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Saggy Skin Under Eyes

Written by an Expert Aesthetic Content Writer Lisa.
Reviewed by Expert Medical Director Dr. Raj Thethi
Published on: June 6, 2025
Sagging Skin Under Eyes

Saggy Skin Under Eyes

Do you ever wake up, look in the mirror, and feel like your eyes look more tired or older than you feel? You’re definitely not alone.

Sagging skin under the eyes is a common concern that can be caused by many things like age, genetics, sun damage, lack of sleep, & poor nutrition. It often shows up as puffiness, fine lines, or a generally worn-out appearance. But fortunately, there are ways to help.

In this article, we will look at what causes sagging under the eyes, simple solutions, from daily skincare routines to advanced cosmetic treatments, to help you feel more refreshed & confident.

What Causes Saggy Skin Under Eyes?

Saggy skin under the eyes is often the result of a mix of natural ageing, lifestyle choices, and even certain health conditions. Here’s a closer look at some of the common causes:

1. Ageing

  • Thinning of the Skin

The under-eye area naturally becomes thinner with age, which makes it more fragile and prone to sagging.

  • Reduced Collagen and Elastin Production

As we grow older, our bodies produce less collagen and elastin, two essential proteins that keep the skin firm and elastic. The decline in these proteins leads to visible sagging and looseness.

  • Weakened Support Tissues

The muscles and connective tissues that support the eyelids weaken over time, which can cause the skin to droop and fat to shift forward, creating puffiness.

2. Lifestyle Factors

  • Sun Damage

UV rays break down collagen and elastin in the skin over time. This speeds up the ageing process and makes the skin sag.

  • Smoking

Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes restrict blood flow and damage skin fibres, making the skin lose its strength and elasticity faster.

  • Lack of Hydration

Not drinking enough water can leave the skin looking dull and less plump, which can make sagging more noticeable.

  • Poor Sleep Habits

Inadequate sleep often leads to fluid retention and puffiness, which can highlight sagging under the eyes over time.

  • Weight Changes

Significant weight gain or loss can stretch the skin and reduce its ability to bounce back, making it appear loose or saggy.

3. Health Conditions

  • Water Retention from Illness

Medical issues like kidney disease or thyroid-related conditions can cause the body to retain fluid, often showing up as puffiness and drooping under the eyes.

  • Chronic Allergies

Allergies can cause irritation and swelling in the under-eye area, and frequent rubbing can worsen the skin’s appearance over time.

4. Other Contributing Factors

  • Excess Alcohol

Drinking too much alcohol can dehydrate the body and skin, leading to sagging and a tired look under the eyes.

  • High Salt Intake

A salty diet encourages the body to hold onto water, often causing swelling, especially in the delicate under-eye area.

  • Repetitive Facial Movements

Over time, repeated facial expressions, like squinting or smiling, can stretch the skin and form fine lines and sagging under the eyes.

Effective Treatments for Saggy Under-Eye Skin

1. Topical Skincare Solutions

  • Retinoids

Derived from Vitamin A, retinoids boost collagen production and promote cell turnover, helping to firm the skin. However, they can be irritating; it’s essential to use them as directed and apply sunscreen daily.

  • Peptides

Peptides are short bands of amino acids that signal the skin to make more collagen. Regular use can improve skin texture and firmness.

  • Hyaluronic Acid

The strong humectant draws in moisture, which makes the skin look fuller and less wrinkled.

  • Vitamin C

An antioxidant that brightens the skin and promotes collagen synthesis, helping to reduce sagging and improve skin tone.

2. Non-Surgical Treatments

  • Microneedling

Microneedling uses tiny, gentle needles to create micro-injuries in the skin. This sounds scary, but it’s quite safe and helps your skin repair itself by producing more collagen. As your skin heals, it becomes firmer and more even, which helps reduce sagging.

  • Laser Treatments

Laser treatments use focused light energy to gently heat the skin. This encourages your body to make more collagen and tighten the skin naturally. Over several sessions, you’ll notice smoother and firmer skin under the eyes.

  • Radiofrequency (RF) Therapy

This treatment uses controlled heat to stimulate collagen deep within the skin. It’s like exercising your skin; it becomes firmer, tighter, and more lifted over time.

  • Chemical Peels

A chemical peel involves applying a special solution to the skin that removes the outer layer of dead skin cells. This reveals fresher skin underneath and boosts collagen production, making the under-eye area look more youthful.

3. Injectables

  • Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are used to replace lost volume under the eyes. They are usually made of hyaluronic acid and gently injected to smooth and lift the skin. The result is a more refreshed and rested appearance, often visible immediately after the treatment.

  • Botulinum Toxin (Botox)

Botox works by relaxing the tiny muscles around the eyes. This softens fine lines and helps reduce the pulling or creasing of the skin, which can make sagging worse. While it doesn’t lift skin directly, it can help improve the overall look of the eye area.

4. Surgical Option

  • Lower Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

Lower Blepharoplasty is a minor surgical procedure where a doctor removes excess skin, fat from the lower eyelids. This helps tighten and smooth the under-eye area for a more youthful look. It’s usually done under local anaesthesia, and while recovery takes a bit longer, the results are long-lasting and often dramatic.

Home Remedies and Lifestyle Tips

These simple remedies and habits can support healthier, firmer skin over time.

Cold Compress

Placing a cold spoon, gel eye mask, or even a damp cloth in the fridge and applying it under your eyes can help reduce puffiness and give your skin a temporary tightening effect. It also helps improve blood circulation to the area.

Get Quality Sleep

Lack of sleep is one of the most common reasons for tired-looking, saggy eyes. Aim for 7-9 hours of restful sleep each night to allow your skin time to repair and refresh.

Stay Hydrated

Dehydrated skin can look dull and sunken. Drinking enough water throughout the day keeps your skin plump, smooth, and more elastic.

Eat a Balanced Diet

Nourish your skin from the inside with foods rich in vitamin C, vitamin E, antioxidants, and healthy fats. These nutrients help your skin repair itself and maintain firmness.

Use Sunscreen Daily

UV rays can break down collagen and speed up ageing, especially in the delicate under-eye area. Apply a lightweight, broad-spectrum sunscreen every day, even on cloudy days, to protect and prevent further sagging.

Tea Bags

Used green or black tea bags can be chilled and placed over your closed eyes for 10-15 minutes. The caffeine and antioxidants in tea help reduce swelling, improve circulation, and tighten the skin naturally.

Cucumber Slices

Cucumber is known for its soothing and cooling properties. Placing thin cucumber slices over your eyes can help hydrate and refresh the skin while reducing sagginess and calming irritation.

Final Thoughts

Having sagging skin under your eyes can really affect your confidence, but you don’t have to be quiet about it. There are many solutions, like good skincare products, easy lifestyle changes, and even medical treatments. It’s important to take care of the sensitive skin around your eyes, so make sure you’re getting enough sleep, using sunscreen, & drinking plenty of water.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What makes the skin under the eyes sag?

Sagging skin under the eyes is mainly due to ageing and sun damage. Things like not getting enough sleep, stress, and dehydration can make it worse.

2. What vitamin is needed for crepey skin?  

Crepey skin usually lacks collagen, which can be increased with retinol (a type of vitamin A). Vitamin C also helps boost collagen when included in your diet or applied to your skin.

3. Does Retinol tighten the skin around the eyes?  

Yes, Retinol tightens skin by promoting collagen production, making the skin firmer and reducing fine lines and saggy skin.

4. Can you reverse ageing skin around your eyes?  

Yes, you can improve ageing skin by tightening it and reducing saggy skin. This can be done with collagen-boosting supplements and Retinol, along with maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

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About Dr. Raj Thethi - Medical Reviewer

Dr. Raj Thethi

Yorkshire Skin Centre in Leeds is a CQC-registered medical clinic. It is led by Dr Raj Thethi who completed his core surgical training in hospitals around West Yorkshire before branching into aesthetics. Dr Raj Thethi is a Northern Territory Regional Expert for an international dermal filler company called Teoxane. He also sits on their National UK Faculty.

View all posts by Dr. Raj Thethi

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Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty, also known as an eye lift, is a surgical procedure performed on the eyelids to improve their appearance. It can address concerns like:

  • Excess skin on the upper eyelids: This can obstruct vision and create a hooded appearance.

  • Bags under the lower eyelids: These can make you look tired or aged.

  • Drooping lower eyelids: This can also obstruct vision and contribute to a tired appearance.


Types of Blepharoplasty:

  • Upper blepharoplasty: This addresses concerns with the upper eyelids, removing excess skin and sometimes fat or muscle tissue.

  • Lower blepharoplasty: This addresses concerns with the lower eyelids, removing excess fat or skin and sometimes repositioning tissues.

  • Asian blepharoplasty: This addresses specific concerns related to the anatomy of Asian eyelids, creating a more defined crease.