Bags Under Men's Eyes: What Men Can Do
Both men and women are susceptible to under-eye bags. They can occur at any age, but you're more likely to experience sagging skin and puffiness when you get older. While bags are a cosmetic issue more than anything, you don't have to accept them.
Many professional treatments have long-lasting results. There are also many at-home remedies men can try to diminish the appearance of their eye bags. There is no one treatment that will work for everyone. However, there are tips and tricks to preventing bags from happening in the first place.
We are going to go over what causes under-eye bags in men. You will also find out how to achieve a smoother appearance and how to cover up the bags.
Causes of Under-Eye Bags
There are countless reasons you may have under-eye bags. You may think it's all about sleep; while not getting enough rest is one of the causes, there are also many more. Let's dive into why you may be experiencing under-eye bags.
Allergies
Allergies can trigger dark circles and under-eye bags. When you have an allergic reaction, your body responds by producing histamines. These histamines are designed to fight off harmful bacteria. However, histamines can dilate your blood vessels, making them more visible under the skin beneath your eyes. They can also cause swelling, and puffiness can cause shadows that make your purple circles appear darker.
Allergies can also make you feel itchy and want to scratch. If you rub or scratch your eye area, it can lead to swelling.
Eye Strain
Spending all day in front of your computer or looking at your phone isn't great for your eyes. It can cause eye strain that results in enlarged blood vessels. It can also lead to puffiness around your eyes.
Age
Age is one of the most common causes of under-eye bags. As you age, your skin begins to lose the foundation that keeps it looking youthful. Your collagen production goes down, and you have less elasticity. Without these two things, your skin gets thinner and sags.
Genetics
Your family's history may be the reason for your under-eye bags. You may be genetically prone to dark circles and bags. Look at your close family and see if they also have under-eye issues.
Dehydration
Most people need to drink more water. Hydration is essential for staying healthy. Around 60% of your body is made up of water, and you need to replenish yourself daily. Dehydration can lead to many negative side effects.
One of those side effects is that your skin begins to look dull and dry. You could develop skin disorders and age prematurely. Your eyes could look sunken in, and the fat under your skin could become more prominent, creating the appearance of bags.
Home Treatments To Get Rid of Eye Bags
There are many steps you can take at home to help get rid of your under-eye bags. Below are a few strategies to help you depuff.
Prop Up Your Head
Are you sleeping with your head on a single flat pillow? The fluid may be pooling around your eyes while you sleep. It creates bags around your eyes once it builds up. You can try propping up your pillow to elevate your head so the fluid can drain away from your eyes to avoid puffiness.
Cold Compress
You can also reduce puffiness by doing a cold compress. Cucumbers on the eyes may be a cliché, but they still work. Additionally, you can use cool, wet tea bags instead for the added benefits of caffeine, which may help pull the water out. Green tea also contains antioxidants that can help firm up the skin.
Hydrate
We've already gone over how dehydration can make the skin around your eyes look saggy and dull. Therefore, you should try to drink plenty of water. You may also want to avoid drinking too much alcohol, which causes dehydration.
Clear Your Sinuses
If you have sinus issues, consider clearing them out with a neti pot. It is a device you fill with salt water and pour into your nose. The water flows through one nostril and out the other side. The process clears mucus and other debris that could be causing under-eye bags. It may seem intimidating the first time you do it, but some people swear by it to get rid of puffiness.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
When you gain and lose weight, the fat in your face shifts and shrinks. If fat pads develop under your eyes, you can end up with bags. Instead of going on a fad diet, try to maintain a stable, healthy weight.
Eye Cream
There's not a magic eye cream potion that is going to erase your bags forever. However, moisturizing your under-eyes is still beneficial. Look for skin-soothing ingredients like Vitamin C, caffeine, and antioxidants such as CoQ10.
Keep in mind that a high level of antioxidants can be harmful. They can break down the moisture barrier around your eyes and irritate the skin. Look for gentle formulas and test them out to see if your skin responds well. Slowly work up to using the eye cream daily if you don't show signs of irritation.
Professional Treatments for Eye Bags
If at-home remedies aren't working, you may want to consider an in-office procedure. Many professional treatments may get rid of your under-eye bags for a longer period.
Laser Resurfacing
Laser and light-based treatments can help with a wide range of skin problems. Laser resurfacing can get rid of fine lines, wrinkles, blemishes, sun spots, and pigmentation.
It works by applying concentrated, pulsating beams of light to the skin. Laser resurfacing takes off the top few layers of skin. The healing process can take weeks, depending on how intense of a treatment you get. Some techniques have no downtime, while others require time to heal.
You may feel like your skin is stinging or itching for up to 72 hours after the laser treatment. After several days, your skin will begin to peel, similar to when you have a really bad sunburn. Healing can take anywhere from 10 to 21 days. You may have lingering redness for a few months, but you can cover it with oil-free makeup.
HIDE Premium Foundation is oil-free, and its finish mimics your skin, so no one will even be able to tell you're wearing makeup!
Botox
Botox injections can relax the muscles around your eyes. When you smile, your eyes won't move as much, making lines and bulges.
One botox study suggests that it can make eyelids look fuller and plumper. It also helps reduce wrinkles and bagginess. Botox requires little to no downtime. You can even return to work the same day.
Surgery
Cosmetic surgery can be the best option if you want long-lasting results. The surgery will remove unnecessary fat under the eyes and any extra skin. Your under-eye area will look firmer and more youthful, and the results can last for years.
You may need significant downtime after cosmetic surgery. It can take at least two weeks before you can return to work. There are also risks associated with the procedure. It’s not covered by insurance and usually costs around $3,000. You can consult your dermatologist or plastic surgeon to find out if surgery is right for you.
In Summary
There are many options to get rid of your under-eye bags. You can try at-home treatments and professional procedures to diminish the appearance of puffiness. In the meantime, HIDE premium products can help cover bags or any redness from treatment.
Sources:
How to Get Rid of Bags Under Your Eyes | Cleveland Clinic
Article Laser Skin Resurfacing: Benefits, Side Effects, and Average Cost | Web MD
Botox under eyes: Effectiveness, side effects, and alternatives | Medical News Today