Common causes of male eye bags include aging, lack of sleep, dehydration, and genetics. Eye bags can appear when the  tissues around the eye  weaken, or if excess  fluid builds up below the eye. 

Remember staying up until 3 am watching Jackass reruns on MTV and picking your top 8 friends on Myspace without a care in the world for how you’d feel or look the next day?

And then BOOM, one morning, you wake up with eye bags that cling stubbornly to your face, mocking every late night or stressful day you’ve ever had.

The truth is, dark circles, and eye bags are much more nuanced than just your behavior or other external stressors, although they can all play a role.

If you feel like you’re waking up more often than not looking like you just got off a red-eye, then read on as we explain more about what causes those baggy eyes and give you some easy ways to help minimize the look of them.

What Are Eye Bags?

Eye bag refer to puffiness or swelling under the eyes. They often look swollen or baggy, and they can be accompanied by dark circles. Several factors can contribute to eye bags, but the most common are aging, genetics, and fluid retention.

Under-eye bags and dark circles are two of the most common skin issues guys experience. While these two conditions have similar symptoms, they are caused by different things.

Eye bags are caused by fluid buildup in the area below the eye, or when your skin looses its elasticity because of natural aging. Dark circles, on the other hand, are usually the result of poor circulation or genetics. Dark circles appear as a dark, sunken ring around the eyes, while eye bags are puffier and appear as bulges under the lower eyelid.

Fortunately, there are ways to reduce both conditions with lifestyle changes and simple treatments like moisturizers, sunscreens, more sleep, and staying hydrated.

5 Common Causes of Male Eye Bags

Here are five common culprits for male eye bags:

1. Aging

As men age, the skin around their eyes becomes thinner and more delicate, leading to sagging skin and the emergence of under-eye bags. The natural depletion of collagen and elastin, essential proteins responsible for maintaining skin elasticity, contributes to this phenomenon.

2. Lack of Sleep

Insufficient sleep is a significant factor that can cause puffiness and under-eye bags. Sleep deprivation disrupts the body's natural processes, leading to fluid retention and blood vessel dilation, which becomes more noticeable in the delicate under-eye area.

3. Genetics

As if you needed another thing to blame your parents for, genetics play a role in developing under-eye bags. Facial structure and the underlying tissues can determine the severity of bagginess. If it runs in your family, you may be more prone to experiencing this concern.

4. Dehydration

Inadequate hydration can exacerbate the appearance of under-eye bags. When the body lacks proper hydration, it retains water and salt, resulting in puffiness and shadows under the eyes. Drinking enough water throughout the day is crucial for maintaining healthy-looking skin.

5. Allergies

Allergic reactions to common irritants can lead to inflammation and fluid retention, causing under-eye bags to become more prominent. Histamines released during an allergic response can dilate blood vessels and result in puffiness and dark circles.

5 Ways Guys Can Get Rid of Bags Under Their Eyes

Mother Nature puts up a tough fight, but it's not impossible to beat her. Here are five tips to get rid of male eye bags.

1. Apply Cold Pressure 

Apply cold pressure to the under-eye area. Using a cold compress, such as a chilled spoon, jade roller, or even a bag of frozen veggies wrapped in a cloth, can help reduce swelling, constrict blood vessels, and alleviate puffiness and discoloration in the under-eye area.

2. Get 7+ Hours of Sleep 

Getting 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night allows the body to recover and rejuvenate, leading to a more refreshed and youthful appearance in the morning.

3. Drink Plenty of Water 

Proper daily hydration helps prevent fluid retention and promotes overall skin health. Drinking an adequate amount of water can minimize under-eye puffiness.

4. Clean Up Your Diet 

A diet rich in antioxidants, collagen-boosting foods, and essential nutrients supports skin health and reduces swelling and puffiness around the eyes. Including fruits, vegetables, and foods high in vitamin C and proteins can be beneficial.

5. Moisturize Daily

Incorporating a daily moisturizer into your skincare routine can target signs of aging, like eye bags. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and ceramides, known for their hydrating, brightening, and barrier-restoring properties.

Shameless plug: Check out Revival by PrettyBoy, a lightweight, gel moisturizer that immediately invigorates your face, leaving your skin feeling fresh and clean all day. Your future face will thank you, trust us.

6. Wear Sunscreen

Applying sunscreen with at least SPF 30 shields the skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation, preventing the formation of  dark circles caused by sun damage.

Can Eye Bags Go Away On Their Own?

Male eye bags can "deflate" over time with a proper skincare routine and lifestyle changes. However, certain medical conditions or severe cases might require professional intervention. If the bags persist, worsen, or are accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it may be time to consult a dermatologist to determine the underlying cause and explore further treatment options.

Say Goodbye to Eye Bags

Under-eye bags may be a natural part of aging, but they're annoying AF. Luckily, you can delay and reduce their appearance by following some basic tips like drinking water, avoiding junk food, and not depriving yourself of sleep.

That said, if your eye bags worsen or are accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it might be time to dial up a dermatologist or healthcare professional to evaluate the underlying causes and map out some treatment options.

We'd love to discover the fountain of youth as much as the next dude. But the next best thing to do is get your skincare routine on point...and Revival is the foundation.