Men's Under Eye Bags - Causes and Treatments

Are you tired of feeling self-conscious about the bags under your eyes? Well, you're not alone. Many men struggle with the appearance of under eye bags, and knowing where to turn for help can be challenging, especially when your sags look even more prominent than women when you are in your 30s or 40s.

Don't worry, there are many ways men can reduce the puffy appearance of under eye bags and improve the overall health and wellness of your skin.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at the causes as well as the various treatments and preventative measures available to help you achieve a youthful, refreshed look.

The appearance of under eye bags is typically the result of tissues around the eye gradually weakening which causes them to sag, so the most common issue is often times just father time. Those nagging bags can also be caused by a variety of other factors, including lack of adequate sleep, ongoing stress, seasonal allergies, dehydration and even genetics. Each of these causes plays a unique role in the development of under eye bags and requires a different approach to treatment and prevention.

1. Aging: It is common for the bags around our eyes to appear more prominent as we age since the skin around them becomes thinner and less elastic. As we age, the fatty tissue surrounding our eyes can also begin to droop, making the bags appear more pronounced. Considering the unavoidable nature of age, being thoughtful of treatments and general maintenance in your early years is never a bad a solution.
2. Lack of Sleep and Stress: We've all woken up after a long night looking haggard, so most men know first hand that lack of sleep can contribute. Not getting 7-9 hours of solid sleep can cause puffiness and dark circles around the eyes. When we don't get enough sleep, our bodies produce more of the stress hormone cortisol, which can cause inflammation and swelling around the eyes. Stress can have a similar impact to cortisol levels and the same effect on your eyes.
3. Allergies: Dark circles or under eye bags can also develop due to certain allergies. Mostly this happens with seasonal colds. These allergies congest the nasal passages and prevent the blood from the eyelids from draining back. Darkening of the eyes occurs when this blood pools in the veins and capillaries underneath the eyes.
4. Retaining Fluid: With too much salt in your diet or consuming too many fluids before bed, eyes can become puffy or swollen due to too much fluid retention.
5. Genetics: Some men are more prone to developing under eye bags due to their genetic makeup. If your family members have struggled with under eye bags, you may be more likely to develop them as well. The severity of eye bags is more if you have thinner skin or weaker under eye muscles.
6. Smoking: According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, smoking can contribute to faster collagen loss. The skin under your eyes is already delicate, but this collagen loss thins the skin out even further, leading to sagginess and more visible blood vessels in the under eye area.

There are many different treatments available for under eye bags, and the best treatment for you will depend on the underlying cause of your bags. The treatment options include

Home Care Solutions

1. Cold Compresses: Cold compresses constrict blood vessels, improving dark circles and puffy eyes, making them less noticeable. You can make a homemade cold compress by wrapping ice cubes in a clean cloth or using a bag of frozen peas or corn.
2. Potatoes or Cucumber Slices: These can be placed on the eyes to help reduce puffiness and dark circles. Simply slice a potato or cucumber and place the slices on your closed eyes for 10-15 minutes.
3. Elevating your head while sleeping: This can help prevent fluid from accumulating around the eyes. Try using an extra pillow or a wedge pillow to elevate your head while you sleep.
4. Drinking more water and eating more hydrating foods: Staying hydrated can help reduce puffiness and dark circles around the eyes. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day and incorporate hydrating foods like watermelon, cucumbers, and celery into your diet.
5. Eye Creams: Many brands sell eye creams that reduce under eye puffiness. Creams containing caffeine help in vasoconstriction, which makes your bagginess improved. You can also try resting chilled tea bags (caffeinated black tea) on closed eyes for this purpose.
6. Quit Smoking: There are many health-related reasons to quit smoking, but better looking eyes might not have been on the top of anyone's list. Smoking does have a significant impact on the health and wellness of your skin, especially for the delicate skin under the eyes.

Related: Best Eye Cream for Men

Medical Treatments

1. Topical creams or gels: These can be prescribed by a dermatologist to help reduce the appearance of under eye bags. Some popular ingredients to look for in these products include retinol, Vitamin K, and caffeine.
2. Injections: Certain injections can be used to reduce puffiness and dark circles around the eyes. These injections, such as hyaluronic acid fillers, can help plump up the skin and reduce the appearance of bags.

Professional Treatments

1. Facials: Certain facials may be helpful in these cases. These facials may include a combination of exfoliating, moisturizing, and toning treatments to help improve the overall appearance of the darkened skin.
2. Chemical peels: A chemical peel can help remove the outer layer of dead skin cells, revealing brighter, smoother skin underneath and making your eye seem fresher than before.
3. Microdermabrasion: This treatment can help improve the overall appearance of the skin. It gently exfoliates the skin, removing the outer layer of dead skin cells.

It is important to consult with a skincare professional or esthetician before trying any new treatment. They can help you determine the best treatment option for your individual needs and provide guidance on how to best care for your skin.

1. Proper sleep hygiene: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night and establish a consistent sleep schedule. Under eye swelling can be reduced if you are well-rested.
2. Hydration: Drinking at least 8 glasses of water per day and eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables helps reduce eye bags.
3. Managing stress: Having stress makes your cortisol levels rise, which causes puffiness under your eyes to worsen. Practice stress-relieving activities like yoga, meditation, or exercise to reduce it.
4. Avoiding allergens and irritants: If you're prone to allergies, avoiding things like pet dander, dust, and pollen is a good idea. As already mentioned, allergies can increase congestion and make eye bags more prominent. So preventing contact in the first place is the best way to counter baggy under eyes.
5. Wearing sunscreen: In addition to protecting the delicate skin around the eyes, applying an SPF will help prevent the overproduction of melanin, which can darken the already present hereditary dark circles.
6. Eating a healthy diet: Eating a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and low in salt-can can help your eyes look wonderful. Puffy skin may be reduced with a reduction in salt consumption and eating food that improves your hydration levels.

Under eye bags are a common problem among men, but they can be treated and prevented. The best way to combat under eye bags is through a combination of preventative measures and a variety of treatments. Whenever you are considering any new treatment, it is important to consult with a skincare professional or esthetician to verify that the advice provided is based on reliable research.

It's also important to be patient with your treatment and not give up. Dark circles and puffiness are no match for you. Let's tackle them together. With the right approach, you can reduce the appearance of under eye bags and achieve the healthy, youthful-looking skin you deserve.