10 Causes of Eye Bags and Dark Circles That'll Make You Want to Hide Under the Covers

Whether you're a chronic night owl or just had a rough night's sleep, those pesky eye bags and dark circles can make you look washed out and tired. But what exactly causes them, and what can you do to make them disappear?

Causes of Eye Bags

1. Aging: As we age, the skin around our eyes becomes thinner and loses elasticity. This can lead to the formation of under-eye bags, as the fat that supports the eyes can start to sag.

2. Genetics: Some people are simply more prone to developing eye bags than others. If your parents have eye bags, you're more likely to inherit them yourself.

3. Fluid retention: Fluid retention can cause puffiness around the eyes, which can lead to the appearance of eye bags. This can be caused by a number of factors, including salty foods, excessive alcohol consumption, and hormonal changes.

   

4. Allergies: Allergies can cause inflammation and swelling around the eyes, which can lead to the formation of eye bags.

5. Nasal congestion: Nasal congestion can block the drainage of fluid from the eyes, which can lead to swelling and the formation of eye bags.

Causes of Dark Circles

1. Thin skin: The skin around the eyes is very thin, which means that the blood vessels underneath can show through. This can give the appearance of dark circles.

2. Hyperpigmentation: Hyperpigmentation is a condition that occurs when the skin produces too much melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. This can lead to the appearance of dark circles under the eyes.

3. Iron deficiency: Iron deficiency can cause the skin to become pale, which can make dark circles more noticeable.

   

4. Sun exposure: Sun exposure can damage the skin and cause the blood vessels around the eyes to become more visible, which can lead to dark circles.

   

5. Stress: Stress can trigger the release of hormones that can cause the blood vessels around the eyes to dilate, which can make dark circles more noticeable.

Tips for Reducing Eye Bags and Dark Circles

• Get enough sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night to help reduce fluid retention and puffiness around the eyes.

• Elevate your head: When sleeping, elevate your head with pillows to help reduce fluid buildup around the eyes.

• Use a cold compress: Applying a cold compress to the eyes can help reduce swelling and puffiness.

• Drink plenty of water: Staying hydrated can help reduce fluid retention and puffiness around the eyes.

• Avoid salty foods: Salty foods can cause fluid retention, which can lead to eye bags.

• Limit alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption can also lead to fluid retention and eye bags.

• Use eye drops: Eye drops can help to reduce dryness and irritation, which can make dark circles less noticeable.

• Wear sunglasses: Wearing sunglasses can help protect the skin around the eyes from sun damage, which can help prevent dark circles.

• Use a concealer: Concealer can help to cover up dark circles and make them less noticeable.

If you're concerned about eye bags or dark circles, talk to your doctor. There may be an underlying medical condition that needs to be addressed.