Under-eye bags and dark circles are some of the nuisances we have to deal with throughout our lives, even in our younger years. Getting enough sleep is a constant struggle, and waking up with tired and puffy eyes is almost inevitable. Our lives are becoming more and more digital, and long days staring at a screen take a toll on our skin. Sometimes even the best concealer isn't enough to do the trick. This guide will help you combat dark circles and under-eye bags with tips that you can try out for yourself.
Anti Aging
The Best Treatments For Dark Circles & Bags Under Eyes
The Difference Between Dark Circles & Bags Under Eyes
Many people use dark circles and eye bags interchangeably, and although many of the same things often cause them both and they often show up together, there are some key differences.
Dark circles are named after how the skin around your eyes is sometimes darker than the skin surrounding it. This happens because the skin around your eyes is thinner, so sometimes you can see color from your veins and excess pigment. Dark circles also appear when your veins become congested. That's why dark circles are usually purple or bluish in appearance, just like your veins.
Bags under eyes, or eye bags, describe the puffy appearance around the eyes, including mild swelling and saggy or loose skin. Eye puffiness also results from weaker skin, mainly caused by aging. Dark circles and bags under eyes often show up together and can also be tackled together.
What Causes Dark Circles & Bags Under Eyes?
Sometimes dark circles and puffy under-eyes are your skin's way of telling you that you need to make some changes. There are multiple reasons you might see more coloration and puffiness under your eyes besides a lack of sleep.
Fatigue
The most well-known cause of dark circles and under-eye bags is a lack of sleep. The resulting extreme tiredness is seen by the visible proof around your eyes. When you don't get enough sleep, your skin becomes duller and paler, making the veins under your eyes more visible. Sleep deprivation also causes a buildup of under-eye fluid, making your eyes puffy.
Aging
Aging is another major cause of dark circles and bags under eyes that happens to everyone. As you age, your skin slowly starts producing less collagen and elastin, making your skin thinner and weaker. The skin around the eyes is especially thin, which is why dark circles appear more often as you get older.
When you age, the muscles around your eyes also weaken, so fat is redistributed to the under-eyes to help support your eyes better, causing bags to form. The new space may also accumulate fluid, making your eyes appear puffier.
Allergies
When you have an allergic reaction, your body releases histamines, which dilate blood vessels and make them more visible in the form of dark circles. Allergies can also cause dryness and skin irritation that makes eyes appear puffy.
Genetics
Some people are more prone to dark circles and bags under eyes solely based on their genetics, whether it be predispositions to allergies, certain diseases, thinner skin, or more sensitive skin types.
Other Lifestyle Factors
- Sun Exposure: UV rays from the sun damage the skin and cause your skin to produce excess melanin, darkening and weakening the area around the eyes.
- Eye Strain: Many of us spend hours and hours on our computers and phones every day, but this strains our eyes, which darkens blood vessels and results in dark circles.
- Dehydration: Dehydrated skin is paler and duller and makes dark circles more visible
- Diet: Alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine are all known to dilate veins, contributing to dark circles.
How To Get Rid Of Dark Circles & Bags Under Eyes
You can reduce dark circles and under-eye bags through expensive surgeries and other invasive procedures, but many alternatives exist that are pain-free and won't break the bank.
Better Sleep Hygiene
Getting enough sleep is essential to reducing both dark circles and eye puffiness. However, this is much easier said than done. Try to prioritize getting a few extra ZZZ's rather than staying up to watch one more episode—or five—which also strains your eyes.
Put the screens away and read a book or call a loved one for at least 30 minutes before bed. Doctors recommend that adults get at least 7 hours of sleep every night. Sleep with your head elevated to prevent fluid from building up under your eyes.
Under-Eye Skincare Routine
Incorporate depuffing and brightening ingredients into your skincare routine. Antioxidants like Vitamin E reduce puffiness, while Vitamin C also brightens skin to treat dark circles and under-eye bags, Retinol also improves blood circulation for more anti-aging effects.
Try a 30-second facial massage to improve blood circulation and reduce swelling. Gently tap in circular motions around the eyes. You can even do this while you apply skincare products.
Our Pick:
Under-Eye Hydrogel Patches
Under-eye hydrogel patches are molded pieces of hydrogel with a jelly-like texture infused with nutrients. They are designed to give your under-eyes a quick boost. You can use them in the morning to depuff and brighten your eyes or in the evening to nourish the skin around the eyes after a long day.
Our Pick:
Microneedling
Microneedling involves using tiny needles to slightly penetrate the skin to create "microchannels," allowing your skin to absorb active ingredients with 90% more efficiency. It stimulates blood circulation, so microneedling around the eyes can help reduce eye bags and brighten dark circles.
You can try microneedling at home using microneedle patches, which specifically target the under-eyes to treat dark circles and eye bags.
Our Pick:
At-Home Dark Circle Treatments
You can try these topical treatments at home to help combat dark circles and puffiness.
- Cold Compress: Apply a cold compress with a few ice cubes and a clean washcloth to reduce dilated blood vessels, depuffing and brightening the eyes.
- Tea Bags: Soak two black or green tea bags in hot water for a few minutes, chill them in the refrigerator, and apply them to closed eyes for 5 minutes to help shrink blood vessels and depuff eyes.
- Cucumber: Apply cucumber slices to the eyes to reduce swelling and smooth out under-eyes.
Lifestyle Choices
Avoid direct sun exposure as much as possible and never leave the house without applying SPF. Try to minimize screen time to reduce eye strain, even though it may be challenging. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and avoid excessive alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine. Each small change can help you depuff and brighten your eyes.
Final verdict: treatments for under-eyes
Tackling the common issues of under-eye dark circles and puffiness is a multi-faceted endeavor, blending restful habits, specialized skin care, and wholesome lifestyle modifications. Emphasizing sufficient sleep and incorporating a skincare regimen enriched with potent ingredients like antioxidants and vitamins C and E can make a noticeable difference. Additionally, innovative approaches such as hydrogel patches and microneedling provide a more focused treatment.
Simple, at-home strategies like applying cold compresses, tea bags, or cucumber slices offer natural, quick fixes. Furthermore, safeguarding your skin against sun damage, reducing time spent in front of screens, and maintaining hydration are critical lifestyle choices that support the overall health and appearance of the delicate under-eye area. By adopting these varied tactics, you can effectively counteract and rejuvenate the under-eye region, fostering a brighter and more youthful look.