Pockets under the eyes - causes and solutions according to a doctor and analyses by BeautyDecoders.
Two origins with very different treatments. Pockets of edema (more marked in the morning) improve with draining treatments, cold, massage and a healthy lifestyle (less salt, alcohol, tobacco, more sleep). Pockets of fatty hernia (stable from morning to night) respond poorly to cosmetics and require medical advice. Knowing how to distinguish between the two is the first step.
Edema or fat hernia ?
This distinction conditions the entire treatment. A simple way to tell the difference: oedema pockets are larger in the morning when you wake up, and are reabsorbed during the day, whereas fat hernia pockets remain stable from morning to night.
Pockets edema
Edema is common because the eyelids have poor lymph drainage, due to the insertion of deep ligaments. It's important to treat them early: over time, they distend the skin and create permanent sagging, with permanent bags, wrinkles and dark circles.
Two great causes. One excess liquid production, Cosmetics are also a source of allergy, as only one active ingredient is introduced at a time. And a insufficient lymphatic and venous drainage, often aggravated by lack of sleep.
Anti-puffiness care that work
First use a draining skin care product, then a firming cream. For the serum, the way you apply it is just as important as the product itself.
Vichy Minéral 89 Yeux
Base care - little effect on puffiness
Eye contour gel with Vichy volcanic water, hyaluronic acid and caffeine. A gel texture that holds the cold well, to be kept in a cool place to optimize the draining effect. Sensitive skin score 0 - suitable. Mostly moisturizing and refreshing according to feedback, with little visible effect on dark circles or puffiness: a good base treatment, not a targeted treatment.
SVR Ampoule Refresh Concentré Yeux
Fresh metal tip - pocket drainage
Anti-fatigue eye contour concentrate with refreshing metal tip, designed for puffiness and radiant eyes. Sensitive skin score -1.0 - slight caution. Moisturizing serum that instantly smoothes fine lines and helps reduce puffiness according to feedback, often combined with a caffeine serum. Insufficient on its own for very dry skin.
Yves Rocher Hydra Végétal Anti-Fatigue Fresh Gel
Morning freshness - limited-time effect
A fresh eye contour gel with a light texture that provides a burst of freshness in the morning. Sensitive skin score +0.25 - adapted. Light and moisturizing according to feedback, but the effect on puffiness is considered limited in time and not recommended for very dry contours. Entry-level freshness option, to be kept in a cool place.
Garancia Larmes de Fantôme Eyelid Care
Massage ball - light corrector
Roll-on eyelid care, for a light, fresh massage of the eye contour area, with a pearly tint that camouflages dark circles. Sensitive skin score -1.0 - slight caution. Moisturizing and pleasant, the ball facilitates drainage according to feedback; light corrective effect rather than base treatment, may leave a pearly finish.
Caffeine, cold and massage
Much is said about caffeine, a supposed vasoconstrictor, but the only real study on the subject, which compared a caffeine gel to a gel alone, showed that all people improved their pockets thanks to the cold of the gel, Caffeine was found to be beneficial in only 23 % of participants. The lesson: keep your eye care product cool, and if your caffeine serum seems ineffective, try other draining active ingredients. As for retinol, there's no need for a specific product: your usual skincare routine two or three times a week for this area will suffice.
Massage improves lymphatic drainage: do this morning and evening if you have oedemas. Be careful: pressing too hard during application can cause eyelids to swell. Tap the product lightly with your fingertips and massage gently to drain lymph, including the face and neck for best results.
Visit fat hernia
In a fat hernia, the orbital fat has increased in volume or is no longer held in place by the ligaments. The first sign is often an altered look, with a shadow around the rim of the eye. Cosmetic treatments can do little to improve the appearance: it may be useful to discuss hyaluronic acid injections or cosmetic surgery, as part of a medical consultation.
With age, in men
With age, puffiness tends to worsen: the skin becomes thinner, circulation is less efficient and the eyelids swell more. Hence the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle early on, using the right skincare products, massaging with a moisturizing gel or cream, and avoiding allergies and irritations.
In men, the bone is often more prominent and the skin thicker, but the aggravating factors are the same (sleep, alcohol, tobacco, salt). To reduce puffiness quickly, make-up remains the quickest and safest solution; an appropriate skincare routine is useful for puffiness of oedematous origin, but in the case of fatty hernia, only injections or surgery will bring real results.
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Your questions about pockets
How can I tell if my bags are edema or fat?
Does caffeine really deflate the pockets?
Does massage help reduce puffiness?
Can allergies cause puffiness?
When should you consult a doctor about bags under the eyes?
Our guides glance
Information for educational purposes only. It does not replace a medical consultation and must be adapted to each individual. The compatibility scores generated by the application do not prejudge the individual tolerance of each skin type. In the event of pregnancy, skin pathology or doubt, dermatological advice is recommended. A tolerance test should be carried out before using the product for the first time.