What are eye bags?

In medicine, the term lacrimal sac stands for a part of the lacrimal apparatus, more precisely for the upper part of the so-called nasolacrimal duct. It represents the connection between the lacrimal tubules and the nasolacrimal sac and allows tears to be drained from the surface of the eyeball into the nasal cavity. Colloquially, and especially in the field of cosmetics, sagging lower eyelids are referred to as bags under the eyes, which are often associated with dark circles and swelling of the lower eyelid areas. The thin skin under the eyes hangs down particularly noticeably when the tissue sags. Together with water or fatty tissue accumulations in the affected area, the classic swelling occurs. In particularly severe cases, the weight of this retention of water and fatty compounds can even pull the lower lids down, exposing the inner skin of the eyelids. This is not aesthetic, but above all it is also a health risk.

Depending on the type of deposits, different treatment methods are required. In the case of fat deposits, which often lead to chronic swelling, surgical removal is usually necessary. In some cases, highly effective skin care products can achieve an effect similar to surgery. Water retention, on the other hand, can be significantly reduced in most cases with sufficient sleep and serums or creams specially developed for the eye area.

Three causes of bags under the eyes

There are many possible causes of visible puffiness around the eyes – from age-related tissue laxity to lack of sleep to an unhealthy diet. Basically, the triggers can be divided into three categories:

1. Chronic causes

Chronic bags under the eyes can often be traced back to a corresponding predisposition to slack connective tissue. These genetically caused swellings and dark circles usually only appear in old age, when the thin skin under the eyes loses its elasticity and fullness and thus becomes prone to sagging tissue. This type of sagging eyelids is purely cosmetic and a classic sign of aging, but it is not a health concern. The sagging is exacerbated by a permanently high strain on the eye area, such as frequent removal of make-up, rubbing the eyes or tensing the eyes to see more clearly without glasses – all of this can damage the connective tissue.

Suitable cosmetics can counteract these age-related swellings at an early stage. Even if the area around the eyes has already changed and appears a bit tired and sagging, special creams and serums can improve the skin around the eyes and make it look fresher and more youthful. The high-tech formulations of AgeLine® offer special formulas for the sensitive eye area, which preventively slow down the development and spread of dark circles and puffiness, but at the same time treat and reduce the already existing signs of aging in the eye area.

2. Acute causes

Acutely swollen eyelids are usually the result of an unhealthy lifestyle. Tired eyes occur in all age groups and can be caused, for example, by lack of sleep or excessive alcohol consumption. The list of possible reasons can be continued:

  • Stress
  • Unbalanced diet
  • Cigarette or alcohol consumption
  • Dehydration
  • Excessive UV-radiation

Still, nobody has to leave the house with sagging skin folds under their eyes after a sleepless night. High-tech products such as AgeLine®  EYELIFT SERUM are suitable for all age groups and make the eye area look fresher and more rested. With highly effective ingredients such as the peptide Eyeseril®, the EYELIFT SERUM combats bags under the eyes and dark circles under the eyes. Among other things, certain enzymes are inhibited that cause narrowing of the blood vessels and loss of elasticity in the skin, and the capillaries are also expanded. This promotes blood circulation and improves skin elasticity by up to 35%.

3. Disease related causes

Disease-related dark circles are very rare, but should be carefully monitored. In the case of conjunctivitis, for example, the swelling can extend to the eyelids. Puffy eyes can also be a symptom of allergies, when the body releases chemicals meant to protect the eye. This has nothing to do with the classic eye bags of a cosmetic nature. The lack of water mentioned above as a cause of dark circles does not necessarily have to be caused by not drinking enough. A disturbance in the fluid balance caused by heart or kidney disease can also be the cause of dehydration. If in doubt, it makes sense to have swollen tear sacs and dark circles under the eyes examined by a doctor.

What helps against bags under the eyes?

The number one remedy for most causes of bags and dark circles under the eyes is a healthy lifestyle. Sufficient sleep, fluid intake and a balanced diet also prevent skin impurities. There are also various home remedies for acute swelling and dark circles under the eyes. Cooling the area around the eyes in particular can quickly relieve swelling – whether with cooling pads or cucumber slices. The cooling slows down the blood flow in the affected area, at the same time it strengthens the blood flow in the vein and thus promotes the removal of swelling.

Certain skin care products, such as AgeLine®EYLIFT SERUM, also have cooling and decongestant effects. Unlike cooling pads, tea bags or quark masks, special creams, ointments or serums such as AgeLine® EYLIFT SERUM also contain highly effective ingredients such as hyaluronic acid to bind moisture. It can ‘pad’ and smooth wrinkles from the inside, while at the same time protecting the skin with antioxidants and against UV radiation. EYLIFT SERUM helps to heal inflammation and soothes the skin with panthenol, but also promotes the skin’s energy metabolism and cell division.

Prevent bags under the eyes

You should prevent age-related skin wrinkles in the eye area at an early stage with good skin care. The regular supply of certain ingredients can delay tissue relaxation under the eyes. Special anti-aging preparations such as AgeLine® EYLIFT SERUM support the connective tissue and slow down its slackening. They also provide the skin with active ingredients such as plant-based rutin or hyaluronic acid and protect it from damage caused by so-called free radicals (harmful oxygen compounds) and UV radiation.

Anyone who notices swollen skin under their eyes, especially in the morning, should change their sleeping position – especially if the swelling reduces over the course of the day. It is often enough to put your head a little higher while sleeping, for example with a pillow.

A healthy and balanced lifestyle is the best and most lasting prevention against bags under the eyes and other signs of aging in the skin. Drinking plenty of water, eating a balanced diet, and getting enough exercise and sleep are the foundations for healthy, fresh, radiant skin. A conscious approach to alcohol, nicotine and fast food (or even better, abstinence from them) makes a big difference.

Have tear sacs removed

People with genetically determined accumulations of fat suffer particularly from swollen lower eyelids. Depending on the individual situation, laser treatment or surgical removal of the excess fatty tissue can be useful in such cases. Operative surgical procedures to tighten the upper and lower eyelids of the eyes are called blepharoplasty. In comparison, laser treatment is a significantly less invasive method. The lymph and fat deposits in the tear sacs are removed with a laser and the excess skin on the inside of the lower eyelid simply evaporates. By subsequently stimulating collagen formation, skin tightening is to be achieved.

Not all bags under the eyes can be easily removed and any surgical procedure carries certain risks. It is therefore advisable, especially for the sensitive eye region, to first weigh up all other options – including cosmetic care products – and to seek advice from experienced doctors.