What Causes Bags and Dark Circles Under Eyes?

What are bags under eyes?

Undereye "bags" refer to puffiness or mild swelling that some people experience. 

What causes bags under eyes?

Age is the most common cause of bags under your eyes. As you get older, your skin gets less elastic. This can lead to more fat and fluid building up, including under your eyes.¹

There are many other potential reasons for bags under your eyes. These include:

• Genetics (family history)
• Quality of your sleep
• Diet
• Tobacco and alcohol use
• Hydration levels
• Exercise and physical activity
• Fluid retention
• Allergies
• Certain medications

If you’ve adjusted your daily routine to try and fix the problem, and see no changes, check in with your doctor. There may be other reasons for your undereye bags.

How can I get rid of bags under my eyes?

Knowing how to get rid of bags under your eyes is a process of trial and error. You may be able to temporarily get rid of under-eye bags with cool compresses or certain skincare products.

Here are some longer-term tips that may help:¹

• Get enough sleep. - Being well-rested can help reduce swelling around your eyes.
• Try a low-sodium diet. - Salt causes your body to retain water, which can cause bags and puffiness.
• Minimize allergy symptoms. - Talk to your doctor about trying allergy medications, such as antihistamines.

If you experience chronic bags under your eyes, despite trying some of the above remedies, consult with your doctor on the best next steps to address your concerns.

What causes dark circles under eyes?

Dark circles can be caused by some of the same factors as undereye bags², such as:

• Fatigue and exhaustion
• Excess salt and sodium in your diet
• Alcohol and tobacco use
• Family history

Who gets dark circles under their eyes?

Dark circles under the eyes can impact anyone, from children to older adults. Dark circles can also show up on any skin type. Those who are more likely to get dark circles include:

• Older adults
• People with darker skin tones
• People who have a family history of getting dark circles

How do I get rid of dark circles under my eyes?

Similar to reducing puffiness, sleeping, and eating well can help minimize the look of dark circles under eyes. Try these:³

• Work on getting enough sleep so you can look rested and refreshed.
• Try limiting both excess salt and sugar from your diet.
• Limit your intake of alcohol and use of tobacco products.
• Use cosmetics, such as concealer, to help temporarily brighten dark circles.

If you’ve made improvements to your health and wellness routine and still see no change, consider talking to your doctor. They may be able to suggest other options that are right for you.

How can I get rid of bags and dark circles under my eyes?

Learn how to get rid of bags and dark circles by experimenting with a combination of improving your diet, limiting alcohol and tobacco use, getting the right amount of sleep for you, as well as adding in sun protection. The skin around the eyes is very sensitive. To help reduce the chances of sun damage, make sure you’re wearing sunscreen/block, as well a hat and sunglasses when outside.

You can also try changing your skin care routine. As you age, the skin around the eyes loses moisture and elasticity. Some moisturizers may help improve skin texture, lessening the look of bags and dark circles. Certain cosmetics may also help provide a quick cover-up.

What are some home remedies for bags under eyes?

Applying a cold compress over each eye is believed to help reduce puffiness.¹

The skin around your eyes is sensitive and should be treated with care. To help reduce puffiness and dark circles, make sure you’re sleeping well, reduce salt/sodium from your diet, go easy on the alcohol, and practice good skin care.