Although we have all experienced dark circles or puffiness under our eyes, for some, these features are far more prominent. While many would be able to replenish their bright, awake appearance with a good night’s sleep, this may not always be the case, whether it be down to genetics, age or other contributing factors.
While it is always wonderful to accept and embrace your dark circles, if you don’t like how they look or find that they impact your confidence, you absolutely do not have to put up with them – it’s all about knowing how to treat them. From simple tips and lifestyle changes to cosmetic treatments, we have put together this article to help you understand how to get rid of under eye bags without wasting your time or money.
Our Guide On How To Get Rid Of Under Eye Bags
It can be difficult to know which treatments and remedies for under eye bags are truly effective, which have no scientific backing, and which will not cause any long-lasting difference to the shape and colour of eye bags. As expert doctors and clinical therapists running a cosmetic clinic in Milton Keynes, we have devised a guide to the best treatments proven to reduce darkness under the eyes:
- What Causes Bags Under Eyes?
- Treatments For Under Eye Bags
- How To Reduce Bags Under Eyes
- How To Prevent Bags Under Eyes
- FAQs
What Causes Bags Under Eyes?
Before diving into the treatments and remedies for under-eye bags, it is important to establish what causes them. Finding the root of the problem is the first step to understanding what treatments will work best for you. The most common cause of dark circles is genetics; many hereditary conditions that run in the family eventually start to cause the appearance of darkness under the eyes. Another cause is excessive sun exposure without the use of UV protection, which, over time, causes increased pigmentation, increasing the likelihood of dark circles.
Allergies and irritations can cause nasal congestion, which can cause blood pools to form under your eyes, leaving you with dark circles and puffiness. Lastly, a lack of sleep, which cannot always be avoided, is a very common cause of dark circles.
Although you may not know the exact cause of your under eye bags, we suggest monitoring them when they flare up, as this can indicate what is causing them. Once you have been able to identify this, you can then consider the treatments and remedies below.
Treatments For Under Eye Bags
When it comes to reducing the appearance of under eye bags, our skin clinic in Milton Keynes offers a range of treatment options, and our specialists are always happy to advise which is best suited to you.
While at-home remedies and lifestyle changes may have some effect on the appearance of your eye bags, this is not guaranteed. Any difference will not be hugely noticeable, especially if genetics play a significant role in the appearance of your eye bags. With our cosmetic treatments, on the other hand, you will notice a difference, often immediately.
Dermal Fillers
The use of dermal fillers to reduce dark circles is a relatively new concept but is incredibly effective. Our fillers in Milton Keynes can be used to fill in dark tear trough hollows, which commonly appear with age and cause the eyes to look tired. The tear trough treatment only takes around twenty minutes, and results are instant, lasting for up to two years before a top-up is required.
When you come in for our tear trough treatment in Milton Keynes , a specialist hyaluronic acid filler created specifically to treat tear troughs is placed under the eye between the bone and the muscle. The filler will help to smooth out the surface of the skin and will dramatically reduce the appearance of under-eye bags.
When opting for this particular procedure, you must ensure that you book in with a fully trained medical professional. If you’re interested in a tear trough treatment and are intrigued to know more, take a look at our success story, where we provided tear trough filler to Love Islander Darylle, including before and after photos!
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Chemical Peel
A light chemical peel is the perfect facial treatment to lighten dark pigmentation under the eyes. The procedure can last anywhere between thirty to ninety minutes and does not require any recovery time, making it easy to fit into a busy schedule. Peels often include different chemicals which target various issues, so it is important to discuss your peel with a specialist before engaging in treatments.
The most common option is a glycolic acid peel, which improves the rate of collagen production in your skin, reducing the appearance of dark circles. Glycolic acid is most suited to those that have dark circles as a result of sun damage, so it is highly suggested to protect your face from the sun using a suncream in conjunction with the chemical peel.
If your dark circles are caused by ageing, then a retinol acid peel is probably best for you. This peel reduces fine lines and wrinkles, lifting the skin under your eyes and reducing darkness and puffiness. To enhance its rejuvenating effect, the peel protects the skin with antioxidants while increasing collagen production to thicken the skin under your eyes.
A chemical peel is an easy and relaxing way to significantly reduce under eye bags with little to no recovery time. If you are interested in enjoying our chemical peel treatment, then why not book a consultation with one of our specialists? You can also check out the chemical peels on IMAGE Skincare, which utilise a range of different acid ingredients, from glycolic to salicylic to lactic, to tackle different skin concerns.
Microneedling
Microneedling is a treatment used to tackle fine lines, puffiness and hyperpigmentation and is perfect for reducing eye bags and rejuvenating the face. It utilises a simple tool with small needles attached to it to create small punctures that encourage your skin to produce collagen naturally. If you have sensitive or irritable skin, then this treatment will be safe for you and more comfortable than chemical-based ones.
Microneedling works by creating micro-injuries that stimulate your body’s natural healing response, increasing collagen production and cell turnover. The reason this reduces the appearance of dark circles is that collagen keeps skin contoured, plump and youthful, making it a perfect way to reduce puffiness under the eyes.
This procedure also helps your daily skincare products reach deeper layers, allowing your skin to look and feel thoroughly replenished. It is essential that you see a specialist in dermatology to receive a microneedling treatment safely and comfortably. The practitioners at our skin clinic in Milton Keynes are highly trained and fully qualified in microneedling treatments and will go above and beyond to ensure that you get the most out of your treatment experience.
How To Reduce Bags Under Eyes
While at-home under eye bag remedies will not completely transform the appearance of your dark circles, they can certainly help. They can also be used to enhance the results of any eye bag treatments you undergo at our cosmetic clinic in Milton Keynes. Here are some simple at-home remedies for under eye bags:
- Retinol Products: Products such as the IMAGE Skincare retinol masque have the ability to reduce dark circles by stimulating collagen production.
- Eye Creme: IMAGE Skincare’s brightening eye creme is specially formulated to combat darkness under the eyes, creating a more youthful appearance.
These at-home remedies may or may not work for you, depending on factors such as the cause of your dark circles and how prominent they are. However, they’re certainly worth a try!
How To Prevent Bags Under Eyes
Although complete prevention may not always be possible due to natural or genetic factors, preventing under eye bags at home involves a combination of healthy lifestyle choices and skincare practices. These include:
- Get Enough Sleep: A lack of day-to-day sleep can contribute to the development of under eye bags; we recommend aiming for 7-9 hours of sleep a night to allow your body to rejuvenate fully.
- Healthy Diet: Maintain a healthy diet that is balanced with fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains. This can help prevent fluid retention and inflammation, contributing to under eye bags.
- Stay Hydrated: The age-old secret to treating many different problems is drinking plenty of water throughout the day, as it can make under eye bags less pronounced than they are when dehydrated. However, try to avoid drinking too much fluid before bed, which can help reduce fluid retention overnight.
- Limit Alcohol & Caffeine: These substances can even further dehydrate your body, which is a large contributor to prominent eye bags. If you consume these, do so in moderation and balance them with water.
- Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes: Excessively rubbing your eyes can damage the delicate skin under the eyes and worsen under eye bags; we recommend taking care and being gentle when removing and applying makeup.
- Stress Management: Chronic stress can lead to inflammation and pronounced under eye bags. Try practising stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga and deep breathing.
- Use SPF: Using SPF 30 or higher on a daily basis helps to protect the delicate area under your eyes, prevent sun damage and reduce the likelihood of hyperpigmentation.
FAQs
Here are the answers to some common questions people have about treating bags under the eyes:
Will Losing Weight Reduce Bags Under Eyes?
It’s unlikely that losing weight will reduce bags under the eyes. In fact, losing weight too quickly may even make the appearance of under eye bags more pronounced. This is because the fat pockets in the face can reduce in size, hollowing out the space beneath your eyes. This may also cause the blood vessels to be more visible, darkening the area underneath your eyes.
Does Drinking Water Reduce Bags Under Eyes?
As briefly mentioned above, drinking more water will likely reduce bags under the eyes if you are dehydrated. This is because when you are dehydrated, the body will try to store water, which can result in puffy under-eye bags. Reducing your alcohol consumption will also help you stay hydrated and minimise your eye bags.
Can Botox Reduce Bags Under Eyes?
While Botox® injections are not designed to reduce the appearance of under eye bags, they can be used to smooth out wrinkles by the eyes, also known as crow’s feet, which can occur alongside eye bags. If you would like to take a look into our botox in Milton Keynes, visit our cosmetic clinic in Milton Keynes now! Take a look at our previous article to learn more about this treatment.
Does Ice Under Eyes Help Bags?
Yes, applying ice wrapped in a towel or cold compresses under the eyes can help reduce the appearance of bags and puffiness. Cold temperatures cause blood vessels to constrict, which can temporarily reduce swelling and inflammation in the under eye area.
Are Bags Under Eyes Genetic?
Bags under the eyes are largely influenced by genetics. Some people are more prone to developing under eye bags due to their genetic make up. Genetic factors can affect the structure and elasticity of the skin, as well as the distribution of fat and collagen around the eyes.
Can Iron Deficiency Cause Bags Under Eyes?
Iron deficiency can potentially contribute to the development of bags under the eyes. Also known as anaemia, it can lead to a variety of symptoms, including fatigue, pale skin, and, in some cases, puffiness or dark circles under the eyes. This is because iron is essential for maintaining healthy blood circulation, and when there is a deficiency, it can impact the blood vessels and capillaries in the delicate skin around the eyes.
Reduce Bags Under Eyes Quickly And Effectively
We hope that our article has proved useful to you, whether you are exploring effective under eye bag treatment options or are searching for at-home remedies to help enhance and maintain the results of your treatment. If you are interested in coming into our skin clinic in Milton Keynes to reduce the appearance of your eye bags, why not get in touch with our team, who will be happy to answer any questions you may have?