Dark, puffy eyes can unfortunately make others assume you are out partying or up worrying all night. Although not getting enough sleep and consuming cocktails before bed can cause bags and dark circles under the eyes, these undesired looks may appear even if you are getting enough sleep. Even avoiding alcohol and salty foods so your body does not retain water may not prevent bags under your eyes if the puffiness is genetic. However, if the bags under your eyes come and go then they are probably not your parents' fault. Thinning skin from age may also be responsible. Eye creams to plump up thin skin can help if this is the case.
Step 1
Use an eye cream every day. Eye cream can combat thinning skin that shows the blood vessels or brown pigments under your skin that appear on the surface as dark circles. Thin skin also makes the swelling that appears as bags more apparent, says Jody A. Levine, M.D. in the article "The No-Knife Eye Lift" in Good Housekeeping magazine. Dr. Levine is a New York City dermatologist. Look for an eye cream with caffeine and lighteners like mica and licorice extract. Caffeine causes the skin to tighten, says Dr. Levine.
Step 2
Apply light pressure to the bones under your eyes after you apply eye cream. Dr. Levine says this can drain the fluids that are being retained under your eyes and contributing to bags. Pressing can also increase circulation to reduce bags. Tapping the area under your eyes with one finger or two will also increase circulation, says Dr. Savitha Suri in her article "Natural Remedies and Home Remedies for Dark Circles Under Eyes."
Step 3
Apply a cold compress, cold water soaked tea bags, cucumber or potato slices to your eyes for five minutes daily. Cold reduces swelling and puffiness, according to Dr. Levine. Dr. Suri advises, for better results, to apply juice from fresh cucumber or potato to two cotton balls and place them on your eyelids. She says this is the best remedy for dark circles.
Step 4
Go to bed early to get at least seven to eight hours of sleep nightly. Do not eat salty foods or drink alcohol before bed. Instead, drink plenty of water. Dr. Suri recommends 15 glasses a day.
Tips and Warnings
- Although using creams, pastes, and compresses may help reduce the appearance of dark circles and puffy eyes, a good concealer can cover up what natural remedies do not. Use a liquid concealer under your eyes. Apply the concealer with a thin tipped brush of your finger. Use an eye cream first if the area under your eyes becomes dry during the day.
Things You'll Need
- Eye cream
- Cucumber or potato
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