5 Reasons Guys Get Bags Under Their Eyes (and How to Get Rid of Them)

Remember staying up until 3 am watching Jackass reruns on MTV and picking your top 8 friends on Myspace without a care in the world for how you’d feel or look the next day?

And then BOOM, one morning, you wake up with eye bags that cling stubbornly to your face, mocking every late night or stressful day you’ve ever had.

The truth is, dark circles & eye bags are much more nuanced than just your behavior or other external stressors, although they can all play a role.

If you feel like you’re waking up more often than not looking like you just got off a red-eye, then read on as we explain more about what causes those baggy eyes and give you some easy ways to help minimize the look of them.

What Are Eye Bags?

Under-eye bags, dark circles, and puffiness are common concerns affecting men and women. While external factors and behaviors can contribute to their appearance, there are underlying causes that deserve attention.

If you frequently wake up with tired-looking eyes, it's essential to understand the reasons behind these issues and discover practical solutions.

Here are five common culprits and strategies to help minimize their appearance:

Eye Bags vs. Dark Circles: What’s the Difference?

Dark circles and eye bags are two of the most common skin issues guys experience. While these two conditions have similar symptoms, they are caused by different things.

Eye bags are caused by fluid buildup in the area below the eye, while dark circles are usually the result of poor circulation or genetics. Dark circles appear as a dark, sunken ring around the eyes, while eye bags are puffier and appear as bulges under the lower eyelid.

Fortunately, there are ways to reduce both conditions with lifestyle changes and simple treatments like moisturizers, sunscreens, more sleep, and staying hydrated.

5 Reasons Men Get Bags Under Their Eyes 

1. Aging

As men age, the skin around their eyes becomes thinner and more delicate, leading to sagging skin and the emergence of under-eye bags. The natural depletion of collagen and elastin, essential proteins responsible for maintaining skin elasticity, contributes to this phenomenon.

2. Lack of Sleep

Insufficient sleep is a significant factor that can cause puffiness and under-eye bags. Sleep deprivation disrupts the body's natural processes, leading to fluid retention and blood vessel dilation, which becomes more noticeable in the delicate under-eye area.

3. Genetics

As if you needed another thing to blame your parents for, genetics play a role in developing under-eye bags. Facial structure and the underlying tissues can determine the severity of bagginess. If it runs in your family, you may be more prone to experiencing this concern.

4. Dehydration

Inadequate hydration can exacerbate the appearance of under-eye bags. When the body lacks proper hydration, it retains water and salt, resulting in puffiness and shadows under the eyes. Drinking enough water throughout the day is crucial for maintaining healthy-looking skin.

5. Allergies

Allergic reactions to common irritants can lead to inflammation and fluid retention, causing under-eye bags to become more prominent. Histamines released during an allergic response can dilate blood vessels and result in puffiness and dark circles.

5 Ways Guys Can Get Rid of Bags Under Their Eyes 

1. Apply Cold Pressure 

Apply cold pressure to the under-eye area. Using a cold compress, such as a chilled spoon, jade roller, or even a bag of frozen veggies wrapped in a cloth, can help reduce swelling, constrict blood vessels, and alleviate puffiness and discoloration in the under-eye area.

2. Get Your Beauty Sleep 

Getting 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night allows the body to recover and rejuvenate, leading to a more refreshed and youthful appearance in the morning.

3. Drink Plenty of Water 

Proper daily hydration helps prevent fluid retention and promotes overall skin health. Drinking an adequate amount of water can minimize under-eye puffiness.

4. Clean Up Your Diet 

A diet rich in antioxidants, collagen-boosting foods, and essential nutrients supports skin health and reduces swelling and puffiness around the eyes. Including fruits, vegetables, and foods high in vitamin C and proteins can be beneficial.

5. Moisturize Daily

Incorporating a high-quality, science-backed moisturizer into your skincare routine can target specific concerns. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and ceramides, known for their hydrating, brightening, and barrier-restoring properties.

Check out Revival by PrettyBoy, a lightweight, cooling gel-cream that immediately invigorates your face, leaving your skin feeling fresh and clean all day. Grab your bottle today right here!

6. Wear Sunscreen

Applying sunscreen with at least SPF 30 shields the skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation, preventing the formation of under-eye bags and dark circles caused by sun damage.

Can Eye Bags Go Away On Their Own?

Under-eye bags may often diminish over time with proper care and lifestyle changes. However, it's important to note that certain medical conditions or severe cases might require professional intervention. If the bags persist, worsen, or are accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it may be time to consult a dermatologist to determine the underlying cause and explore further treatment options.

Conclusion

In conclusion, under-eye bags can be a frustrating and noticeable concern for many men. While external factors and behaviors can contribute to their appearance, it is crucial to recognize the underlying causes and implement effective strategies to minimize their impact. Dark circles, eye bags, and puffiness can be caused by factors such as aging, lack of sleep, genetics, dehydration, and allergies. However, by adopting specific lifestyle changes and incorporating simple treatments, you can reduce their appearance and regain a more refreshed look.

While under-eye bags may diminish over time with proper care and lifestyle adjustments, it is vital to seek professional guidance if they persist, worsen, or are accompanied by other concerning symptoms. A dermatologist or healthcare professional can evaluate the underlying causes and provide further treatment options when necessary. With the proper knowledge and consistent self-care, men can effectively manage and minimize the appearance of under-eye bags, regaining a more youthful and revitalized look.