Bags Under The Eyes

Bags Under The Eyes! Don’t You Just Hate Them?

It’s amazing how different someone looks -- no matter how beautiful they are -- when they have bags, dark circles, or puffy swollen eyes. Besides making us look old and tired, puffy and swollen eyes could also be an indication of a variety of health issues. However, regardless of the cause - one thing we all know – everyone hates them.

The Basic Causes of Puffy Eyes

The basic explanation is simple, fluid collects around the eye socket (orbits) and the loose skin above and below the eye bulges out -- causing a puffy look and sometimes giving the appearance of dark circles – when in fact it just the shadow that is cast by the bulge. Some causes of puffy bags under the eyes are........................

Fluid retention – This is usually the most common reason for bags under the eyes or swollen puffy eyes. If the puffiness is due to fluid retention, you’ll find that the bags under eyes are worse when you first wake up and dissipate as the day goes on.

Medical Conditions/Medications - Allergies, thyroid disorders, heart disease, kidney disorders, hormonal imbalances are possible causes for fluid retention and therefore can cause serious bags under eyes.

Eye disorders - Including blephartits, chronic blephartits, and conjunctivitis can also cause puffy eyes. The use of certain medications such as those containing cortisone is also another factor.

Lack of Sleep - Except for following some of the techniques outlined above and in the video below......not much can be done here except -- get some sleep!

Alcohol and Tobacco - Obviously, if this the cause for bags under eyes……………..there is not much to say except – Quit.

Bags Under The Eyes - What Can You Do?

Try the following recommendations:

• Cold Compress – Place a cold wash cloth on your eyes, or cold spoons that have been placed in the freezer. Another great choice is an eye mask. They have silicon like gel inside and are kept either in the freezer or refrigerator.
• Keep the eye mask in the refrigerator so it’s always ready. Or put sliced cucumbers into a zip lock bag and keep them in the freezer – and pull a few slices out when you need them. This feels Wonderful – especially if your eyes are swollen from an allergy or cold.
• Some people have suggested cold tea bags, but this to was mess and because it is a mild astringent, it really dried my skin out.
• Reduce salt intake.- This is hard for me because I love salt! So I try to balance it out with increase in my potassium. Either I’ll take a mineral supplement that has potassium in it or try to eat potassium rich food. Like bananas, apricots, avocados, cantaloupe….
• Elevate your head slight with an extra pillow when sleeping – Many people have puffy eyes when they first wake-up. This could be due to lying in a horizontal position for a few hours caused fluid build-up around the eyes. This usually goes away once the person is up and around for a while.
• You can also try Facial Exercises or Face Massage. Don’t worry so much about just the eye area, do the whole face because it will further help eliminate and encourage fluid drainage.

• A little physical exercise and sweating can help or take a Healthy Sauna (if you have time) is a great idea too.

A Must Have Solution For Bags Under The Eyes

• Haloxyl - to fade and lighten dark circles
• Eyeliss - to decongest and shrink puffiness.
• Sesaflash - to lift sagging skin.
• Matrixl - reduce and smooth out wrinkles
• Stem Cells - to reprogram skin cells to act and look younger

If you suffer from dark circles, puffy eyes, or both, then you know how frustrating it when everyone keeps asking you why are you so if tired. Even when you feel fine and rested, you're eyes don't look it.....I know it can very annoying! Learn how to fix those baggy eyes here...... And See Before and After Pictures

If your eyes are especially puffy or you have a special event or night on the town where you want to look great, I suggestion you try the following:

• Apply the eye cream under the eyes
• Lightly massage the cream by running your fingers around the whole eye area...starting from the outer corner of your eye - moving in toward the inner corner and then around the upper lid and back to the outer corner.
• Do this several times in a fast light motion - making little circles all around the eye area.
• This will help reduce the fluid build-up in the whole eye area, reduce dark circles, and increase circulation and blood flow.

What If It’s Hereditary?

If you’ve had bags under the eyes all your life and your family members have them too, it could be hereditary --and as you age, it becomes more prominent.

You can try following the examples listed above in the fluid retention section – this can help a little bit. But if the problem is due to excess fatty tissue, only surgery can help.

There is a fairly new procedure that eliminates cutting the skin, bruising and down time. It’s called Transconjunctival Lower Blepharoplasty. This is for the lower lid only. Here is how it works:

• An incision is made on the inside of the lower lid
• The excess fat which is now exposed, is removed
• The incision is then closed with sutures that are self-dissolving

This procedure is completed in a few hours and there is not much pain except for a tight sensation around the eye area. Most people are able to go back to work in a few days – but you still have to be careful and avoid strenuous activity, too much reading, wearing contacts…..

The idea candidate is someone in good physical condition i.e. no known ophthalmic conditions, high blood pressure, heart disease, hypothyroidism or any other thyroid condition.

Finding a Doctor

If your interested in this procedure make sure you find the right doctor with the right training. Visit How To Find A Doctor for more information.

Additional Reading

Derma Roller - While the derma roller may not reduce puffy eyes, it can help strengthen thin crepey skin around the eyes, cheeks, nose, and neck.

Learn about this at-home acupuncture facial that everyone is talking about....The Doctors's Show, Rachael Ray, Dr. Phil McGraw, Angelina Jolie....from talk show hosts to celebrities....see what they have to say.