We’ve all been there — those mornings when you wake up and look in the mirror only to find the ever-so-scary surprise of puffy, tired-looking, something-is-wrong-with-you eyes. A bunch of mood killers, aren’t they?
Well, worry not. We’re going to dive deep into the world of puffy eyes. This article will address queries and confusion about common causes like lack of sleep, allergies, or aging and provide practical advice on reducing or preventing puffy eyes, such as lifestyle changes, popular remedies, and medical treatments.
Let’s spill the beans, shall we?
What do puffy eyes look like?
Puffy eyes are usually identified by swelling under the eyes, on the eyelid, around the orbit, bags under the eye, and the appearance of loose or saggy under-eye skin. These shadows or bags under the eyes may give the appearance of fatigue.
What’s the difference between bags under the eyes & puffy eyes?
| Criteria | Baggy Eyes | Puffy Eyes |
|---|---|---|
| Occurrence | Baggy eyes refer to puffiness or swelling in the lower eyelids. | Whereas puffy eyes are a broader term for swelling or puffiness in the overall area of the eye. |
| Cause | Baggy eyes are mainly caused by sagging of the skin, resulting in the shifting of fat & muscles into the area below your eyes. | Puffy eyes can result from various factors, including fluid retention, allergies, fatigue, or aging. |
| Duration | It’s not always possible to get rid of bags under the eyes, but they can be mitigated by remedies & treatment options. | They usually go away in a day or less. |
Why are my eyes puffy when I wake up?
Here are several reasons for puffy eyes when waking up:
- The retention of water & other fluids by body tissues under eye areas, along with gravity, leads to puffiness or swelling under the eyes.
- Not getting enough sleep (~8 hrs.) can lead to swollen or puffy eyes.
- Allergic reactions from pollen, dust, or pet hair can make your eyes puffy and itchy.
- A diet high in sodium (salt) also contributes to red & puffy eyes.
- High alcohol or caffeine intake
- Aging
Do puffy eyes mean lack of sleep?
While lack of sleep may turn your eyes red and puffy, other factors, such as age, diet, and lifestyle, can also contribute to puffy eyes. So, no, puffy eyes don’t only indicate sleep deprivation.
How long do puffy eyes last?
Puffy eyes usually last up to a day. You can also reduce the swelling using a cold compress or dedicated skincare products such as eye patches, eye cream, or eye serum. Some eye drops can also reduce puffiness.
What allergies cause puffy eyes?
This can occur with food allergies like nuts, shellfish, or dairy products. Allergies to pet fur, saliva, and urine can also cause puffy eyes. Dust mites or tiny insects in bedding, and upholstery can also result in allergic reactions. You can also develop allergies due to skincare products or cosmetics.
Who all gets puffy eyes?
Puffy eyes normally occur as people start to age. Meaning they start to appear in your 30s. Specifically, puffiness occurs in people’s habits, including smoking, drinking, eating, screen time, medical conditions, allergic reactions, etc.
Is it good to put ice on puffy eyes?
Not just ice, you can place anything cold, from an ice pack, a bag of frozen peas, or chilled cucumber slices to even a cold spoon to get relief from puffy eyes. The cooling of the puffed portion helps in reducing the blood flow, which results in lessened swelling.
Is it normal to have puffy eyes every day?
Let’s face it: Puffy eyes are not a red flag, as they tend to disappear within a day. You can keep them at bay by following a healthy diet (less salty), good sleep, and a targeted skincare regime. However, in the worst-case scenario, they don’t disappear even after doing all of that, please consult a dermatologist.
What’s the difference between bags under the eyes and dark circles?
| Criteria | Bags under the eyes | Dark Circles |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Baggy eyes refer to the swelling or puffiness in under-eye skin. | As the name suggests, dark circles refer to under-eye skin's darkening. |
| Cause | Baggy eyes can occur due to aging, genetics, fluid retention, and allergies. | Dark circles are caused due to skin thinning, stress, sun damage, and sleep deprivation. |
| Texture | Eye bags lead to a smoother and somewhat raised or puffy look. | The skin may appear thin, darkened, or pigmented. |
Do bags under the eyes cause dark circles?
Not necessarily. Dark circles and eye bags are different from each other. Baggy eyes refer to puffiness in under-eye skin, whereas dark circles mean darkened skin under the eyes.
Do baggy eyes go away?
Baggy eyes are normally a cosmetic concern that tends to go away with applying cool & hydrating eye patches/masks or placing ice packs or dampened cloth on baggy eyes. Avoid putting ice cubes directly on the puffed part of the eyes. Also, you'd need to consult a dermatologist in case of persistent baggy or puffy eyes.
Can stress cause eye bags?
Yes, stress due to a job, home, relationships, or something else hampers our sleep, diet, & other lifestyle habits, which ultimately leads to eye bags under the eyes or puffy eyes.
Can Ice remove eye bags?
Yes, using a cold compress or anything cold, from ice packs or ice cubes wrapped in a cloth to chilled cucumber slices, helps eliminate bags under the eyes.
What is Eye bags test?
It’s also called a pinch test. The test is to gently lift the skin under your eyes, and if the under-eye darkness disappears in a short while, it’s under-eye bags. If not, then you have dark circles.
How long do eye bags stay?
If the bagginess is not due to genetics, it may be resolved by applying skincare products, home remedies, and surgical procedures. Whereas bagginess due to genetics can’t be removed or resolved thoroughly.
Does everyone have bags under their eyes?
Though many people believe that majorly women (in their 30s-50s) get eye bags, it’s not completely true. An equal proportion of men & women get eye bags.
What age do you start getting eye bags?
Under-eye bags usually occur in our 40s and 50s, although lifestyle practices like smoking and working on computers/laptops for long hours can increase the chances of them showing up earlier. Moreover, individuals in their 20s also experience the appearance of eye bags.
FAQs
What’s the best skincare product for eye bags and puffy eyes?
While several cosmetic & surgical skincare solutions are available to resolve eye bags and puffy eyes, you can use cooling and soothing eye patches with a healthy diet, good sleep, & cold patches.
Are Petitfee eye patches safe for all skin types?
Yes, undoubtedly, it’s safe for all skin types! Eye masks help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, crow's feet, and dark circles.
Is it okay to use eye patches every day?
While eye patches are not limited, it is better to use a pair before using your eye cream morning or night for best results. The eye patches are infused with seaweed and blueberry only to give you that not-tired look! It is recommended to use it daily or 3-4 times a week. Consistency will ensure faster and more effective results.
How to use Petitfee eye patches for puffy eyes & eye bags?
- Clean your face thoroughly
- Tidy the skin of your eye rim with toner.
- Scoop the eye mask with a spatula in the package and apply it to fit the shape of your eye.
- Take off the patch after a light rest with a cool feeling for about 15-20 minutes.
- Wrap up with a moisturizer if necessary.
Can eye patches for puffy eyes or baggy eyes be used as a part of daily skincare routine?
Yes, we’d recommend using eye patches 3-4 times weekly. Make it a part of your morning or night routine. Keep it consistent to get promising results.