Alcohol use Although alcohol is a liquid, it dehydrates the body. When you are dehydrated, the skin under your eyes becomes flabby and weak, causing bags to form.
Swollen and Puffy Eyes
Your eyes may also get puffy the day after drinking because alcohol causes tiny blood vessels to become a bit leaky. Eye puffiness and swelling usually goes away in 12 to 24 hours after your body processes the alcohol. Drinking water can help reduce puffiness.
One of the physical characteristics of someone who is a heavy drinker is bloodshot eyes. This change in appearance is due to alcohol abuse swelling the tiny blood vessels in the eye, enlarging their appearance and making the eyeball look red.
Bags under eyes are caused when the tissue structures and muscles supporting your eyelids weaken. The skin may start to sag, and fat that's usually around the eye can move into the area below your eyes. Also, the space below your eyes can gather fluid, making the area look puffy or swollen.
Alcohol and caffeine cause dehydration, making dark circles more obvious. Salt can cause you to retain excess body fluid, causing puffy skin and under-eye bags.
Drink less alcohol—Reduce the look of under-eye bags by reducing the amount of alcohol you consume. Even better, drink water instead, which can help smooth the skin beneath your eyes. Improve your diet—Try to lower your salt intake. It may help reduce the puffiness under your eyes, and it's better for your heart.
Bags under eyes are usually a cosmetic concern and don't require medical treatment. Home and lifestyle treatments may help reduce puffiness. But if you're concerned about the appearance of under-eye swelling, medical and surgical treatments are available.
Stress levels affect the cortisol levels which, in turn, increase the appearance and intensity of puffiness and bags under the eyes. “That is also why those with high stress levels experience acne,” Dr. Sandy notes. Meditation is one approach to reduce stress, as is exercise.
Edema (serious).
Edema fluid first appears as swelling of the feet due to gravity. Edema fluid also occurs around both eyes after lying down. It's caused by kidney, heart or liver failure.
Vitamin deficiencies, including vitamin B12, E, K and D, have been associated with dark circles.
When you drink, the dehydrating (or 'diuretic') effect of alcohol means your skin loses fluid and nutrients that are vital for healthy-looking skin. This can make your skin look wrinkled, dull and grey, or bloated and puffy. Dehydrated skin may also be more prone to some types of eczema.
Changes in the eye's general color or motion can show intoxication. Bloodshot eyes are a common symptom of intoxication from several drugs, especially alcohol, cocaine, and marijuana; these occur because blood vessels in the eyes expand.
Swelling after a night of drinking is usually temporary and may be gone within 24 to 48 hours. However, there are some things you can do to relieve swelling and any discomfort it's causing by getting rid of water retention after drinking alcohol.
Over time, excessive alcohol use can lead to the development of chronic diseases and other serious problems including: High blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease, and digestive problems. Cancer of the breast, mouth, throat, esophagus, voice box, liver, colon, and rectum.
Get enough sleep. Being well-rested can help reduce swelling around your eyes. Try sticking to a low-sodium diet. Salt induces your body to retain water, which can cause bags and puffiness.
Yellow Skin or Eyes (Jaundice)
Your skin may look yellow along with the whites of your eyes. Doctors call this jaundice. This happens when too much of a yellow substance from your red blood cells called bilirubin builds up.
Bagginess under the eyes may also be due to genetics, and in these cases, are difficult to resolve and may be more permanent. They may appear almost overnight, may develop over time, and may stay for as long as the underlying cause is unresolved.
You may not like the way they look, but bags under eyes are usually harmless and don't require medical care. See your health care provider if the condition causes vision problems, irritation or headaches or is accompanied by skin rash.
Anemia or an iron deficiency can result in dark eye circles as not enough oxygen reaches the body's tissues. Liver problems can also be a cause. Any medications that make blood vessels dilate can cause eye circles to darken as well.
Cold compresses: Cooling the area lessens inflammation and swelling by reducing blood flow. You can place anything cold, such as an ice pack, frozen bag of vegetables, chilled cucumber slices or refrigerated spoons, over closed eyes for a few minutes.
A cold compress reduces swelling. Buy a cold compress at your local pharmacy or make your own by covering a bag of ice cubes with a cloth or freezing two spoons. Place the compress on your under-eye bags for several minutes or until it reaches room temperature to reduce puffiness.