Bags under the eyes are a common aesthetic problem affecting women and men of all ages. Although they are often associated with fatigue, there are in fact several types of bags, each with its own causes and specific treatments. Understanding their origin is the first step in finding the right solution. Here's a guide to help you see things more clearly... and fresher!
Aqueous bags (water retention)
Appearance
- Slight to moderate swelling, especially in the morning
- Fluctuating appearance (less noticeable at the end of the day)
Causes
- Water retention linked to poor lymphatic circulation
- Excess salt in the diet
- Allergies, lack of sleep or prolonged lying down
Treatments
- Cold compresses (cold spoons, tea bags, gel masks)
- Gentle lymphatic drainage (light massage from the inside to the outside of the eye)
- Reducing salt and staying well hydrated
- Sleep with head slightly elevated
Fatty bags (chronic bags)
Appearance
- Permanent or progressive swelling with age
- Loose skin under the eye
- Causes
- Displacement or accumulation of orbital fat with age
- Loss of tissue tone
Treatments
- Not very receptive to home remedies
- Medical methods:
- Blepharoplasty (cosmetic eyelid surgery)
- Radiofrequency, fractionated lasers, or hyaluronic acid in cosmetic medicine
Pigment bags (shadows or hollow circles mistaken for bags)
Appearance
- Hollows under the eyes giving the impression of inverted bags or fatigue
- May be accompanied by brown or purplish discolouration
Causes
- Loss of volume under the eye
- Genetic pigmentation or visible vascularisation
Treatments:
- Complexion correctors (with peach or apricot tones)
- Hyaluronic acid to fill hollow circles
- Depigmenting treatments or laser for colouring
Inflammatory puffiness (occasional or allergic)
Appearance
- Sudden swelling, often red or irritated
- May be itchy or watery
Causes
- Allergic reaction (pollen, cosmetics, etc.)
- Conjunctivitis or other local inflammations
Treatments
- Antihistamines (if allergic)
- Avoid known allergens
- Soothing cold compresses
- Consult a doctor if in doubt
General advice to prevent puffiness
- Get enough sleep (7-8 hours)
- Use a suitable caffeine or peptide-based eye contour cream
- Avoid excessive alcohol and smoking
- Remove make-up carefully every evening
- Wear sunglasses to protect the eye area from ageing caused by UV rays
Not all bags under the eyes are the same. Depending on their nature (water retention, fat, pigmentation or inflammation), treatments vary, from simple massage to surgery. If they become persistent or very noticeable, it's always best to consult an optometrist or dermatology specialist for a precise diagnosis.
Your eyes deserve to shine!
