Under-eye Bags

The appearance of under-eye bags is one of the number one cosmetic concerns and in many cases, have a phycological impact on how we see ourselves. There are multiple influencing factures such as our genetics followed by our lifestyle choices. Let’s first understand the main causes and then unpack all the solutions!

The big why!

We all have natural fat pads/pockets underneath and above our eyes. These pockets protect our eye sockets and gives it a firm, plump shape. As we age and our delicate skin around our eyes thin, these padded pockets become more visible and even protrude as our tissue structure, collagen, elastin and muscles weaken and sag.

The three fat pads underneath your eyes are known as Lower lateral, middle and medial fat pads. Your Upper eye lid has two fat pads known as Upper middle and medial fat pads. As the skin weakens these fat pockets shift making the under-eye area appear puffier and more swollen. The fat padding that prolapses is referred to as orbital fat.

Are there different types of under-eye puffy bags?

Under-eye bags are defined as having loose skin, sagging skin, pockets of fat and puffy bags. The bags cause visible shadows underneath the eyes and normally go hand in hand with under-eye dark circles or shadows.

Let’s unpack the typical causes:

• Genetics plays a main part to the extent of your under-eye-puffy bags.
• The natural aging process.
• Fluid retention, especially upon waking or due to a high salt intake diet.
• Your diet plays unquestionable a roll – High salt intake especially before bedtime.
• Lack of sleep or sleeping on a pillow that is too low. Tip: Prop up the head of your bed a few inches, or simply choose a higher pillow.
• Allergies: If you suffer from seasonal or other types of allergies, you may develop eye bags as your body releases histamines. Histamines cause fluid to accumulate and leak from blood vessels under your eye, this causes puffiness and fluid retention.
• Sinus challenges.
• Dehydration, too much salt or not enough water.
• Smoking: Smoking accelerates the loss of collagen and releases free radicals within your skin causing it to age more rapidly.
• Alcohol consumption causes dehydration and the area around the eyes accumulate water in the form of water retention.
• Excessive pulling and tugging including behavioral rubbing.
• Make-up containing irritating ingredients. Even old make-up that might contain bacteria.
• Medical conditions, such as dermatitis, dermatomyositis, renal disease and thyroid.

The treatment solutions:

These are the most frequently asked questions:

From what age should I start using eye treatment products? – My answer, as from 18.

Is it not enough to just use my normal moisturiser underneath my eyes?

My advice: The skin underneath your eyes is much thinner than the rest of your face and therefore needs a more delicate approach when it comes to ingredients. For example, oil based formulations (occlusives) will increase puffiness and formulations that contain high percentages of actives, might irritate the eyes. It is therefore important to use products and ingredients that contains specialized ingredients specifically compounded for the eye zone.

Let ingredients work for you!

Dipeptide -2

This ingredient is available in the Nourishing Eye Balm and the Phyto Eye Contour Mask.

This peptide reduces puffy bags and drains fluid retention by regulating blood pressure in the small blood vessels around the eyes. Increased blood circulation around the eyes is key!

Panthenol (B5) in the Nourishing Eye Balm & Phyto Eye Contour Mask:

Ideal for allergic, itchy irritated eye zone conditions. Panthenol quickly soothes and calms down irritation that often causes puffiness.

Lilium candidum flower extract in the Anti-puffiness Eye Serum:

Relieves swelling and water-retention while it effectively hydrates the eye zone.

Oat kernel extract in the Anti-puffiness Eye Serum:

This ingredient reduces the appearance of puffy eyes with a firming and lifting effect. Firming the loose wrinkled skin around the eye orbit.

Caffeine extract in the Phyto Eye Contour Mask:

Topically applied caffeine acts as a diuretic, helping to reduce fluid retention under the eye and therefore reduce under eye puffiness.

Chlorilla vulgaris and laminaria digitata extract found int the Phyto Eye Contour Mask: The combination of these two ingredients naturally contains B3 & B12 & K and is also rich in amino acids which assist the eye zone area with improved skin texture and visible improve the appearance of the eye zone are.

The Phyto Eye Contour Mask and Anti-puffiness Eye Serum was formulated with a scientifically proven concentrated compound of Ptychopetalum Olacoides Bark/Stem Extract, Pfaffia Paniculata Root Extract and Lilium Candidum Flower Extract. This star ingredient increases lipolysis which decreases the fat deposit on the periorbital area, those fat pockets underneath your eyes. This is a must have product as a leave-on evening treatment.

Cannabis sativa oil found in the Phyto Eye Contour Mask. This ingredient does not contain TCH and has a soothing and anti-inflammatory effect for the delicate area around the eyes.

Hydrating Collagen Eye Patches:

Immediate relief! Place these patches in the fridge and use as an eye mask to reduce the appearance of puffy eyes. The patches contains a hydrogel base with cross-linked Hydrophilic molecules. The patch is infused with Hydrolysed collagen, Ceramide NP and Milk Lipids which improves the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and prevents epidermal water loss. The perfect treatment in combination with the Anti-puffiness Eye Serum.

Professional Eye Zone Treatments offered by K Phyto-ceuticals:

By incorporating professional treatments with homecare, you can accelerate your treatment results! Connect with your professional K Phyto-ceutical Skincare Specialist to explore the 2 Professional treatment options to improve the treatment results of the delicate eye zone.

Vitamin C Eye Zone Treatment: Boost the eye zone area with a natural, organic antioxidant, Vitamin C, that will accelerate rejuvenation and cell turnover. On application the phyto acid medium will form a firm film onto the treatment area that will improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles up to 72 hours.

Hyaluron Eye Zone Treatment: Experience the luxurious sensory Hyaluron Eye Zone Treatment. This comforting treatment includes the application of the alginate mask formulated with brown sea kelp, hyaluronic acid and rose essential oil. This cooling treatment will alleviate puffiness, irritation, reduce fine lines leaving the eye zone visibly relaxed and hydrated.

Medical Treatments:

Usually, eye bags do not indicate a serious condition, they can possibly be symptomatic of other problems. For example, if they occur suddenly, they may indicate that you have a thyroid condition like Graves’ disease. Please consult your medical practitioner!

There are several eye zone treatments focusing on the reduction of under-eye-bags. These include laser resurfacing, chemical peels and fillers. These treatments are designed to tighten skin, improve its tone, and reduce the appearance of bags under the eyes. Talk with your ophthalmologist if you want to learn more about these treatment options.

Surgical treatments (invasive) are also available and very common solutions.

• Transcutaneous Blepharoplasty – external incision in the lower eyelid to access the fat pockets.
• Transconjunctival Blepharoplasty – Incision is made from the Inside of the eyelid, behind the eyelid skin to access the fat pockets. This is also referred to as lower blepharoplasty).
• Hooded eye lids can also be sculpted through a surgical procedure.
• Bags Under Eyes When Smiling? Having small bulges appear only when smiling or laughing is completely normal and can be unnoticeable to others. This is due to the activity of the orbicularis oculi and not recommended to surgically remove it.

For a complete skincare assessment, connect with one of our K Skincare Experts to book for a consultation or simply invest in your own homecare routine to visibly treat puffy eyes. Always keep in mind that your lifestyle plays an important role when treating this particular concern.