Do you often get asked how long did you sleep today? Maybe you should look in the mirror and think about your appearance? First of all, bags under the eyes reveal chronic fatigue and lack of sleep. Moreover, they can occur in people of all ages. As it turns out, there are a huge number of reasons, but few solutions. We decided to study the topic and find out from a professional what it is and why these hated bags appear under the eyes. What if there is gold there?
Why do they occur?
Maria Blinova, a dermatocosmetologist from the Novoklinik network of Aesthetic Medicine and Cosmetology Centers , said that the bags under the eyes are so-called fat “packets”, which over time come out under the pressure of the eyeball. They can appear both with age and due to a violation of the outflow of lymph from this area. So we immediately suggest that you put your dreams of gold in the farthest drawer and forget about them forever.
They do not cause any discomfort or pain, but they can significantly spoil the appearance. Moreover, we were very interested in the unfair fact that not everyone gets these bags with age. As it turns out, anatomy, genetic predisposition, the presence of kidney disorders, and lifestyle play a huge role here.
Several other reasons may be associated with their occurrence:
• chronic lack of sleep; • retention of excessive amounts of fluid in the body; • allergies (in this case, not only bags appear. Swelling is observed throughout the face); • large amounts of salt consumed; • incorrectly selected cosmetics; • frequent stress; • hormonal disbalance; • heredity.
Therefore, before consulting a doctor, you should analyze your daily routine, try to change your diet by including more plant foods, and give up bad habits. If the swelling subsides, then most likely you won’t need to see a doctor for a long time.
Do patches help?
Anzhelika Terekhova, cosmetologist
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It all depends on the reason for the bags under the eyes. If they are age-related, that is, they appeared due to protruding fat, applying patches under the eyes is useless. But if the reason is the accumulation of lymphatic fluid, then hydrogel patches are very helpful.
How to use patches correctly.
Before the procedure, hydrogel patches should be placed in the refrigerator and then applied to the skin under the eyes for a few minutes. The swelling will decrease under the influence of cold. In addition, many patches are soaked in a solution that has lymphatic drainage properties.
How to remove bags under the eyes
As the specialist noted, bags under the eyes can be removed using cosmetic methods only in cases where the patient, for example, has problems with the outflow of excess fluid. In this case, procedures with microcurrents or lymphatic drainage massages help.
“The second option is filling with fillers. Thanks to them, the shadows on the face are redistributed, and the problem area is hidden,” the doctor said.
However, the specialist noted that surgical intervention will still be much more effective than all cosmetic procedures. As an example, she cited cases of 20-year-old girls who, although they have good facial proportions, suffer greatly from bags under their eyes. According to the doctor, in this case it is better to immediately contact a surgeon who will help to safely correct this defect and change your appearance for the better. The main thing is to psychologically prepare yourself for the upcoming operation.
We also decided to check the information that is often published on the Internet and asked whether blefarogel and heparin ointment help with bags under the eyes. As it turned out, these products do not have any effect, so it is not worth purchasing them. In addition, they can cause the opposite effect and provoke an allergic reaction.
So, if you have large bags under your eyes, it is better to immediately consult a doctor who will prescribe cosmetic procedures or recommend surgery - blepharoplasty. This procedure will help make your eyes more open, expressive and fresh, and you will forget about the bags under your eyes like a bad dream.
But do not forget that this is a rather serious surgical intervention, which has a number of contraindications:
• pregnancy; • lactation period; • oncological diseases; • any chronic diseases in acute form.
Patients with high blood pressure and diabetes will have to additionally contact their physicians to obtain approval for surgery.
Reason No. 2: age-related changes
How to find out.
They appeared with age - they were not there until the age of 30. Persistent, they do not disappear on their own.
Why do they appear?
Over time, the orbicularis oculi muscles and the ligaments around them lose tone, weaken and sag. As a result, fat that was previously located under the muscle penetrates through weakened muscle fibers and ends up above it.
Anzhelika Terekhova, cosmetologist
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Adipose tissue retains fluid and at the same time is abundantly supplied with blood. And when fluid accumulates, it compresses the vessels. Because of this, blood stagnation occurs, and along with it, swelling increases. Thus, even if there is little fat on the muscles, the bags can be very large and noticeable.
How to remove.
You need to see a cosmetologist who can offer several treatment methods.
Correction of bags using indirect lipolytics.
A gentle method in which the doctor, using the finest needles, injects injectable cosmetic preparations under the skin. They do not destroy adipose tissue, but normalize fat metabolism in the body. This helps regulate fluid flow and reduce bags under the eyes.
Surgical removal of bags.
Radical method. In this procedure, the doctor simply removes the fat that has protruded over the orbicularis oculi muscle.
Is it possible to get rid of bags under the eyes at home?
Nowadays, advertising of various anti-aging products is broadcast everywhere, which literally “pull” the face to the back of the head, making it young and smooth, and they promise to remove bags under the eyes in a minute. But is it possible to get rid of puffiness under the eyes at home using masks, gels and massage?
“Cream and gel - no. All these tools can be used exclusively before going to some important event. Of course, there will be a one-time effect. For example, patches. I don’t see the special effect that marketers claim on the packaging of these cosmetics, but as a remedy for puffiness under the eyes - why not? If you keep them in the refrigerator, they will work like cold compresses,” Blinova said.
In any case, you need to understand that the effect of such remedies will be temporary and large bags under the eyes will not magically disappear.
Therefore, we advise you to start taking care of your skin from a young age, get massages, get enough sleep, not eat large amounts of fatty foods and give up bad habits. If you take care of yourself from the very beginning, your body will repay you immensely.
Reason No. 3: individual characteristics of the body
How to find out.
They appear already in early childhood. Persistent, do not disappear over time.
Why do they appear?
Some people experience lymphatic or venous drainage incompetence, a condition in which the drainage of lymph from tissues is obstructed.
Anna Grishina cosmetologist
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Stagnation of lymphatic fluid can lead to bags under the eyes. This is a hereditary feature: if mom or dad had bags, there is a high chance that the child will have them too.
How to remove.
Several methods are available.
Therapeutic facial massage.
This procedure helps remove swelling, improves complexion and skin condition in general. Suitable:
- Lymphatic drainage facial massage.
It is done to stimulate the outflow of lymphatic fluid from tissues. The procedure is carried out manually or using special massage devices. - Microcurrent massage.
Hardware massage using a device that generates weak electrical impulses. They stimulate the facial muscles and promote the production of collagen in the cells of the deep layers of the skin. As a result, the skin becomes more elastic and bags under the eyes are less noticeable. - RF massage, or radiofrequency facial massage.
Here, instead of current, radio frequencies are used, which specifically heat the deep layers of the skin. Thanks to this, blood microcirculation improves, and cells begin to produce collagen and elastin more intensively. The skin is tightened and smoothed.
Injectable drugs.
These medications improve lymph flow and thereby help fight bags under the eyes.
Techniques aimed at strengthening the skin under the eyes.
To do this, they use the finest cosmetic threads, which can be used to tighten the skin so that it does not sag.
Causes of swelling only under the left or right eye
This is influenced by the following reasons:
- Lack of oxygen. It is important to walk enough time in the fresh air and ventilate the apartment. Staying indoors for a long time has a negative impact on overall health and causes oxygen starvation. Doctors advise taking a walk outside before going to bed.
- Sleep on the left side. Some people sleep exclusively on one side. This leads to fluid accumulation in this part of the face. Positions during sleep need to be changed.
- Heart pathologies. If the left side of the eye area begins to swell, it is recommended to go to a cardiologist. Perhaps there is a heart pathology.
- Digestive problems. They can lead to swelling of one eye.
- Conjunctivitis. As a result, the person still feels the pain and his tear production increases.
- Trauma, insect bite. You can slightly injure the eye area, but in the morning you will experience severe swelling. This can also happen after an insect bite.
You need to look after your health. Even seemingly harmless symptoms can indicate serious pathologies.
How to get rid of the problem forever?
Dark circles and bags under the eyes can often appear in people who get little or little sleep. This may be due to a special work schedule or improper daily routine, and ultimately, lack of sleep will lead to more dangerous consequences than dark circles under the eyes.
Schedule
The daily routine should be such that rest and activity complement each other. If a person has an active job that involves walking and constant movement, the evening should be devoted to quiet relaxation (watch a movie, just lie down with a book).
For those who have to sit all day long, it is recommended to take a walk in the evening and spend at least an hour in the fresh air.
As for the sleep and wakefulness regime, it is different for each person, but you need to sleep at least 7-8 hours a day. Moreover, maximum energy replenishment occurs between 23:00 and 03:00 at night, and it is at this time that you definitely need to sleep.
The most acceptable daily routine is to get up at 6:00 and go off at 22:00. In this case, a person almost always gets enough sleep, he has time to exercise and systematically get ready in the morning, and throughout the day he feels cheerful and energized.
Proper nutrition
Proper nutrition is necessary for every person for the normal functioning of all organs, but specifically regarding bruises under the eyes, one must adhere to the following rules:
- avoid large amounts of spicy, salty and smoked foods, especially in the afternoon;
- reduce or eliminate fried, fatty foods from the diet, which contribute to the accumulation of waste and toxins in cells.
You should also not drink a lot before bed: the accumulation of fluid in the body leads to puffiness, which can cause bags under the eyes.
Folk remedies
Folk remedies for dark circles and bags under the eyes are an effective, cheap and safe way to solve the problem. They quickly eliminate all defects, but their effect does not last long.
Useful video
How to remove bags under eyes with home remedies:
Using ice
Ice is very refreshing, returns the face to its normal color, and also helps eliminate puffiness and dark bags under the eyes by constricting the blood vessels under the skin of the eyelids. To do this, you need to take a couple of ice cubes and rub them on the area around the eyes and especially under the eyes.
You can use not only regular ice, but also frozen green tea, lemon juice, or a decoction of one of the medicinal herbs (chamomile, sage, cornflower, parsley, dill).
Cucumber mask
The cucumber mask has also long been famous for its properties in improving the condition and complexion, eliminating puffiness and dark circles under the eyes. Fresh cold cucumber can be cut into thin slices or grated and applied to the eyes.
The best effect can be achieved if you place a cotton pad soaked in milk on top of the cucumber pulp.
Mask with parsley and sour cream
A good and healthy mask is made from sour cream and finely chopped parsley. It perfectly moisturizes and tones the skin, completely removes dark circles under the eyes and is easily applied to the skin.
A mixture of 1 tablespoon of thick sour cream and chopped parsley should be mixed well and applied to the area under the eyes for 10-15 minutes. You can also add grated cucumber to the mixture.
Parsley compresses
Parsley has long been used to preserve youth and beauty of the skin, including to eliminate swelling, bruises and bags under the eyes.
The compress is made as follows: parsley is crushed to a pulp, applied to the eyes and under the lower eyelids for 10-15 minutes. To enhance the effect, you can place a cotton pad dipped in cold milk or water on top.
After the allotted time, you need to remove the compress and wash with cool water.
Exercises
If you regularly perform special exercises, you can avoid the appearance of puffiness and dark circles under the eyes, and also maintain the beauty and youth of your skin. Now this trend is called the fashionable word face-building, which means gymnastics for the face.
Causes of pathological edema
Long-lasting puffiness under the eyes indicates a pathological condition or disease of the body. This striking symptom should not be ignored, as it accompanies many diseases. There are many reasons why the lower or upper eyelid swells:
Inflammatory processes. The main characteristic symptoms: hot, red swollen skin, painful, unpleasant sensations when palpating the inflamed skin. The causes of inflammation can be: barley, furunculosis, erysipelas, chalazion, runny nose, colds. Localization - upper eyelid.
Diseases of internal organs or systems. Edema has a specific development and course, as well as symmetrical localization. They are a sign of impaired venous outflow, kidney pathologies, diseases of the cardiovascular system, pituitary gland, and thyroid gland.
Allergic reactions. Localization - upper eyelid. They occur more often on one side. They are characterized by lightning-fast development and short duration. Provoking allergens: cosmetics, medications, foods, plants, contact lenses, light, water.
Hormonal changes and pregnancy. Changes in hormonal levels in women during puberty, menopause, and menstrual cycles retain fluid in the tissues of the body. Pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, is marked by the appearance of edema. If swelling appears in the first months of pregnancy, you should consult a doctor.
Diseases of the eyelids and eyes. The swelling is localized on the side of the affected eye. Provoking diseases: eversion of the eyelid, blepharitis, trypanosomiasis, ptosis, scleritis, oncological neoplasms in the eye.
Intervertebral disc herniation. Probable cause of unilateral edema. It remains asymptomatic for a long time. Associated pathologies: poor coordination, muscle weakness, frequent headaches, stiffness and pain in the cervical spine.
Diseases of the kidneys and urinary system. Lead to their functional failure. The whole face and limbs swell. Free-floating renal edema easily moves from one part of the body to another when changing position. The progressive disease leads to swelling of the lower back, abdomen, and genitals.
Liver diseases. Hands swell, especially fingers. Yellowness of the skin and sclera is also observed; heartburn, nausea; pain in the right hypochondrium. It remains asymptomatic for a long time.
Cardiovascular pathology. In addition to swollen eyes, swollen legs appear, fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity, vascular butterfly on the skin of the cheeks, weakness, tachycardia, shortness of breath. Due to a violation of the outflow of venous blood from the face, unilateral edema occurs.
Diseases of the nervous system and skin. Dermatitis and eczema appear against the background of nervous shock. The fluid accumulates in the cells of the epidermis, is poorly excreted, and manifests itself as swelling of the eye area.
To eliminate pathological swelling, it is important to eliminate the underlying cause of the condition.
What causes swelling under the eyes?
Puffiness under the eyes requires determining the cause and prescribing appropriate treatment. They can appear in both men and women.
Natural causes of puffiness and bags under the eyes:
- Your eyes will become puffy if you drink a lot of water before bed. And also if you abuse alcohol.
- Excessive consumption of salted, smoked, canned foods. Salts and preservatives interfere with the removal of salts from the body, and they, in turn, retain fluid.
- Hormonal changes. Sometimes women's eyelids swell before menstruation. The hormone in the second half of the menstrual cycle, progesterone, retains water in the body, which leads to puffiness of the face.
- After sleep. Sleeping on an uncomfortable pillow or with your head down can contribute to swelling of the lower eyelids.
- After cosmetic procedures (for example, after mesotherapy), swelling under the eyes often remains, the cause of which is traumatic damage to the delicate skin of the eyelids.
- Strong crying. In this case, fluid accumulates in the loose tissue of the eyelids.
- Contact with toxic fumes, fumes (eg tobacco smoke). This occurs by a similar mechanism as when crying. The eyes begin to water, as a result, excess fluid is retained in the eyelids.
- Age-related changes. Loss of tissue elasticity in older people, fat deposits, and impaired venous outflow lead to swelling of the eyelids.
Pathological reasons:
- Allergic reactions (including angioedema). They develop when an allergen enters the human body (honey, chicken protein, citrus fruits, plant pollen, decorative cosmetics, some medications, etc.). In response, antibodies are activated, which, combining with the allergen, form an “allergen-antibody” complex. It causes the development of a number of symptoms. A person will complain that his lower and upper eyelids itch, his eyes swell, and his eyes water.
- Heart diseases (cardiomyopathy, heart failure). Distinctive characteristics of cardiac edema: they appear in the evening, are dense, and bluish. In case of heart disease, swelling also appears in other parts of the body (legs, arms, abdomen), up to complete swelling of the entire body - anasarca.
- Kidney diseases (pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis, renal failure) are characterized by swelling under the eyes. A distinctive characteristic of renal edema: it is soft, pale, and appears after waking up.
- Foreign body. Any foreign body causes lacrimation, pain, redness of the sclera, and swelling of the eyes.
- Injury. After blows, injuries, or operations on the organ of vision, swelling of the eyelids may persist. A person may additionally complain that his lower or upper eyelid hurts.
- Inflammatory eye diseases (hordeolum, conjunctivitis, keratitis, chorioretinitis). Swelling of the upper eyelids is more typical. Sometimes it can spread to the lower eyelids.
- Oncological diseases (malignant tumor - cancer or benign tumor). In this case, swelling is a secondary symptom. At the beginning of the disease, a person does not notice any changes in his health status. At later stages, external manifestations appear (redness, ulcers, necrosis, bleeding), pain, and dysfunction.
Watch an interesting video about the causes of swelling of the lower eyelids:
Causes of dark circles
The appearance of dark circles under or around the eyes can be due to various reasons. Some of them are safe, but others may indicate the development of pathological processes and require medical intervention.
Bruises under the eyes are caused by:
- lack of sleep;
- poor nutrition;
- bad habits (smoking, drinking alcohol);
- excessive strain on the eyes;
- frequent stress;
- chronic fatigue;
- improper care of the area around the eyes, selection of low-quality cosmetics and care products;
- chronic kidney disease;
- disturbances in the functioning of the liver and gallbladder;
- helminthic infestations;
- endocrine disorders;
- pancreatic diseases;
- pathologies of the cardiovascular system;
- anemia;
- some infectious and inflammatory processes.
In some cases, dark circles under the eyes are present from birth and are caused by blood vessels being too close to the skin. Such people can only be saved by concealing cosmetics, because other methods will be ineffective.
Reference. Only a doctor can determine what causes dark circles under the eyes, and it is necessary to contact him if they appear daily for several days or are accompanied by other symptoms.
