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Skin Issues Gallery: Poor sleep, lack of physical activity, and fluid retention can cause bags under the eyes in younger individuals. View more skin-related photos.
©iStockphoto.com/Joseph Jean Rolland DubéNo one enjoys seeing bags under their eyes when they glance in the mirror, but nearly everyone over the age of 20 has experienced it. As we age, these bags appear more frequently, especially in the mornings. Various factors contribute to this facial concern, and the bags you notice in your 20s may look different from those in your 40s. Regardless, they can make you appear more fatigued and older than your actual age.
A significant cause of under-eye bags is genetics. If your parents have them, chances are you will too. Other factors such as poor sleep, lack of exercise, a high-sodium diet, and fluid retention also contribute. Sinus infections can stretch the skin beneath your eyes, causing puffiness. If you notice bags under your eyes in the early morning that fade by midday, it's likely due to fluid retention. Elevating your head with an extra pillow at night may help reduce their appearance [source: Gibson].
As we age, under-eye bags become a more persistent issue. This is a natural aspect of growing older that we all eventually have to accept. The explanation is straightforward: our faces contain fat that is held in place by ligaments and muscles. Over time, these ligaments and muscles weaken, causing the fat to become more noticeable. Similarly, collagen levels in our skin decrease with age, leading to a loss of elasticity and sagging, including on the face. In some cases, you may require a cosmetic procedure to address the problem [source: Bouchez].
