An eye cream is the best solution for ridding yourself of dark circles and under eye bags, though some darkness and puffiness may be hereditary. The skin under your eyes is thinner than in other places on your face. This thin skin is more translucent and therefore is more likely to show blood vessels and/or brown pigmentation under the skin due to rubbing your eyes or unlucky genetics. Swelling from water retention or genetic puffiness is also more visible because of thin skin, according to dermatologist Dr. Jody A. Levine. Eye cream contains ingredients that plump, thicken and tighten skin. A few lifestyle changes can also go a long way in preventing and getting rid of circles and bags.
Step 1
Go to bed early enough each night that you allow at least eight hours for sleep so you do not wake up with dark circles and baggy eyes. Avoid salty foods, such as chips and pretzels, and avoid alcohol before bed, as these will increase the likelihood that your body will retain water. Water retention may cause bags under your eyes, according to Jody A. Levine, M.D., a New York City dermatologist, in an article called "The No-Knife Eye Lift" in Good Housekeeping magazine.
Step 2
Use an eye cream to thicken your skin daily, as recommended by Heidi Waldorf, M.D., a New York City dermatologist. Thicker skin will hide dark circles. Dr. Levine says it will also make swelling less noticeable. Good Housekeeping recommends Crabtree & Evelyn Gel Eye Mask Garnier Nutritioniste Skin Renew Anti-Puff Eye Roller to reduce bags, or eye creams with botanical lighteners like licorice extract or mica, such as Bioré Daily Recharging Enliven Cooling Eye Gel and Cosmedicine Eye Specialist Essential Moisture Treatment to hide dark circles.
Step 3
Hide dark circles with concealer. Choose a shade that is one shade lighter than your foundation, recommends by Dr. James Sameul, an Ayurvedic doctor. Try a concealer that is two shades lighter if one shade is not enough to hide the darkness. Put the concealer on gently. Use your fingertip or a makeup brush with a thin tip. Avoid pulling, tugging or pressing hard with your finger or brush when applying the concealer, as you may aggravate the delicate skin tissue under the eye and make matters worse.
Step 4
Stay out of the sun. Protect your skin from UV radiation that will worsen dark circles by wearing an SPF 15 or greater sunscreen, recommends Dr. Savitha Suri on SelfGrowth.com. Sunglasses will also help protect the skin around your eyes from UV damage.
Tips and Warnings
- Limit or eliminate alcohol, caffeine, processed foods, smoking and sweets. Dr. Sameul says that these foods contribute to dark circles forming under your eyes. For more effective thickening of the skin under the eyes, try laser therapy. Laser treatments stimulate collagen production, according to Dr. Sameul.
Things You'll Need
- Eye cream
- Concealer
- Makeup brush
- Sunblock
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