Health issues can often be detected through the eyes. The appearance of dark circles or eye bags should raise concern, as they may not solely result from insufficient sleep but could be directly linked to underlying health conditions.
Why Do Eye Bags Form?
Dr. Wang Haibin, Chief Physician of Plastic Surgery at Guangdong Provincial Second People's Hospital, explained in an interview that the skin around our eyes is relatively thin. When the underlying tissue is both thin and loose, it becomes prone to edema, leading to the formation of eye bags.
Multiple factors contribute to eye bags, with genetics playing a significant role. As we age, this issue becomes increasingly noticeable. Physiological factors also play a part: the skin around our eyes is the thinnest on our body, yet it undergoes extensive daily movement, making it more prone to sagging and aging.
Compounded by aging and irregular lifestyles—such as frequent late nights—these habits disrupt the eye area's metabolism. This leads to gradual loss of elastic fibers and collagen in the skin, eventually forming under-eye bags.
Which bodily functions, when impaired, contribute to eye bags?
1. Body Edema
For most people, eye bags stem from body edema. Once the edema subsides, noticeable bags appear around the eyes. Individuals experiencing this should undergo comprehensive gastrointestinal function tests at a hospital. Gastrointestinal dysfunction can cause body edema, leading not only to eye bags but also puffiness around the eyes, affecting appearance.
2. Poor Periorbital Blood Circulation
Excessive eye strain, vigorous eye rubbing, and sleep deprivation can disrupt blood flow around the eyes, triggering under-eye bags. Individuals in this category should reduce computer and phone usage and avoid staying up late.
3. Spleen deficiency
The spleen governs the transformation and transportation of fluids. When spleen and stomach function is weak, bodily fluid metabolism is impaired. Excess moisture and fluids cannot be expelled efficiently, disrupting fat metabolism. The delicate skin around the eyes is particularly vulnerable; accumulated fluid causes swelling, eventually forming eye bags.Additionally, the eyelid skin may become undernourished, losing elasticity and becoming lax and weak. Over time, this can lead to drooping eyelids.
How to reduce under-eye bags?
1. Apply warm compresses or cucumber/potato slices
Soak a towel in 50°C (122°F) water, wring it out, and place it over the under-eye area for about 10 minutes to relieve puffiness. Alternatively, apply thin slices of cucumber or potato to the bags. This not only hydrates but also reduces inflammation.
2. Massage the eye area
After waking up each morning, thoroughly wash your hands. Use your fingertips to gently massage the skin around your eyes in circular motions for 5 minutes daily until the area becomes slightly red and warm. This promotes local blood circulation and helps reduce under-eye bags.
3. Clever Use of Tea Bags
Place used tea bags directly in the refrigerator. After an hour, gently press them against your eye area for about 15 minutes before removing. The tea polyphenols they contain can improve under-eye bags and dark circles while soothing eye fatigue.
4. Use Eye Care Products
After age 18, choose suitable eye creams or eye masks to nourish the delicate skin around your eyes. These help reduce dark circles, puffiness, and under-eye bags. After application, gently massage the area with your fingers.