There aren’t many things that can make you look older the way deep, dark bags under the eyes can. Eyes are the most captivating part of the body, but when they look dull and tired, it can minimize their radiance. There are many ways to help reduce dark circles underneath your eyes to keep them looking young and full of life.
Get Enough Sleep
This is usually easier said than done, but lack of sleep is a huge contributor to dark circles under the eyes. Getting the recommended six to eight hours per night can be difficult, but it’s important for many areas of your health. Take more initiative to organize your time; straighten out your priorities in terms of what absolutely has to be done and what can wait for the weekend. Your eyes, and the rest of your body, will thank you for getting enough sleep.
Use Sunscreen and Moisturizer
Wear sunscreen anytime you go outside at any time of the year. Most people think that it’s only important to protect your face from the sun during summer and spring, but UV rays can damage the skin during any season. Sun rays decrease the collagen under your eyes and cause them to look older.
Lack of hydration is one of the leading causes of premature aging. Moisturizers that are high in vitamin K or A are the best to apply underneath your eyes, but any moisture will help make a difference.
Tea Bags, Cucumbers, and Potatoes
Chilled cucumber and potato slices are helpful in reducing dark circles and puffiness around the eyes. Place the slices under your eyes and lie down for five to ten minutes.Tea bags work the same way. Dip the tea bags in cold water (chamomile tea works well) and place under your eyes for about ten minutes.
Lifestyle
Pay attention to what you’re putting in your body. High levels of caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco all dehydrate the body and can make people look older than they actually are. Drink plenty of water, and eat foods rich in vitamin A, C, and E as well as food with high levels of antioxidants such as blueberries or pomegranates. Avoid greasy and preservative filled foods.
Try an Antihistamine
Dark circles and bags under the skin are often caused by allergies. Your eyes and nasal passages are affected the most by allergens in the air causing redness and puffiness to take place around the eyes. An antihistamine will help reduce these symptoms if allergens are the cause.
Eye Lid Surgery
Unfortunately, most severe bags under the eyes are due to genetics or inevitable aging. Eye lid surgery, also referred to as a blepharoplasty, works to remove excess skin and fat and repositions and reduces muscle to tighten up the areas around the eyes. This is a more permanent solution to deep bags. A well done procedure can last years, and many people never need to get a second procedure done. Remember, it’s important to talk with a reliable surgeon any time you are considering a medical procedure.
Injectable Fillers and Laser Resurfacing
There are a string of injectable fillers available that will help to reduce the darkness around the eyes and fill in the sunken skin as well. Laser resurfacing works to tighten the skin and smooth out lines and wrinkles around the eyes. These procedures work well and typically last a year or longer, but more follow up procedures are required than with eye lid surgery.
Sunk in eyes and dark circles can make anyone look older and constantly worn out. They are often the worst area for premature aging.Fortunately, there are options out there for anyone looking to rejuvenate the youthfulness and brightness of their eyes no matter the lifestyle or budget.
Benji Grayson is a freelance health and fitness writer with the Sammamish Center for Facial Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery and often writes about weight loss and skin treatment in Seattle, Washington. His personal interests include researching ways to help people achieve their personal wellness goals, as well as finding ways to have better overall health.
