The under-eye area is the most delicate part of the face. Sagging skin under the eyes is a common concern that can affect people at any age. While some may naturally have prominent saggy skin, others develop them due to factors like ageing, lack of sleep, or unhealthy lifestyle habits.
Loose skin around the eyes can give the impression of fatigue or sick health, making it challenging to maintain a refreshed and youthful appearance—even with makeup.
But don’t worry—there’s plenty you can do to address these issues and restore confidence in your appearance. In this blog, we will look at the main reasons why skin under the eyes sags. We will also talk about the best treatments to help you achieve brighter skin & cover everything you need to know about sagging skin under eyes.
What Causes Under Eye Skin Sagging?
Sagging skin under the eyes can be discouraging, but you don’t have to bear it forever. Many factors can cause this issue, including:
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Ageing
Ageing is the most common cause of saggy skin under the eyes. As we age, our skin loses collagen and elastin, which are proteins responsible for skin firmness and elasticity. Additionally, the skin’s ability to retain moisture diminishes, leading to thinning & sagging.
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Genetics
Genetics play a significant role in skin structure and elasticity. If saggy skin runs in your family, you may be more predisposed to developing it under your eyes.
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Sun Exposure
Prolonged exposure to UV rays breaks down collagen and elastin fibres, causing premature skin ageing and sagging.
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Weight Fluctuations
Frequent weight loss and gain can stretch the skin, making it more likely to sag, including in the delicate under-eye area.
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Fluid Retention
Fluid retention due to hormonal changes, salty diets, or medical conditions can lead to puffiness and sagging under the eyes.
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Sleep Deprivation
Chronic lack of sleep can exacerbate under-eye puffiness and contribute to skin sagging over time.
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Tanning
Frequent tanning, whether through natural sun exposure or tanning beds, accelerates skin damage and the breakdown of collagen.
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Sun Damage
Prolonged exposure to the sun’s harmful rays can cause significant skin damage, including under-eye sagging, by weakening the skin’s structural proteins.
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Skin Inflammation
Chronic inflammation from conditions like eczema or allergies, and rubbing the eyelids, can weaken the skin, leading to sagging under the eyes.
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Smoking
Smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and damages collagen and elastin fibres, making the skin around the eyes more prone to sagging.
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Dehydration
Insufficient hydration can cause the skin to lose its plumpness and elasticity, contributing to sagging under the eyes.
Symptoms of Loose Skin Around Eyes
The skin beneath the eyes is naturally thinner due to the minimal fat in this area, making it less elastic. This is a normal characteristic of the skin’s structure and not usually a cause for concern. However, it’s essential to monitor for specific changes in this delicate area. Below are the main symptoms of the loose skin around eyes.
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Reduced elasticity
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Hollowness
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Puffiness
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Wrinkles and fine lines
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Dark circles
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Mild swelling
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Drier skin than usual
How to Get Rid of Loose Skin Under Eyes?
If your eyes appear tired or older, even after a good night’s sleep, there are various treatments available that can rejuvenate and firm the skin beneath your eyes. Here’s a closer look at each treatment and how it can help.
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Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
For those dealing with significant sagging skin, eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty may be the best option. This procedure involves removing excess skin, fat, and muscle from the eyelids to restore a youthful look. While recovery takes longer than non-surgical methods, the results are more permanent and can even improve vision for some individuals.
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Under-Eye Fillers (Tear Trough Fillers)
Under-eye fillers are a quick and effective solution for sagging or hollow skin beneath the eyes. These fillers, often made of hyaluronic acid—a substance naturally found in the body—plump the skin, reducing droopiness and shadows. This treatment gives instant results and can last 6 months to a year, depending on the filler used. With minimal downtime and a 15-minute procedure, fillers are a convenient choice, though maintenance treatments are needed to sustain results.
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Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF)
PRF uses components of your own blood, such as fibrin, stem cells and growth factors to naturally regenerate the skin. The process involves drawing your blood, processing it into a gel and injecting it under the eyes or other areas of concern. PRF improves skin texture, tightens sagging skin and stimulates collagen production. Results take 3-4 months to fully see and last up to a year. Treatments are spaced 12 weeks apart for best results.
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Polynucleotides for Regeneration
Polynucleotide injections, also known as PDRN therapy, promote collagen and elastin production, helping to smooth and firm the under-eye area. This treatment minimises the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and loose skin. Results typically become visible three months after completing 2-4 treatments and can last about six months. Maintenance sessions every few months keep the skin looking fresh and youthful.
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UltraClear Laser
The UltraClear Laser is a treatment approved by the FDA that aims to improve skin texture and tone. By targeting small areas of skin, it stimulates collagen and elastin production, reducing wrinkles & uneven pigmentation. This procedure is quick, comfortable, and requires minimal downtime, making it a popular choice for those seeking smoother & firmer under-eye skin.
Home Remedies to Tighten Skin Under Eyes
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Egg White Mask
Apply a thin layer of egg white under your eyes. Once it dries, rinse it off with lukewarm water. Egg whites have skin-tightening properties that can help reduce sagging.
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Coffee Grounds and Honey
Mix coffee grounds with honey to create a paste. Apply it under your eyes for about 10 minutes. The caffeine helps reduce puffiness, and honey hydrates the skin.
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Rose Water
Soak cotton pads in chilled rose water and place them on your eyes for 10-15 minutes. Rose water soothes and tones the skin.
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Coconut Oil
Gently massage a few drops of coconut oil under your eyes before bedtime. Coconut oil nourishes and moisturises the skin, helping to improve elasticity.
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Green Tea Bags
Chill used green tea bags and place them on your eyes for 10 minutes. Green tea is rich in antioxidants that reduce inflammation & tighten the skin.
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Almond Oil and Vitamin E
Mix almond oil with a few drops of vitamin E oil and massage it under your eyes. This combination hydrates and repairs the skin.
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Cold Compresses
Apply a cold compress to the under-eye area for a few minutes. This can reduce puffiness and tighten the skin temporarily.
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Cucumber Slices
Place chilled cucumber slices over your eyes for 10-15 minutes. Cucumbers hydrate and soothe the skin while helping to tighten it.
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Aloe Vera Gel
Apply pure aloe vera gel to the under-eye area and leave it on for 15-20 minutes. Aloe vera deeply hydrates and enhances skin elasticity.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with sagging skin under eyes can negatively impact your self-esteem, but you don’t have to endure it alone. There are numerous methods to tackle this widespread concern, ranging from effective skincare products to straightforward lifestyle changes & medical treatments. It’s essential to pay attention to the sensitive skin around your eyes, so ensure you’re getting plenty of sleep, applying sunscreen, & maintaining proper hydration.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is my under eye skin suddenly saggy?
Saggy skin under the eyes happens when the muscles and tissues supporting your eyelids become weak. This can cause the skin to droop, and fat that usually stays around the eye can move down into the area beneath your eyes. Sometimes, fluid can also build up there, making it look puffy.
2. Is saggy skin permanent?
In many cases, if you lose some weight, the skin might bounce back, especially if it hasn’t been stretched too much. However, if the skin has been stretched a lot over time, it may stay saggy after weight loss and could need exercises or even surgery to remove the extra skin.
3. How do I stop my face from looking saggy?
To keep your face looking tight, try to:
Keep a healthy weight.
Eat nutritious foods.
Quit smoking.
Limit alcohol.
Protect your skin from the sun and avoid indoor tanning.
4. At what age does skin start to sag?
When you reach your 40s, you might notice the first signs of sagging skin. This happens because your body produces less elastin and collagen. Women may also experience hormonal changes during menopause at this age, which can make skin changes more noticeable.
5. Can loose skin become tight again?
Yes, loose skin can tighten up. There are several ways to do it, like eating well, doing muscle-strengthening exercises, using creams from the store, trying non-invasive medical treatments, or even having surgery.
6. Can exercise tighten loose skin?
Yes! Building muscle through weight training can help reduce the look of loose skin, especially after weight loss. If your skin has been stretched for a long time, it might not shrink back as easily, but exercising can still help.
7. How do you rebuild collagen under your eyes?
You can rebuild collagen under your eyes to make the skin look fresher and less tired. You can do this by taking collagen supplements, eating a vitamin C and hydrating diet and using Retinol products that boost collagen production for firmer skin.
