What Causes Under-Eye Bags?
Jan 04, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Cui Xin
Introduction
1. Excessive water intake in the evening: Avoid drinking large amounts of water before bedtime to prevent periorbital edema (puffy eyes) upon waking the next morning.
2. Poor ocular blood circulation: Pay attention to improving blood circulation around the eyes and avoid overstraining the eyes.
3. Inadequate sleep: Chronic sleep deprivation and frequent late-night activity not only contribute to the development of under-eye bags and dark circles but also accelerate skin aging.
Under-eye bags refer to sagging, swollen skin beneath the lower eyelids, forming a pouch-like appearance. Based on their underlying causes, under-eye bags are broadly classified into two categories: primary (congenital) and secondary (acquired). Primary under-eye bags often have a familial or genetic predisposition and are commonly seen in younger individuals. Secondary under-eye bags are more prevalent among middle-aged and elderly people. Both non-surgical and surgical treatments can effectively reduce or eliminate under-eye bags. But what exactly causes under-eye bags? The following section provides a detailed explanation.
What Causes Under-Eye Bags?
1. Excessive Fluid Intake Before Bedtime
Be mindful of limiting fluid intake in the evening to avoid morning periorbital edema (swelling around the eyes), which may lead to under-eye bags. This occurs because the kidneys cannot efficiently excrete excess fluid overnight.
2. Poor Periorbital Circulation
Maintaining healthy blood circulation around the eyes is essential. Avoid overstraining your eyes; take regular breaks during work to perform eye exercises or gaze into the distance. Gentle massage of key acupressure points around the eyes can also enhance local circulation and help prevent under-eye bag formation.
3. Inadequate Sleep
Insufficient sleep is a leading cause of under-eye bags—especially for women. Chronic sleep deprivation and frequent late-night activity not only promote the development of under-eye bags and dark circles but also accelerate premature skin aging.
4. Physiological Factors
The skin around the eyes is the thinnest in the human body and undergoes substantial mechanical stress—averaging approximately 10,000 blinks per day—making it highly susceptible to aging and laxity. With advancing age and irregular lifestyle patterns—including inconsistent work and rest schedules—metabolism in the periorbital region slows down. Collagen and elastic fibers gradually degrade, while orbital fat begins to accumulate. Eventually, once the supporting skin structure weakens sufficiently, it can no longer contain the accumulated fat, allowing it to protrude forward—resulting in visible under-eye bags.
5. Other Contributing Factors
Prominent under-eye bags are typically attributable to either excessive orbital fat volume or weakened structural support of the lower eyelid, disrupting the natural anatomical equilibrium and permitting orbital fat to herniate beyond its normal confines. Additional contributing factors include renal disease, pregnancy, chronic sleep deprivation, or general fatigue—all of which may lead to fluid retention and subsequent periorbital swelling.
The above outlines the main causes of under-eye bags. We hope this information is helpful to you.
