What are eye bags?

Eye bags are formed due to the weakening of the muscles around the eye, resulting in a gravitational pull that causes a pouch to form. Over time, there may be an accumulation of excess fat deposits in the pouch, producing what we commonly known as eye bags.

What are the causes of eye bags?

We commonly associate the existence of eye bags with a lack of sleep or the natural ageing process. There are actually many causes of eye bags:

Lack of Sleep

The lack of sleep causes your blood vessels to dilate and increases the retention of blood and fluid around the eyes, resulting in a puffy and swollen appearance in the under-eye area.

Genetic Predisposition

Family history has a part to play in the development of eye bags as well. Some people have a stronger genetic disposition that causes eye bags to appear more prominently as they age.

Stress

When your body is undergoing stress, blood is transported away from your face to your vital organs, causing your face to look pale and drained. On top of that, stress could also affect your sleep cycle, resulting in a lack of restorative sleep that causes an increase in the retention of blood and fluid, further accentuating the swelling.

Allergic Reactions

When allergic reactions occur, cells in your body release a chemical component that causes fluids to leak from your capillaries, resulting in the swelling and puffiness of the lower-eye area.

Degrading of Collagen

As one ages, collagen in your skin starts to degrade, and there is also a reduction in the production of skin-boosting collagen, resulting in sagging of the skin and formation of the pouch where excess fat deposits lie.

What are the different types of eye bag conditions?

Eye bags are generally classified into 3 main types.

Type 1 Eye Bags

Type 1 eye bags are mild and the least prominent of the few types. It occurs when there is only a mild accumulation of fat deposits in the under-eye area. They are generally only visible when one is looking upwards.

Type 2 Eye Bags

Type 2 eye bags are more apparent as there is a larger amount of excess fat deposits accumulated below the eye. These fat deposits are enough to cause small semi-circle shapes to form.

Type 3 Eye Bags

Type 3 eye bags are the most distinct. Large accumulations of excess fat deposits result in larger semi-circle, making the eye bags prominent and distinct. This can cause the individual to look more aged and tired than in reality.