The skin under your eyes doesn’t discriminate: bags, puffiness, and dark circles can and do affect men – and let’s face it, that ‘barely slept’ look isn’t ever on-trend.
But despite their association with tiredness, eye bags can actually be triggered by various causes. And making small changes to your lifestyle can considerably help their appearance.
Let’s take a look at what causes bags under eyes in men, and what you can do to make them a thing of the past!
Table of Contents
What are eye bags in men?
The skin under your eyes is thinner than the skin on any other part of your face, making it one of the areas more likely to show signs of aging, damage, and stress – no matter if you’re a man, woman, or however you identify!
Under eye bags are characterized by slight swelling and puffiness beneath the eyes. So, what’s the culprit? The tissues and muscles around your eyes can naturally weaken over time, making eye bags more common as you age. And as you get older, the fat that supports your under eyes may migrate and sag, making bags look puffier. On top of this, fluids can build up under your eye area at any age.
Difference between bags under eyes and dark circles in men
Bags under the eyes are often confused with dark circles, another common problem affecting men (and everyone!). While you might notice both, eye bags and dark circles are very different. A change in pigment in the skin under the eyes is what causes the appearance of dark circles, while eye bags are actually mild swelling, or puffiness, under the eyes.
The good news? Although bags and circles differ, some lifestyle changes and all-in-one eye creams can target both.
What causes bags under eyes in men?
Various factors can cause under eye bags to form, and while they’re usually connected with burning the candle at both ends, this isn’t always the reason behind your puffy-eyed look.
There are both genetic and lifestyle factors that can cause eye bags in men:1
- Sleep (or lack thereof): When you wake up, you may find that fluids have settled in the tissue under your eyes.
- Smoking: Nicotine is known to disturb sleep patterns and also contribute to dehydration — both of which can lead to eye bags.
- Genetics: Under eye bags can run in the family.
- Dehydration: A lack of hydration can cause the skin under your eyes to appear less structured.
- Certain medical conditions: Many conditions can lead to the appearance of eye bags, making it important to chat with your dermatologist or doctor about any concerns.
- Bloating: Fluids can build up in your body after eating salty foods or drinking alcohol.
- Allergies: They can contribute to swelling around the nasal and under eye area.
- Alcohol: Drinking can contribute to both bloating and dehydration, exacerbating eye bags.
- Aging: Skin naturally sags as we age (under the eyes and everywhere else).
Lifestyle factors can definitely play a role in under-eye bags. But, most of the time, they’re linked to that last point: the skin’s natural aging process.
As you get older, it’s easier for fluid to build up in the skin under your eyes – and as the skin in this area is so delicate and thin, it becomes much easier for us (and others) to notice this buildup.
So, how do men help reduce bags under their eyes? Let’s find out.
Simple steps to reduce bags under your eyes
To lessen the appearance of puffy eyes, there are some easy changes you can make to your day-to-day habits. In combination with other small lifestyle changes. under-eye skincare is key in helping you look more rested and refreshed. Here are some steps all men can take to help reduce the appearance of under eye bags:
1. Change your sleep habits
While it’s true that a lack of sleep isn’t usually the main cause of under-eye bags in men, it certainly doesn’t help matters! The CDC recommends that adults get at least 7 hours of sleep a night. Take their advice, and you’ll be more likely to wake up feeling alert and refreshed – as will your eyes – as your body restores itself overnight.
Waking up several times during the night takes away from your overall 7+ hours, so find out what works for you to ensure a good night’s rest. Invest in a decent mattress, get blackout blinds, or wind down before you go to sleep with a good book. Prepare yourself for sleep, and you’ll find it comes much easier.
2. Get enough fluids
Do you know how much water you drink every day? If the answer is ‘no’ and eye bags are a common concern for you, then perhaps you should start keeping track.
Dehydration can contribute to the appearance of under-eye bags, as your body tries to retain fluid where it can. How much water you should be drinking varies depending on your sex, age, and activity level. But, a good rule of thumb is to remember the 8×8 rule, which is at least eight 8-ounce glasses a day.
3. Invest in a good eye cream
Applying an eye cream every morning and evening takes only a few seconds, but it can make a world of difference to those puffy, tired-looking eyes. In applying an eye cream, you’re hydrating the thin skin under your eyes, helping to keep it elastic and smooth. Formulas such as our soothing vitamin k oxide eye cream Isdinceutics K-Ox Eyes help to target the visible signs of aging – think puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines – all in one.
By using an eye cream every day, you’ll be helping to make the just-rolled-out-of-bed look a thing of the past. In the AM, reach for a cream with a cooling applicator to help wake your eyes up without fail. Then in the evening, use a formula that can give the skin under your eyes the moisturizing and antioxidant care it needs.
4. Cut back on salty foods
Increased salt consumption can lead to fluid retention – which, simply put, means the more salt you eat, the more fluid your body stores. As fluid can build up in the delicate under-eye area, one way to try and help prevent this is by reducing your salt intake.
Potato chips, smoked food like bacon, and even canned vegetables and soups can be higher in their salt content. So, always check the label and prepare fresh food at home when you can.
5. Get your vitamins
Wondering what vitamin is good for puffy eyes? While there’s no magic pill you can take to reduce the look of eye bags, try adding a supplement that supports overall skin health to your routine. Vitamin C and E specifically work together to support the skin’s natural processes and healthy blood flow.
Topical vitamins and antioxidants can also help the eye area look more youthful and alert. Formulas with vitamin K oxide help support blood circulation and restore brightness. And instead of only relying on caffeine in your morning coffee, try adding it to your skincare routine! Eye creams with caffeine can offer antioxidant power to help detoxify the delicate skin around the eyes and minimize fine lines.
There are many quick-fix remedies out there for bags under the eyes in men – think spoons on the eyes, or cold tea bags – but if you’re looking to tackle puffiness head-on, then these lifestyle changes combined with a soothing eye cream should do the trick long-term. Start today, and tackle those bags in no time!
Sources and references:
1 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bags-under-eyes/symptoms-causes/syc-20369927
2 https://doi.org/10.5665/sleep.2964
3 https://www.cdc.gov/features/sleep/index.html
4 https://www.nap.edu/webcast/webcast_detail.php?webcast_id=261
5 https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/oedema/
6 https://academic.oup.com/sleep/article/36/9/1355/2453883
Article written and reviewed by:
Amy is a content strategist who turned a part-time obsession with skincare into a full-time passion. Her experience as a creative storyteller includes a range of lifestyle and technology topics across Washington D.C. and Barcelona. What's in her travel bag? Eye contour cream and sunscreen, always.
Thanks for the tips. I’m have children that never let me sleep. So I’m going to get that cream