Puffiness and dark circles under the eyes are common as we get older, as skin thins around the eyes and the reddish-blue blood vessels underneath become more prominent. Sun exposure, heredity, allergies and nasal congestion are other big factors contributing to dark circles. It may come as a surprise, but the Mayo Clinic reports lack of sleep and high-living, which are often blamed for dark circles, are not major contributing factors.
Under-Eye Creams
Check the beauty aisle, and you’ll find plenty of creams being marketed to reduce puffiness and dark circles. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports they usually work by temporarily constricting blood vessels under the eyes to prevent a build-up of fluids, or they help to firm the tissue with an invisible skin. Dermatologist Ellen Marmur of the Mt. Sinai Medical Center in New York tells the Dr. Oz Show website that most eye creams won’t do much except help moisturize, but the Mayo Clinic notes that a cream containing retinol and vitamins K, C and E may be “moderately effective” in treating dark circles.
Applying Creams
If you decide to use an eye cream or gel, it’s important to apply it properly. The University of Maryland Medical Center warns against rubbing creams under the eyes, because that can promote more wrinkles. The best way to apply creams around the eye is with a light tapping motion to stimulate the skin.
Cold Compresses
The Mayo Clinic advises that mild to moderate dark circles might improve with the use of cold compresses. Try putting two chilled teaspoons or a cooled, used teabag on the eyes. A bag of frozen peas wrapped in a soft cloth also makes a good cold compress to temporarily reduce dilated and discolored under-eye blood vessels.
Sun Protection
Don’t think a tan is going to cover up those dark circles. The Mayo Clinic warns that over time, that extra pigment can make dark circles worse. The clinic recommends wearing dark glasses and using sunscreen whenever you’re out in the sun.
Pillows
Elevating your head at night can help reduce puffy eyes. The Mayo Clinic reports that sleeping on two or more pillows can help prevent the puffiness that comes from fluid pooling in the lower eyelids.
Concealer
If none of the tips above give you the look you want, there are always concealers that can help. The Mayo Clinic suggests using a peach-colored concealer on circles that are bluish. It also warns that you should avoid scented products and those that contain salicylic or glycolic acid. They could make redness or swelling worse by irritating the delicate skin around the eyes.
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