What Causes Dark Circles Under the Eyes?
Jan 08, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Cui Xin
Introduction
1. Genetics: While postnatal nourishment may lead to some improvement, its effect is limited.
2. Age: As one ages, fat pads gradually descend, naturally resulting in larger under-eye bags.
3. Sleep: Poor sleep can exacerbate under-eye bags; individuals with chronic sleep deprivation will inevitably exhibit markedly prominent under-eye bags.
Under-eye bags can develop in anyone, commonly resulting from habitual late-night sleeping or excessive fluid intake before bedtime—both of which cause temporary edema. They may also arise from age-related skin laxity leading to sagging, or from physical changes in the orbicularis oculi muscle that deepen the appearance of under-eye bags. When under-eye bags appear, individuals may opt for home remedies such as applying egg whites or cucumber slices to reduce swelling, performing gentle eye massages, or undergoing surgical removal of the bags. Below, we address the question: What causes under-eye bags?
What Causes Under-Eye Bags?
1. Genetics
Congenital under-eye bags are difficult to eliminate later in life. Since under-eye bags are closely linked to internal organ health, prominent bags may indicate a congenitally weaker function in one or more organs. While dietary supplementation and lifestyle adjustments may yield modest improvement, their effect is generally limited.
2. Age
As one ages, orbital fat pads gradually descend due to loss of supportive tissue elasticity, naturally causing under-eye bags to become more pronounced. This is a normal physiological change, and there is no need for excessive concern. For those seeking correction, lower-eyelid blepharoplasty (fat removal or repositioning) may restore a more youthful appearance.
3. Sleep Quality
Poor sleep quality can significantly worsen under-eye bags—especially in individuals with chronic sleep deprivation, where bags often become markedly visible. Prior to bedtime, relaxing the mind and body—such as through a warm bath or foot soak—can help induce deeper, more restorative sleep and thereby alleviate under-eye bag formation.
4. Spinal Pressure
Excessive spinal pressure—often stemming from poor posture—can contribute to under-eye bag development and exacerbate facial wrinkles. Those who frequently crane their necks forward (e.g., while using electronic devices) should incorporate regular stretching and postural correction exercises to relieve spinal tension, which may gradually improve under-eye bag appearance.
5. Periorbital Venous Stasis
Sleep deprivation or prolonged fatigue prevents the eyelids from fully resting, keeping them in a chronically tense, shortened state. This leads to sustained increases in local blood flow, resulting in vascular engorgement within the periorbital subcutaneous tissue and subsequent venous stasis—manifesting as dark, bluish-black discoloration beneath the eyes.
The above outlines the primary causes of under-eye bags. We hope this information is helpful to you.
