Causes of Under-Eye Bags

The skin around the eyes, also known as the periorbital skin, is delicate and thinner than skin anywhere else in the body. Any sort of irritation or stress in that area is likely to become visible. The periorbital skin is the first place most people begin to wrinkle and show signs of aging. When people appear to have what has been called "bags under the eyes" the blood vessels in the skin around the eyes are filled with fluid which slightly stretches the skin; this accumulation of fluid looks like a bag. In addition to the puffiness, there is a darkness in the area because the blood that is pooling at the surface gives the skin a darker hue. These bags, which can make you look older, tired and unhealthy, are caused by a number of factors.

Genetics

• Like varicose veins, and other edema problems, the tendency to accumulate fluid in the blood vessels under the eyes can be genetic--that's why even though under-eye bags mostly plagues adults, it can be seen in some children. If you're predisposed to under-eye bags because of heredity, any of the other factors that cause the condition will make you more susceptible to developing the bags. If you have inherited deep set bone structure in the eye area, the bags will be more pronounced.

Fatigue

• If you haven't been sleeping well, it will likely show under your eyes. Lack of sleep, overworking your body or, overworking your eyes-- as in looking at a computer screen or reading for long periods of time--all cause the blood under the skin to become more visible and that includes the eyes. Getting at least 8 hours of sleep per night and taking breaks while you work will help to combat the fatigue that makes the fluid around your eyes more prominent.

Diet

• Foods and drinks high in sugar, caffeine and salt cause you to retain water and fluid under the eyes. People who drink lots of water and eat a healthy diet, strong in vitamins A, C and E and often have clear and alert-looking eyes. A diet deficient in iron can cause bags too. So eating healthy home-prepared meals low in carbohydrates, sugar and salt will guard against the condition. Also watch out for food with preservatives and additives. Coffee can be a culprit too. Chronic coffee drinkers usually have chronic under-eye bags.

Aging

• As we get older, bags under the eyes may be unavoidable. The periorbital skin only gets more delicate and thin with age. Even if all the other factors leading to bags under the eyes are avoided, the area under the eyes can't possibly look as taut as it once did. Again getting the best possible diet, exercise--that allows the body to sweat out excess fluid and improve blood circulation--and getting plenty of sleep can improve the condition. Some older adults are opting for cosmetic surgery, a procedure called blepharoplasty, to remove the bags.

Other factors

• Menstruation, pregnancy, hormone imbalances, smoking cigarettes, sinus congestion and allergies can all cause under eye bags. Even some medications which widen the blood vessels contribute to the condition. However, these situations are temporary.