When you get up feeling refreshed, the last thing you want to hear is that you seem exhausted. As we get older, our bodies experience alterations; some of them are beneficial, and some are not. The less attractive side of getting older is the change it causes to one’s skin.
Loosening of the skin beneath and near the eyes commonly causes under-eye bags, resulting in a puffy look.
Eye puffiness is commonly caused by a variety of factors, including loss of skin elasticity, the effects of aging, facial bone structure, and external conditions.
Different techniques exist to hide or remove under-eye bags and brighten up one’s look. Choices range from concealing methods to less invasive or surgical methods.
Overview and Common Causes of Under-Eye Bags
A primary explanation for eye bags under the eyes is a result of aging and the looseness of the skin, leading to an alteration in facial shape and form.
As you age, the ligaments around your eyes become less flexible due to tightening, creating an indentation that results in a shadowy cast.
The delicate nature of the skin beneath the eyes renders it difficult to conceal the veins or capillary structure that can cause significant dark circles for those who suffer from puffiness in the area.
Sometimes the shadows underneath your eyes are a result of the depth of the tear trough area. Although some skin marks can be concealed using makeup, there are ones that result from the physiological expansion of the dermis, which is more challenging to hide.
Sunlight, food, cigarette smoking, and tension are all other usual contributors to the visibility of under-eye bags. It has been observed that these elements may contribute to the early aging of the skin and increase the rate of the natural aging of the complexion, which can worsen the presence of eye bags.
Continuous exposure to ultraviolet light will result in noticeable changes to the color and structure of the epidermis, a telltale sign typically associated with under-eye bags. Regular exposure to the sun can ruin the skin, resulting in a grainy texture and the formation of fine wrinkles (rhytids). Over time, this can progress to bigger lines and wrinkles.
Smoking can lead to drying out the skin, bringing out signs of aging more plainly. The use of tobacco can reduce the production of collagen, resulting in a similar effect on the skin as that commonly caused by consistent sun exposure.
Diet also plays into the appearance of under-eye bags. Eating plenty of glucose and fructose can cause premature aging of the skin around the eyes, thus making under-eye bags more visible. Sugars can hasten the aging process by lowering the skin’s resilience and causing it to become more rigid, which can cause the skin to become loose and wrinkle more due to alterations in collagen and elastin fibers.
Studies indicate that in some instances, puffy bags and shadows under the eyes may be inherited. The effects of hereditary eye bags can vary from one person to the next, depending on the family history of the individual. It appears that there is a definite genetic component.
Dark circles under the eyes may be due to medications, such as prescription oral contraceptives, and can be connected to skin conditions, like contact dermatitis, melasma, and sun overexposure.
How Do I Get Rid of Under Eye Bags?
Test out the following schedules to determine which works best for you. Keep in mind that you will need to be both persistent and consistent when attempting to adopt a fresh habit. Repeat the same daily regimen for a period of 4 to 6 weeks. If you don’t observe the desired outcome after a certain length of time, try another technique instead to minimize the appearance of under-eye dark bags and circles.
At-Home Remedies and Non-Invasive Treatments
Popular figures on social media, beauty bloggers, and famous people have been taking about ways to reduce puffy eyes for years. Some of the techniques suggested include putting cold spoons on your eyes, using warm tea bags, and placing cucumber slices on the eyes.
Recently, social media influencers, beauty bloggers and celebrities have been promoting a variety of treatments for puffy eyes, from icy cold spoons to steaming hot tea bags and cucumber slices. But what actually works?
The most unobtrusive way of concealing puffiness under the eyes is to use cosmetic camouflage. Cosmetic cover-ups can be affordable, and they can be found in many convenience shops, supermarkets, or cosmetic boutiques.
It is suggested to use a color wheel opposite concealer to make blemishes less visible; for instance, a green concealer is a good way to reduce the appearance of reddish-brown eye circles.
Retinoids applied topically can be used in order to diminish the look of dark circles under the eyes and encourage collagen production, which will improve the texture of the skin. Vitamin A derivatives, such as Retinol, can help protect collagen enzymes from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation.
Retinoids, such as lotions with retinol, can reduce melanin, make the skin feel smoother, and lighten darker areas around the eyes. The production of collagen and the decline of melanin result in the shrinkage and diminishment of bags under the eyes.
Currently, the Food and Drug Administration has only sanctioned two retinoids to be used as anti-aging medications – tretinoin and tazarotene. Tretinoin assists in the production of collagen and prevents the depletion of elastin, while tazarotene helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and discoloration. Think about including a retinol-based eye cream or moisturizer in your skincare regimen.
While it is not considered a miracle cure, wearing sunscreen is a key preventative measure against the look of aging, including under-eye puffiness. Chemical sunscreens may hurt the thin skin near the eyes, but SPFs that have a wide range of protection or sunglasses that block ultraviolet rays can minimize the harm to that area.
Gels made with caffeine can be applied to lessen the look of dark circles beneath the eyes. Topical caffeine may help diminish the visibility of too many blood vessels forming in the eye subcutaneously and sink into the area to address dark circles beneath the eyes.
However, experts do recommend the tried-and-true methods that may be more accessible:
- A cold compress around the eyes, such as a washcloth, while applying pressure and sitting upright.
- Sleeping with your head elevated or raised, perhaps adding an extra pillow to avoid fluid buildup around your eyes.
- Avoiding salty foods in your diet and fluids before bed can help with fluid retention.
- Quitting smoking can help with dark circles, as smoking contributes to the loss of collagen and can cause further thinning of your under-eye skin.
- Make sure you get enough sleep — generally between seven and nine hours daily.
How Do I Get Rid of Under Eye Bags?
Try out the different approaches and see which one works the best for you. It is essential to maintain patience and persistence when attempting a new regimen. Stick to a schedule for four to six weeks. At the end of the allotted time, if there has been no improvement in the appearance of your dark under-eye bags and circles, it is best to try another method of treatment.
The Best Routines for Getting Rid of Dark Circles and Under Eye Bags
1. Cold Compress
Utilize a cold pack at the beginning and end of the day for approximately 10 minutes. The simplest means of diminishing your dark circles is to use a face mask that you can place in the refrigerator and take out twice daily. Make certain to keep it sanitized and give it a thorough sudsy wash a couple of times every seven days!
2. Rose Water
The aroma of rose water isn’t just delightful, it can also relax and refresh worn-out skin. Similar to cucumbers, this mild astringent is effective as a skin toner. Soak cotton makeup remover pads in rose water for some time, and then place them on TOP of your EYELIDS when they are SHUT. Leave them for about 15 minutes twice daily.
3. Tomatoes
Tomatoes contain a large amount of lycopene which is very beneficial for your heart, eyesight, and complexion. Lycopene can be beneficial in making skin softer and more elastic, as well as reducing the visibility of dark circles below the eyes.
To gain the medical advantages of the lycopene present in tomatoes, blend together comparable amounts of tomato extract with lemon juice, then take a cotton ball or a makeup remover pad to put it on the area beneath your eyes. Wait ten minutes after applying the mixture, and then rinse with warm water on a twice-daily basis. Make sure not to get the lemon juice in your eyes!
Drinking a combination of tomato juice, lemon juice, and mint leaves daily will promote your general health and give your skin a healthy glow.
4. Cold Tea Bags
If you don’t have a cold compress or face mask, tea bags can be utilized instead. Green tea and other types of tea contain antioxidants which have anti-inflammatory qualities that assist in calming swollen veins beneath the eyes.
Soak a tea bag in clean water, and then place it in the chill for half an hour to use it as a cold compress. Then, place the tea bags on your eyes. Wait around for 10 minutes two times per day, then rinse the place with warm water.
5. Eye Massager
Routine eye massages increase circulation to the area around the eyes and stop the accumulation of blood in the veins under the eyes. IRIS, created by FOREO, is a device for self-massaging around the eyes that could provide a spa-like experience even in your own home. First, apply your favorite eye cream or serum. Switch on the IRIS and regulate it to the level of strength that you want.
Proceed by taking the IRIS and sliding it from the inside corner of the eye toward the outside corner, and be sure to leave it there for thirty seconds. It’s helpful to know that the button should be pointing toward you during this step.
A large majority of people who tested out this routine felt a difference in their eye area, with it feeling tauter and exhibiting more flexibility. Furthermore, a notable number of those same individuals observed an improvement in the effectiveness of their eye cream.
Compared to those who applied eye cream or serum by hand:
- IRIS is twice as effective at reducing under-eye bags.
- 70% more effective at reducing dark under-eye circles.
- 43% more effective at reducing wrinkle surface area.
- It’s 51% more effective at firming the skin under the eyes.
6. Get 8 Hours of Sleep
Getting a complete 8 hours of rest is the best remedy for dark bags under the eyes. Receiving enough sleep consistently is essential for reducing the appearance of dark circles below your eyes.
7. Sleep on Your Back
Lying in a back position with an extra pillow underneath the head can help prevent fluid from building up under the eyes. This is because it allows gravity to do its work.
8. Exercise + Meditation
Doing regular workouts can help your blood flow, supplying your face and the delicate skin around your eyes with nourishment that makes it look fresher and younger. Endorphins being discharged into your body on a regular basis can ward off anxieties or gloominess and make you feel much better, more even-tempered, and serene.
Mindfulness activities following a yoga workout or having the serenity associated with a prolonged tranquil jog or swim help ease tension and the facial lines caused by pressure.
9. Allergy Medicines
If allergies are the cause of your under-eye dark circles, taking antihistamines on a regular basis should help to ease the puffiness and bags around your eyes. In addition, allergies may lead to itchy eyes, so avoid the temptation to rub them, as it will only cause the appearance of under-eye circles to become worse.
10. Apply Moisturizers Twice Daily
Don’t neglect the most fundamental good practice – put on moisturizing lotion morning and night. Daytime skincare should include a lighter lotion that contains an SPF. At night, make sure to use a richer facial cream and an eye cream.
11. Remove Makeup Correctly
Do not go to bed with your cosmetics on or remove your mascara and eyeliner by rubbing. Try purchasing a professional-grade makeup removal product at either a drugstore or Sephora. Apply the solution to your skin without scrubbing; just press into your skin to blot.
12. Wash Your Face Correctly
Wash with warm – not hot – water. Using too hot of water on the eyes is a pro-inflammatory action and will just worsen the puffiness and redness.
13. Use a Prescription-Strength Skin Brightener
If you don’t get the desired results from natural vitamins and skin-brightening agents, consult a dermatologist. She can provide a cream that has hydroquinone. However, you should be cognizant of the fact that those with a potency beyond over-the-counter products can lead to irritation, thus if you observe any, you must stop using it.
14. Professional Laser Treatment
If all other methods do not work, the most costly alternative to consider is getting professional laser therapy. A doctor may employ lasers to diminish the occurrence of blue and red pigmentation under the eyes. Vascular lasers are recognized for their ability to reduce the visibility of dark circles underneath the eyes by narrowing the visible blood vessels.
In Conclusion
Eye bags beneath the eyes are more of a beauty issue rather than a serious health problem.
In spite of this, these issues may be manageable enough to reduce your self-esteem and alter your lifestyle. Hiding or dealing with eye bags may not solve all your problems. However, it can help to improve your mental health and make you feel more confident about how you look. Thankfully, these problems can be fixed or hidden with the use of invasive or non-invasive techniques.
As always, don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider. It all depends on how bad your eye bags are and how they make you feel – your doctor or skin specialist can find a solution that will work for you.
