The bags under the eyes correspond to a swelling of the lower eyelid. They can be transient upon waking or settle more durably during aging. It should not be confused with dark circles, which are rather a darkening of the skin due to poor blood circulation or digging due to the refinement of the skin under the eye.

The age and aging of the skin that accompanies it are one of the main causes of the appearance of bags under the eyes. The fat, which is normally in the eyelids to help support the eyes, slides into the lower eyelid under the effect of gravity and looseness of the skin. The skin also loses its flexibility and firmness. The lower eyelids can then sag and bags under the eyes develop.

Like dark circles, bags under the eyes can also appear on waking. During the night, the lymph, which is in charge of transporting blood waste, can accumulate in the lower eyelid and this causes a temporary swelling. This swelling generally fades during the morning, but it can happen that the pockets persist longer, especially if you suffer from circulatory disorders.

The bags under the eyes do not appear overnight. They settle down over time and become more pronounced as they get older. An unhealthy lifestyle (lack of sleep, excessive alcohol consumption and smoking) accelerates the development of bags under the eyes.

Treatment and prevention: what solutions?

The bags under the eyes are primarily aesthetic discomfort, but are usually not serious and do not require medical attention. However, you can consult your doctor if the swelling is severe and prolonged in time, or if it is accompanied by redness, itching or pain and also if it affects other parts of the body, such as legs. A medical examination will then rule out more serious causes, such as thyroid disease, infection or allergy.

• Cold compresses on the eye contour to decrease the swelling
• Ttreat your lifestyle and especially your sleep. Eight-hour nights are ideal for most adults
• You can also think of raising your head slightly with a pillow during the night, to avoid the accumulation of lymph in the face
• Do not forget to remove all makeup before going to sleep
• Monitor your diet and especially salt intake, as it promotes the accumulation of water
• Finally, do your skin a favor and limit your consumption of alcohol and cigarettes