Under-eye bags and dark circles are related to volume changes that deepen the crease under the eyes, often making the area appear darker. The under-eye support system, consisting of fat, muscle, and bone, can be disrupted by time, age, and lifestyle choices. Loss of any of these tissues can lead to increased creasing. Genetics and aging, alongside lifestyle and health, are significant factors in the shape and creases under the eyes.
Additionally, the under-eye area has a lymphatic drainage system, which plays a role in fluid retention, balance, and immune function. Impacts on this system, hydration levels, or immune response can affect the under-eye shape and crease.
Common lifestyle changes affecting under-eye shape and creasing include:
- Diet and Nutrition: Excessive salt intake can affect body hydration and increase puffiness. A Mediterranean, whole plant-based diet with minimal meat, processed, or packaged foods is beneficial and may help reduce the appearance of bags under your eyes.
- Getting Enough Sleep: We know that sleep plays a major role in balancing our bodies fluid and hydration levels. Lack of sleep can alter this natural hydration rebalance if and also potentially triggering an immune response influencing the under-eye lymphatic, resulting in less puffiness under the eyes.
- Stress: Stress hormone levels may influence inflammation and hydration, alluding to bags under the eyes.
- Allergies: Local or systemic allergies can affect bags under eyes.
- Dehydration Changes in hydration levels, like after exercise or alcohol consumption, impact the area
- Marijuana usage : THC may dilate blood vessels, affecting under-eye creasing and dark circles.
- Skin and Health Conditions: Conditions like dermatitis can be a factor in the appearance of dark circles and under-eye bags
- Trauma or pressure under the eye: For example tight pressure from eyewear especially tight swim goggles can influence fluid distribution and worsen puffy eyes
- Ozempic Face/Large Weight Loss: Loss of facial fat or muscle can accentuate under-eye creases.
READ MORE: What is Ozempic?
EyeRise: Non-Surgical Eye Bag Removal Using Cosmetic Injectables
If these lifestyle changes aren’t helping improve the appearance of the bags under your eyes, a non-surgical eyebag removal treatment might be what’s best for you. At VERVE Medical Cosmetics, Dr. Stephen Bracci’s renowned EyeRise eye rejuvenation procedure has helped thousands of patients reduce the appearance of under-eye bags and dark circles without any surgical cutting or stretching of the skin.
The area around the eyes is one of the most difficult areas to treat as it requires a blend of hyaluronic acid fillers and firmer fillers such as Radiesse or Sculptra.
READ MORE: How Do I Choose the Right Under Eye Treatment?
In summary, the under-eye area is highly sensitive to health, metabolic changes, weight, hydration, or allergic responses in our bodies. Lifestyle choices can significantly impact the harmony in the under eye area.