How To Get Rid Of Dark Circles And Bags Under Your Eyes

Skin December 20, 2018

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At around 0.33mm thick, the skin around your eyes is three to five times thinner than the rest of the face . That means the area is lacking in all the juicy collagen and elastin that protects and plumps skin. And, according to Guinness World Records, the eye’s six muscles make around 100,000 micro-movements a day, so it’s the area that gets the biggest workout. Tired eyes? Literally.

THE PROBLEM

The eye area has very few oil glands, which makes it naturally dry and weakens its hydrolypidic film [a protective cover made of sweat, sebum and water]. These factors, plus movement and thinness, mean the area is prone to lines. It’s also usually missed when applying SPF [the best topical defence against visible skin ageing].

WHAT CAN MAKE YOUR

EYE BAGS

AND DARK CIRCLES

WORSE?

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Eyes are sensitive, and they’re particularly reactive to changes of fluid levels in the body, which results in puffiness. ‘Gravity can also make a notable difference,’ explains consultant dermatologist Dr Justine Hextall, ‘so sleeping with your face down can exacerbate eye swelling and bags.’

Our skin, muscles and bones naturally change as we get older, making it more difficult to manage. ‘The skin starts to sag and underlying fat becomes prominent, causing significant eye bags, wrinkles and dark circles.’

HOW TO MAKE YOUR EYE BAGS & DARK CIRCLES BETTER?

1. Apply eye cream to your fingertips to prevent friction.

2. Always start in the inner corner of your eye and move outwards.

3. Use your finger and thumb to lightly pinch the skin as you move along, improving microcirculation.

WHAT CAUSES EYE BAGS AND DARK CIRCLES?

Stress

…directs blood to essential organs, leaving you with a paler complexion that makes dark circles more noticeable.

Tiredness

…slows down our blood and circulation, which shows around the eyes as puffiness and dark shadows.

Iron Deficiency

…can manifest itself around the eyes with almost bruised rings.

Salty And Processed Foods

…are the worse culprits for causing fluid retention, resulting in temporary eye puffiness.

Food Allergies

…can cause constant puffiness. Wheat in particular has been known to contribute to dark circles.

Certain Medications

…that dilate blood vessels can increase blood flow around eyes, which causes shadows.

Genes

…play a huge part in dark circles, fine lines and wrinkles.

Alcohol

…leads to dehydration, which leaves eyes inflamed and irritated.