Tired Baggy Eyes

Tired, baggy eyes can make you look older, no matter what your age. Sagging skin under your eyes, around the corners and on your eyelids contributes to a tired look. The condition can be temporary or chronic based on factors such as stress, lack of sleep and genes. Speak to your doctor about your eye bags before taking matters into your own hands.

Characteristics

Tired, baggy eyes can manifest themselves through a series of physical characteristics. You will not necessarily experience all of the symptoms of tired, baggy eyes at once, but may notice different signs at one time or another. You may have dark circles under your eyes, minor puffiness or swelling, and noticeable sagging of the skin both underneath your eyes and around your upper eyelids. Itching and redness may accompany the swelling in some cases.

Causes

Tired, baggy eyes can be caused by lack of sleep, of course. Fluid retention is another reason for puffiness and a lethargic look to your eyes in the morning, according to MayoClinic.com. You might also have dark circles under your eyes if you're suffering from seasonal allergies. Finally, genetics play a role in tired, baggy eyes. Drooping skin is a normal part of aging, and some people are more prone to this phenomenon than others.

Home Remedies

You can perk up your tired-looking eyes with a series of home remedies. Cutting back on sodium intake may help, because sodium makes your body retain extra fluid. Reduce fluid retention further with your sleep position -- instead of sleeping flat on your back, raise your head up a bit by physically raising the head of your bed or sleeping in a reclining chair. This position helps fluids drain from your face, so in the morning your eyes won't look as baggy or tired. Get enough rest as another noninvasive remedy for tired eyes. When you've gotten a full night's rest, your entire body will feel refreshed and less droopy. Eye Makeup Tips suggests tightening the skin around your eyes with an anti-aging product that contains alpha-lipoic acid, or ALA. The results of anti-aging products vary among individuals, so spot-test creams or lotions before applying them to your eye area to rule out allergies.

Surgical Treatment

Cosmetic surgery can be a solution for tired, baggy eyes that do not respond to lifestyle modifications. Eyelid surgery of this kind is called blepharoplasty, and removes excess skin from your eyelids. The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery explains that this type of surgery causes temporary swelling and bruising in the eye area, which can be controlled through the application of cold compresses.

Considerations

Tired, baggy eyes may make you self-conscious about your appearance, but in most cases, they do not interfere with your health. Medical insurance does not cover eyelid surgery unless the procedure is deemed medically necessary, such as if your eyelid are drooping so far down that they limit your vision. Consult your doctor about alternative solutions for your tired, baggy eyes if self-care measures are not improving your appearance.

References

Article reviewed by Teresa Mullins Last updated on: Nov 19, 2010

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