyes to the sun. UVA and UVB rays can cause skin cancer, but also wrinkles and skin aging because the sun damages collagen and elastin molecules, leading to a loss of firmness and creating sagging and puffy skin. It is therefore better to use a good sunscreen all year round, not just in summer, and to protect the eyes with a quality pair of sunglasses. 
• Inadequate creams: not all eye contour creams are the same. Low-quality ones do not improve skin tone, especially if they are not specific to the problem. It is better to opt for quality creams, perhaps containing peptides that can stimulate collagen production in a specific area.

These are just some of the causes that lead to this annoying and unattractive imperfection. The eyes represent the way we present ourselves to the world and interact with others; bags and dark circles end up making us look tired and fatigued, and often makeup is not enough. We need to consider the problem of bags in its entirety, including the overall well-being of the body.

"When it comes to an inherited condition or simply the aging process slowing down the production of collagen and elastin, it is advisable to resort to specific treatments dedicated to this area."

How to eliminate bags under the eyes

Aging is the most natural cause of the decline in firmness and puffiness under the eyes, but it is possible to mitigate the signs of time through a proper lifestyle and healthy habits, as well as through the use of specific products.

Adopt a healthy lifestyle 

The diet plays a fundamental role in the body and its overall well-being, and in particular, the aspect of the face and skin can benefit from a healthy and varied diet, rich in vitamins and minerals that can improve the overall health of the skin.

"Integration can also help to reduce dark circles and the swollen appearance of the face, in particular bromelain is an enzyme derived from the stem of the pineapple that is able to drain fat accumulations and improves microcirculation." 

Natural remedies for puffiness under the eyes 

There are also natural remedies to deal with dark circles, such as the famous cold compresses made with the well-known cucumbers that help reduce swollen eyelids immediately, along with an ice cube to massage in the under-eye area for a few seconds. Also, caffeine has draining properties that help counteract fluid retention. 

Use the right products 

One of the best active ingredients identified by cosmetic science capable of acting to eliminate bags under the eyes is certainly Acetyl tetrapeptide-5 or Eyeseryl, a peptide that has proven effectiveness in treating bags under the eyes. Peptides are the proteins that are part of our skin, such as collagen and elastin, on which the firmness of the skin depends. 

Not all peptides work the same way, and in particular, Acetyl Tetrapeptide 5 acts by blocking glycation, a process in which sugars react abnormally with proteins, destroying collagen and elastin. Tetrapeptide 5 replaces the proteins attacked by sugars, preventing the glycation process and keeping the skin firm and elastic. 

The solution to bags under the eyes

With today's hectic life, asking everyone to sleep 8 hours a night seems almost like an exaggeration, just as avoiding daily exposure to harmful external factors such as pollution and UV rays.

"But it is possible to create a protective screen for the skin with a good sunscreen to use all year round and mitigate the signs of time by acting directly on the affected area and using specific products." 

LeLang Skin Care has developed an Eye Contour Serum formulated with Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 and Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5 that work respectively to reduce wrinkles around the eyes and to drain fluids at the subocular level. Additionally, Formula Eyes Duo Peptide + Coffein combines the effectiveness of peptides with a moisturizing treatment, thanks to low molecular weight Hyaluronic Acid, and protective, with Aloe Vera. 

In synergy with these active ingredients, Niacinamide or Vitamin B3 restores the skin barrier, and Caffeine provides an antioxidant boost. The combination of products indicated for the eye area and the adoption of a healthy lifestyle is the best strategy to eliminate or reduce a problem like this.