Under Eye Bags

Obliterate Under Eye Bags 

Regardless of age, gender, or ethnicity, puffy eye bags are a medical condition that we all must deal with at one point in our lives. While eye bags are not fatal or even a serious medical condition, they could be an indicator of other underlying medical conditions. Here, you will be able to find information on the definition, causes, and treatments for the removal of under eye bags. 
 
Under eye bags are essentially the swelling or puffiness that forms beneath the eyes. This swelling can also include a dark discoloration of the skin. Under eye bags have other names such as dark circles, bags under the eyes, and eye puffiness. 
 
Causes 
Whether it be for health concerns or for cosmetic concerns, many people have wondered what causes bags under the eyes and how to get rid of them. One main cause of under eye bags that is difficult to reverse is aging. As we age, the tissues around our eyes and the muscles supporting our eyelids begin to weaken. The subcutaneous fat that also supports our eyes can also move lower and accumulate beneath our eyes adding to the puffy look. 
 
Changes in the weather, a diet heavy in salty foods, and hormone levels can cause the under eyes to retain fluid which will contribute to the swelling and discoloration. In addition, a very common cause of under eye bags, which I'm sure all of us have been scolded about, is a lack of sleep. Heredity can also be a cause of under eye bags. If under eye bags run in your family, you are more likely to have them. 
 
Lastly, under eye bags could be a result of your own allergies. Allergies wreak havoc on your sinus cavities which are located very close to your eyes. Sinus cavity irritation could result in swelling and dark discoloration around the eyes. A skin condition, such as dermatitis, can also contribute to under eye bags especially if redness or itching accompanies the puffiness. 
 
Treatments 
There are many ways to treat under eye bags. I know that while I was growing up, I was given many tips and tricks from my family on how to treat mine. Some of these treatment options are easily obtained and are very affordable, if not free. Other options can be found in drug stores or in the health & beauty section of department stores. These over-the-counter options will usually come with a sizeable price tag and contain a myriad of chemicals. 
 
To ensure that you receive the most current and inclusive information, I will introduce you to both types of treatments. People tend to be divided on what types of treatments are best. Some people feel that natural home remedies are healthier and gentler on the budget. Others feel that an expensive product created by scientists and cosmetologists grants a level of expertise and authority to the treatment making it more likely to succeed. I will let you make that decision for yourself. 
 
OTC (Over-the-counter) Treatments 
Over-the-counter treatments for under eye bags can come in multiple forms with varying combinations of chemicals, vitamins, minerals, and medications that are designed to reduce or eliminate your dark circles. 
 
Creams and serums are the most common over-the-counter treatment sought by those suffering from dark circles. In addition to creams, there are also adhesive pads that attach to the skin and allow its minerals and medications to be absorbed into your eye bags over time. There are even small, hand-held rollers designed to be used on your under eyes to redistribute excess liquids and promote healthy blood circulation. 
 
Home Remedies 
Home remedies are a popular treatment for dark circles, not only because they are easy to obtain, but also because they're more affordable than their mainstream counterparts and contain fewer chemicals. 
 
A cold compress is the most common home remedy to reduce the swelling of bags under the eyes. If you want the full spa treatment from the comfort of your own home, try using cucumber slices to alleviate swelling and promote circulation. For those of you who love tea, a moistened and chilled tea bag can also be used. The caffeine and antioxidants in tea bags will reduce puffiness, reduce fluid retention, and clear the discoloration. 
 
Another type of treatment for under eye bags is essential oils. An essential oil is a natural oil that is obtained by distillation and retains the fragrance from the plant or source from which it is extracted. 
 
Almond oil is a popular essential oil that can be applied directly to your skin before bed every night to improve circulation with its healthy dose of vitamins. Pure emu oil for eye bags has been a trend in Australia and New Zealand for hundreds of years. Emu oil has been praised for its ability to reduce the signs of aging and reduce inflammation around the eyes. 
 
Sources:

 
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bags-under-eyes/basics/definition/con-20034185 
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bags-under-eyes/basics/causes/con-20034185 
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/06/08/undereye-bags-causes-and-treatments_n_7521978.html 
http://www.webmd.com/beauty/ss/slideshow-banish-the-bags-under-your-eyes 
http://www.top10homeremedies.com/how-to/how-to-get-rid-of-dark-circles-fast.html 
http://diyremedies.org/almond-oil-for-dark-circles/ 
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-825-emu%20oil.aspx?activeingredientid=825&activeingredientname=emu%20oil