Dark circles and puffy eyes can be caused by genetics. As people age, dark circles can be worsened as the skin around the eyes thins, which allows blood vessels to be visible, according to Heidi Waldorf, M.D., a New York City dermatologist. Thinner skin will also make swelling under the eyes more noticeable. Rubbing your eyes, missing out on sleep and consuming a lot of salt can also worsen these conditions.
The best way to care for your eyes is to apply cold compresses, cucumbers or eye creams that will reduce swelling, firm the skin and restrict blood vessels.
Step 1
Use a cold compress across your eyes, or soak a washcloth in cold water. Lay the compress of cloth over your eyes and let the cold work to reduce swelling, as advised by Dr. Jody A. Levine, a New York City dermatologist. Dr. Levine also recommends tea bags soaked in cold water as an effective alternative to a cold compress.
Step 2
Juice freshly grated cucumbers. Apply the juice via cotton ball to your eyes, as suggested by Dr. Savitha Suri in her article, "Natural Remedies and Home Remedies for Dark Circles Under Eyes." Dr. Suri says this is the best treatment for under eye circles.
Step 3
Use eye cream daily. Choose a cream that contains licorice and kojic acid, two natural ingredients that can lighten the appearance of dark circles. Apply the eye cream with your ring finger, working from the inner corner to the outer. Tap the cream on lightly so as not to irritate or damage the sensitive skin around the eyes. "Good Housekeeping" magazine recommends Bioré Daily Recharging Enliven Cooling Eye Gel and Cosmedicine Eye Specialist Essential Moisture Treatment (see Resources below). The eye cream can also firm skin because of the caffeine in it, according to Dr. Levine.
Step 4
Press lightly on the bones under the eye to increase circulation after applying eye cream. The pressure will also help excess fluids that cause puffiness to drain from under the eye, reducing bags, according to Dr. Levine.
Tips and Warnings
- Avoid being out in the sun, or at least wear a visor and sunscreen. Sunlight can lead to tanned skin and the darker tone will make circles more prominent, according to Dr. Suri.
- Drinking cocktails before bed, eating large meals and chowing down on salty foods may cause water retention, which increases puffiness.
Things You'll Need
- Cotton balls
- Cucumber juice
- Eye cream
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