Bags and dark circles under the eyes are a common concern, and they become more prominent as you age. These eye problems can also form because of allergies, or they may simply be hereditary. No over-the-counter gels will get rid of your eye bags and circles entirely, but certain products can help minimize puffiness and discolorations. Applied daily, these gels refresh the skin around your eyes and help them look brighter and more open.
Definition of Eye Bags and Circles
Eye bags constitute a swelling underneath your eyes, and dark circles are defined as semi-circular areas of deep pigmentation on your lower lids. When you age, your skin thins out and the underlying layers of fat cells diminish, which allows fluid to collect beneath your eyes and lead to bags. Thinning skin can also make the vessels around your eyes more noticeable, creating dark circles, says the Mayo Clinic.
Function of Gels
Gels designed to address eye bags and circles will tighten and firm your skin. They will also penetrate more deeply into your skin's layers to encourage the skin to produce more collagen. This will firm and thicken your skin, making bags and circles less noticeable. These products may also include vitamins to ward off the environmental damage that can make eye problems worse, as well as light-reflecting particles to camouflage discolorations.
Active Ingredients
Peptides are a common ingredient found in anti-aging products, including gels for the eye area. According to dermatologist Ranella Hirsch, M.D., peptides are a component of your skin's protein, and by applying them topically, you can encourage your skin to produce more collagen, thereby firming the area under your eyes. This will help minimize bags and circles. Another ingredient to look for is vitamin K, which Smart Skin Care states can diminish areas of dark pigmentation beneath your eyes. Additionally, applying a gel that contains an antioxidant like vitamin C or lycopene can ward off ultraviolet rays, which can make dark circles worse.
Considerations
If you do not think age is to blame for your eye woes, consider that allergies can also cause dark circles and eye bags. The Mayo Clinic states that nasal congestion can make the veins under your eyes swell and darken, leading to puffiness and discolorations. While applying the aforementioned gels can minimize some of this, taking allergy medication or using nasal spray will address the underlying problem. Ask your doctor about the medications that are right for you.
Additional Tip
Look for a gel that contains sunscreen. The sun can lead to dark circles that are slightly brownish in tone by causing your skin to produce more melanin. A lifetime of sun exposure also degrades your skin's stores of collagen, which can lead to eye bags. Apply a sunscreen that is safe for your eyes and wear dark glasses whenever you are exposed to sunlight, according to the Mayo Clinic.
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