If you're struggling with dark circles under your eyes, whether it's due to genetics or other factors like lack of sleep, illness, or sun damage—you should know that you're not alone. Dark circles under the eyes are very common, but the good news is that there are many ways to treat them, many of which can be very effective and easily done at home.
To find out which techniques are worth trying, the advice of experts comes in handy.
Keep reading for the best tips to fade dark circles under your eyes like a pro.
What causes dark circles?
While dark circles are mostly related to lack of sleep, there are many other factors that can cause them, including:
• Age : Yes, as the years pass, the risk of developing dark circles or bags under the eyes increases.
"Aging causes the tissues and muscles around the eyes to weaken and the layers of fat to drop and bulge, causing bags," says Clare Wolinsky.
• Salty foods: If you notice bags or circles under your eyes, your salty diet may be the cause.
"Overconsumption of salt causes the kidneys to retain water, which leads to swelling everywhere, including the face," says Dr. Wolinsky. However, swelling caused by salt is usually more noticeable in the morning and decreases during the day.
• Drinking too much alcohol: Alcohol is another factor that can cause water retention in the body, leading to swelling in certain areas, including under the eyes.
• Health problems: According to dermatologist Zenovia Gabriel, a "runny" nose from the flu or a cold can make your eyes look puffier, as the spaces that drain fluids from the face are blocked by sinus congestion. Cold symptoms usually go away after a few days, so persistent swelling from this is nothing to worry about, but if you have frequent problems, you may need to seek medical treatment.
• Other health issues: In some cases, bags or circles under the eyes are a symptom of a larger health problem.
"Patients with some types of hyperthyroidism may have a thickening of fat around the eyes, causing puffy eyes," says dermatologist Mike Swann, MD.
"Swollen eyes can also be seen in lupus, dermatomyositis, and other connective tissue diseases."
How to reduce dark circles or puffiness under the eyes
There are strategies for every budget and time commitment. In this regard, experts offer some tips to get rid of bloating eventually.
Use an eye cream with caffeine
"Caffeine as an ingredient acts by narrowing blood vessels, which helps reduce puffiness under the eyes and brighten the skin," explains Dr. Garshick.
Try iced or warm tea
One of the ways esthetician Despina Daniilidis likes to reduce dark circles is to apply cold or warm tea to the area and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes. The beautician recommends chamomile for its naturally soothing qualities.
Dr. Garshick also recommends this method, however, she prefers caffeinated tea.
"The caffeine in black or iced green teas constricts blood vessels, reducing not only redness and puffiness, but also helps brighten the skin under the eyes," she says.
Keep skin care products cool
"Keeping skin care products in the refrigerator can provide an additional cooling benefit to the skin, which can help reduce puffiness," says Dr. Garshick.
This goes for any product you apply to the eye area, including serums and your facial moisturizer.
Avoid alcohol and excess salt
As explained by Dr. Garshick, some lifestyle changes—like improving sleep habits and avoiding excess sugar and sodium—can also help reduce dark circles.
"Try to avoid consuming alcohol and salt to minimize facial puffiness, as these can dehydrate the body and contribute to puffiness," she says.
Consuming too much of either or both can cause water retention, making you look bloated. Even if you just reduce your consumption, you will feel a big difference in the level of bloating you experience.
6. Use ice on the eye area
"Cold facial ice can temporarily reduce swelling by improving circulation and soothing the area," says Dr. Garshick.
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