Buzz
Under-eye puffiness can stem from a variety of causes, each with its own set of supposed remedies. Lack of sleep, sinus infections, salty foods, a sedentary lifestyle, and even how you sleep can contribute to this pesky problem. But there’s one culprit no one wants to admit – age. No matter how you feel about it, time changes your face, just like it does the rest of your body. As we age, ligaments stretch, muscles lose their strength, and fat becomes more noticeable. After 40, the skin around your eyes becomes less elastic, and what once were minor sags turn into noticeable bags.
We know what causes it, but what about fixing it?
Some of the suggested solutions are just myths or outdated advice. Take hemorrhoid cream, for example. Yes, hemorrhoid ointment. The incorrect belief is that the vasoconstrictors in the cream will work the same way under your eyes as they do elsewhere. A vasoconstrictor is a compound that reduces blood vessel size, which is great for swelling in veins (like those with hemorrhoids). But swollen veins are not the cause of under-eye puffiness. So, ditch the hemorrhoid cream.
If your puffy eyes are linked to a sinus infection causing fluid buildup, adjusting your sleep position could help until the infection clears up. Try using an extra pillow to prevent fluid from pooling under your eyes. If sinus infections are a recurring issue, consider reducing allergens and dust mites in your bedroom. The same goes for allergies – identify the triggers and adjust your head elevation accordingly. A trip to the pharmacy for some antihistamines might be in order too.
If you’ve noticed your under-eye bags getting worse after a stretch of busy workdays or late nights, it might be time to make some adjustments. While you can’t always control your workload or sleep schedule, you can eliminate factors like poor eating habits and lack of exercise. A diet high in salt leads to water retention, and though it might seem counterproductive, drinking more water can help flush out the excess fluid causing the puffiness.
For a quick, though temporary, fix for under-eye puffiness, check your fridge. A couple of chilled cucumber slices placed under the eyes can help reduce swelling. No cucumber? Try cold tea bags or a chilled washcloth as a substitute.
Keep reading to uncover the leading cause of under-eye puffiness.
Genetics and Under-eye Puffiness
If you’ve checked off all the boxes – regular exercise, enough sleep, low sodium intake, and treated any lingering sinus issues – yet those bags remain, you might have to blame genetics and age, courtesy of your parents.
As you age, collagen production decreases, causing the skin on your face to lose its elasticity, leading to sagging under your eyes. This tendency to sag can also be inherited. A simple way to determine if your puffiness is temporary or permanent is to check the time. Are the bags most noticeable early in the morning? Do they disappear by afternoon? If your puffiness fades by noon, it’s actually a good sign – it suggests fluid retention, not a permanent issue.
Persistent under-eye puffiness, regardless of your surroundings, stress levels, or time of day, is something many of us will eventually face. If you’re not ready to live with it, more advanced options are available. Cosmetic procedures can help improve the appearance of the skin beneath your eyes.
Consider scheduling an appointment with a doctor to explore your options.
Under-eye bags or puffiness can be a signal that your lifestyle needs tweaking. It might indicate a simple cold, a hereditary trait, or a sign that you're aging. Regardless of the cause, there are ways to reduce the issue – and none of them involve hemorrhoid cream.
