Were you awake for two days straight, or did those bags under your eyes just appear out of nowhere? Dark circles and under-eye bags frustrate millions of people every day. In fact, you’re probably reading this thinking that exact thing!
While we’re here to offer skincare advice, not medical advice, we know a thing or two about how to take care of your under-eye area. Read on to learn some simple ways to reduce or get rid of dark circles and eye bags.
Use Products Designed to Minimize Dark Circles
Upon waking up with serious dark circles or eye bags, some people reach right for the concealer or liquid foundation. However, before you try to cover up the problem, it may be more effective to address it at the source. A better way to reduce the appearance of dark circles and/or eye bags is to use skincare products that fight back against inflammation and promote healthy skin.
Use gentle eye creams with anti-inflammatory ingredients such as tetrapeptide-5, heparin sulfate, and retinol to reduce puffiness. Some products, such as kojic acid, directly target dark circles since they inhibit melanin production in the skin. Others repair and protect skin while also reducing swelling, such as the Boto-Derm Anti-Puffiness Eye Cream. This eye cream contains the award-winning ingredient Eyeseryl®, a tetrapeptide with anti-edema properties. The ingredient was tested by Lipotec and proven to reduce puffiness by as much as 30% within 15 days.
No matter which products you are trying, never skip moisturizing. Keep your skin hydrated by using a gentle moisturizer both in the morning and before bed. Providing your skin with adequate moisture is crucial when trying to eliminate eye bags or dark circles. The right moisturizer can also help slow aging and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, so don’t miss this important step.
Change Up Your Habits
Sometimes, dark circles under the eyes appear due to a simple yet serious problem: frequent lack of sleep. You might also be inadvertently causing bags or dark circles by skipping out on sunscreen at the beach, using products that cause irritation, or not getting enough exercise. Here are a few lifestyle changes to consider if you’re looking to reduce the appearance of dark circles and/or bags:
- Get your beauty rest. Most adults need at least 7 hours of sleep, with the average person needing around 8. Practice good sleep hygiene by turning off devices at least half an hour before bed, as well as going to bed and waking up at the same time each day.
- Try a different sleeping position. You may see a reduction in under-eye bags if you sleep with extra pillows to elevate your head.
- Wear sunscreen every time you’re outside. Dermatological studies consistently show that sunscreen is vital to skin health — and not just for your under-eye area. Don’t risk skin cancer or premature aging. Always include quality sunscreen in your skincare routine.
- Make sure you aren’t using old or expired makeup. Old or expired makeup can harbor bacteria. This can result in irritated eyes or red, itchy skin.
- Eat healthier. Excessive sodium can cause swelling. Focus on vegetables and fruits, and make sure to get your Vitamin C. If you’d like, add a collagen supplement to your diet.
- Talk to your doctor. If you can’t seem to get rid of your dark circles, consider speaking to medical professionals. In rare cases, certain conditions or medications can cause or worsen dark circles under your eyes.
Seek Medical Treatment
If you’ve ruled out the possibility that a medical condition or medication could be causing your under-eye bags or dark circles, your skin might just be prone to this problem — but that doesn’t mean you have to suffer the consequences. There are many medical treatment options available if you feel fed up with the dark circles and bags under your eyes. These range from anti-inflammatory steroid shots to filler injections to small surgical procedures.
Unfortunately, in most cases, the treatment will be considered cosmetic, meaning it is likely to be an out-of-pocket expense. However, some people find these treatments more than worth the cost. If you are interested in longer-lasting treatments, speak with your doctor, dermatologist, or another medical professional for additional information about what might work for you.
Feel Your Best With Shira Esthetics!
Are you interested in skincare products that help you look and feel your best? Shop our organic and natural skincare at Shira Esthetics and discover how skin health truly is whole-body health. Want to know more about our range of eye creams or moisturizers? Contact us with your questions or place an order online today! We’re excited to hear from you as you embark on your beauty and health journey.