Millions of people suffer from dark circles and under-eye bags. These continuous comparisons lower self-esteem against the natural beauty that one is born with. Luckily, there are many ways to combat these issues. This article covers the various measures to reduce dark circles and under-eye bags, ranging from lifestyle changes and home remedies to medical treatments.
Genetic Factors
This may also be one of the main contributing factors: genetics. If your parents or grandparents had dark circles and bags under their eyes, you may well be more predisposed to having them too.
Aging
As people age, so the skin around the eyes becomes thinner, meaning less collagen can support it. Blood vessels then become more noticeable, leading to darkening. Furthermore, the fat around the eyes can move in such a way as to form bags.
Lifestyle Factors
Poor lifestyle with less or no sleep, bad diet, excessive consumption of alcohol, and smoking can result in dark circles and under-eye bags.
Allergies and Sinus Problems
Allergic reactions and sinus problems can cause eyes to puff up and swell, which in turn causes puffiness of the eyes and dark circles.
Sun Exposure
Too much exposure to the sun increases melanin in the skin, thus leading to pigmentation and darkening around the eyes.
Dehydration
Not having enough water causes dehydration, which causes circles under the eyes, sunken skin, and a dull appearance.
Get Enough Sleep
Getting 7-9 hours of good sleep is very important, and it will drastically improve the appearance of dark circles and bags under the eye. You can also use an extra pillow to raise your head while you sleep to avoid fluid accumulation around the eyes.
Stay Hydrated
Keeping the body well-hydrated throughout the day will keep your skin more elastic, which will reduce the chances of puffiness.
Eat a Well-Balanced Diet
Include a diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in your routine. Vitamins C and K and the mineral iron, when consumed in large amounts, can be very good for the skin and can help eradicate dark circles.
Limit Salt Consumption
Too much salt in the diet can lead to water retention and subsequently cause puffiness under the eyes. Limiting salt consumption can minimize bags under the eyes.
Quit Smoking and Limit Alcohol
Smoking and alcohol have dehydrating effects on the skin, which aggravate dark circles and puffiness. Giving them up or reducing their consumption will show good effects on the skin as a whole.
Control Allergies
Antihistamines or other medicines that shut out allergies prevent inflammation and puffiness caused due to allergies.
Cold Compress
The cold compress would help in constricting the blood vessels and bring down the swelling. Place a chilled spoon, cucumber slices, or a cold damp cloth over your eyes for 10-15 minutes.
Tea Bags
Caffeinated tea bags have antioxidants and caffeine, which help in improving blood circulation and reducing dark circles. Soak tea bags in hot water and let them cool off in the refrigerator. Place them over your eyes for 10-15 minutes.
Cucumber Slices
Cucumber slices are cool, and the antioxidants help in lightening dark circles. Place chilled cucumber slices over your eyes for 10-15 minutes.
Potato Slices
Potatoes have bleaching agents that are natural and lighten the dark circle. Put thin slices of raw potato over the eyes for 10-15 minutes.
Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera has soothing and moisturizing properties that help in reducing dark circles. Apply aloe Vera gel under your eyes before bed, and let it stay overnight.
Rose Water
Rose water is anti-inflammatory, and it helps to soothe tired eyes. Take cotton pads and soak them in rose water. Place it over the eyes for 10-15 minutes.
Almond Oil
Almond oil is rich in vitamin E and, therefore, can moisturize the delicate skin under the eyes. Gently massage a few drops of almond oil under your eyes before going to bed.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil moisturizes and acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, hence decreasing the appearance of dark circles and puffiness. Apply a little under your eyes and leave it overnight.
Topical Creams and Serums
Products containing retinoids, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and peptides can definitely improve the skin texture, lighten dark circles, and reduce puffiness. Seek advice from a dermatologist for recommendations about products.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels lighten skin tone and texture by removing the top layer of skin. Thus, the treatment lightens the dark circles which are caused due to the presence of pigmentation.
Laser Therapy
Laser treatments can target the pigmentation of your body and enhance collagen production, resorbing or minimizing puffiness and enhancing elasticity around the eyes.
Dermal Fillers
Fillers injected into the hollow areas, such as hyaluronic acid, can enhance puffiness and darkening of the eye circles.
Micro needling
This creation of minute punctures within your skin, which starts the process of collagen production, also assists in texture improvement. Dark circles and fine wrinkles are thinned out through this process.
Blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, is one of the more invasive options for fat and excess skin removal in the under-eye area. This reduces bags and dark circles.
Platelet-rich plasma therapy
The process of injecting your own platelet-rich plasma into the under-eye area is called PRP Therapy. This stimulates collagen production, consequently improving the texture and tone of the skin.
Slathering on Sunscreen
Daily application of sunscreen may just be the thing in protecting the delicate skin around your eyes from sun damage caused by pigmentation and dark circles.
Wear Sunglasses
Wear sunglasses to block UV rays and reduce the occurrence of dark circles that return due to sunlight exposure.
Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes
When you rub your eyes, you irritate them and cause the breakage of blood vessels which forms dark circles. Be gentle when touching your face around the eyes.
Use a Humidifier
Using a humidifier adds moisture in the air, hence avoiding dry skin that increases the formation of dark circles.
Dark circles and eye bags do bother, but still, one can reduce their presence to a large extent by bringing about a change in lifestyle habits, trying out some home remedies, and reaching out for medical treatments. Keep patience and be consistent in your attempts. You may have to seek the consultation of a dermatologist so that you get professional advice on any specific treatments. Proper care for general health and the skin shall definitely give you a refreshed youthfulness.