Do you sometimes notice puffiness or dark circles under your eyes that leave you looking more tired than you feel? Under-eye bags can be a very common concern for people of all ages, and while surgical options exist, they're certainly not your only choice.
While there isn’t a quick fix to get rid of eye bags once and for all, the good news is that there are natural and practical approaches to reducing under-eye bags that don't involve surgery. Simple lifestyle adjustments and professional skincare treatments can both make a difference in how your under-eye area looks and feels.
What causes under-eye bags?
Under-eye bags can present in many different ways. We often see patients who have hyperpigmentation, fine/deep lines, puffiness, vascularity or a combination of all those things. This occurs when the delicate muscles and skin cells surrounding your eyelid begin to weaken. The fat and tissue that would typically support the muscles will slowly move to your lower eyelid and under-eye area. The next thing you know, you've got some new under-eye real estate you never asked for.
Several factors can cause dark and puffy under-eye bags. This includes:
- Hydration - too much salt intake or excessively drinking alcohol can cause you to retain water and cause swelling.
- Allergies - allergies can lead to swelling, congestion, and inflammation under the eye.
- Genetics - sometimes, under-eye bags can be a physical characteristic that runs in your family.
- Natural ageing process - the most common cause of under-eye bags is ageing, in which you lose firmness in the skin and muscles.
How to remove eye bags at home
If your under-eye bags aren’t severe, we recommend trying a range of at-home remedies. In fact, habitually using products or sticking to a routine can help reduce eye bags in minutes! Although at-home remedies may take longer to show results than cosmetic options, they are an affordable way of reducing eye bags without surgery.
Your at-home daily routine
* This routine is for general guidance only. Consult a dermal professional if you have persistent concerns, sensitive skin, or underlying medical conditions.
Products to reduce eye bags
Dermaceutic Reveal 4X Advanced Eye Serum
5% CX Complex, 0.2% PGA-HA System, 3% Caffeine Complex
Best for: Dark circles, under-eye bags, fine lines, dehydration
Medik8 Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye 10
Twin-Encapsulated Retinaldehyde 0.1%, Hyaluronic Acid Filling Spheres
Best for: Rejuvenation, dull skin, lines, pigmentation
Snail Egg Extract, Retinol, Shea Butter
Best for: Mature skin, volume loss
Professional treatments
If at-home remedies aren't providing the results you're looking for, professional treatments can offer more targeted solutions for under-eye bags. Consider speaking with a dermal clinician when you notice:
- Your under-eye bags are causing significant discomfort.
- Increased puffiness or darkening of the skin.
- Your under-eye bags are persistent and do not improve from lifestyle changes or at-home remedies.
- Your under-eye bags are affecting your confidence and daily life.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are a fan-favourite cosmetic treatment that can help reduce the appearance of your under-eye bags. The peels work by removing the outer layers of damaged skin, revealing smoother and younger-looking skin underneath. The chemical solution used contains acids that dissolve the very top layer of skin, allowing the body to generate new, healthy skin cells.
By removing the old, damaged skin cells, chemical peels can improve the skin’s texture and tone, reducing the appearance of under-eye bags. Additionally, the treatment can stimulate collagen production, which can help plump up the skin.
Under-eye volumisation
Under-eye volumisation addresses the prominent fat pads surrounding the eyes and the dark circles that appear underneath. The treatment uses hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally found in the body that can attract and hold moisture, which helps to plump up the skin.
When administered to the under-eye area, this volumising treatment can fill in hollows, making the skin appear smoother. The treatment is typically quick and relatively comfortable, and the results can last for several months to a year or more.
While under-eye volumisation can target skin laxity and decrease fluid retention, it's important to note that darker eye circles can also be caused by natural pigmentation and skin tone. In these cases, volumising treatments will not be able to lighten these areas.
Rejuran
Rejuran is a relatively new skin healing treatment that uses polynucleotides (DNA fragments) to repair and regenerate skin tissue. When applied to the under-eye area, it helps improve skin thickness, elasticity, and hydration while reducing fine lines and puffiness. The treatment works by stimulating your skin's natural healing process, and can be particularly effective for improving overall skin quality around the delicate eye area.
Ultraformer MPT
The Ultraformer MPT is a cutting-edge non-invasive ultrasound treatment that delivers remarkable results for under-eye concerns. It works by delivering focused energy to deeper skin layers to stimulate collagen production. The under-eye area is left firmer and brighter – with zero downtime!
Laser or LED therapy
Laser and LED treatments use specific wavelengths of light to help stimulate cellular repair and collagen production in the delicate under-eye area. These therapies are proven to help improve skin texture, reduce puffiness, and enhance overall skin quality. The treatments are gentle, comfortable, and can be added to most other treatments.
The two types of laser treatments recommended for under-eye bags are:
A Fraxel resurfacing laser uses non-ablative technology to encourage collagen production and remodelling. Fraxel can help improve hollow under-eyes, fine lines, and skin laxity while also targeting superficial pigmentation to brighten the eye area.
The Picoway treatment can be customised to target different types of pigmentation and shadowing in the under-eye area. It can also promote collagen and elastin production, helping to improve overall skin quality and firmness around the eyes.
We’ll help you restore, refresh, and reduce puffy eyebags
If you're struggling to get rid of under-eye bags, don't hesitate to reach out to Victorian Dermal Group. Our team of experienced dermal clinicians offers a range of non-surgical cosmetic treatments to address targeted areas and help reduce your under-eye bags.
