Bags Under Eyes in Men: How to Fight Back

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Waking up with puffy eyes happens to us all every once in a while. And especially after a late night or a heavy dinner. But for some of us, it’s more than an occasional concern.

Despite their association with tiredness, eye bags can actually be triggered by various causes. And making small lifestyle changes can help make a world of difference.

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.

What are eye bags in men?

The skin under your eyes is thinner than the skin on any other part of your face. This makes it one of the areas most 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.

What causes bags under the eyes in men (and everyone)? 

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 a puffy-eyed look.

There are both genetic and lifestyle factors that can cause eye bags in men:

• Dehydration: A lack of hydration can cause the skin under your eyes to appear less structured.
• 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 — adding insult to injury.
• Genetics: Under eye bags can run in the family.
• Certain medical conditions: Some health 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 excess fluid to build up in the skin under your eyes. And since the skin in this area is so delicate and thin, it becomes much easier for us (and others) to notice this buildup.

Simple steps to help reduce bags under your eyes

So, how can men lessen the look of bags under their eyes? Together with minor lifestyle changes, under-eye skincare is key in helping you look more rested and refreshed. Here are some steps you 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 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 your body restores itself while you sleep.

This goes for your skin too. Your skin works overnight to repair damage suffered during the day. This means your skin is especially receptive to revitalizing skincare ingredients. That leads us to our next point…

2. Invest in a good eye cream

A splash of cold water. Chilled spoons. Looking for more remedies to get help rid of puffy eyes in the morning? It might be simpler than you thought. In the AM, reach for an eye cream with a cooling applicator to help wake your eyes up without fail.

That way, beyond just cooling and refreshing the skin, you’re also nourishing and hydrating it. Look for a eye cream formula featuring hyaluronic acid. This hydration hero helps to keep the skin elastic and smooth, minimizing the look of bags.

3. Get enough fluids

Do you know how much water you drink every day? If eye bags are a concern, you might want to set a daily intake goal.

Dehydration can contribute to the appearance of under-eye bags, as your body tries to retain fluid wherever 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.

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 mentioned, fluid can build up in the delicate under-eye area. And one way to try and help prevent this is by reducing your salt intake.

Potato chips, smoked foods like bacon, and even canned vegetables and soups can be high in salt. 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 puffiness, 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 can help restore brightness.

Difference between bags under eyes and dark circles in men

Bags under the eyes are often confused with dark circles, another common concern affecting men (and everyone!). While you might notice both, eye bags and dark circles aren’t one in the same.

Eye bags are actually a mild swelling, or puffiness, of the skin under your eyes. But dark circles are a change in pigment, or skin color. And they can form due to poor blood circulation leading to oxidation in the delicate under-eye area. Through the natural aging process, dark circles can become even more visible as our skin becomes thinner and loses its support from collagen and elastin.

The good news? Although bags and circles differ, some lifestyle changes and all-in-one eye creams can target both.

What should my skin routine be to help minimize dark circles?

In the morning: Reach for our soothing vitamin k oxide eye cream K-Ox Eyes to help target the visible signs of aging – think puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines and wrinkles – all in one.

In the evening: Use a formula that can give the skin under your eyes the moisturizing and antioxidant care it needs. Eye creams with caffeine, like Vital Eyes, can help detoxify the under-eye area.

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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