There are three main ways to reduce dark circles and eye bags: your choice of cosmetics, the routine you adopt, and surgery. We'll delve into the first two options here. For surgical solutions, consult your doctor.
Choosing the Right Eye Creams: A Glamorous Solution
Since the skin under your eyes is fragile, it's best to apply moisturizer twice a day. Opt for a lighter moisturizer with SPF protection during the day and a richer eye cream before bed. First, identify your specific eye concerns.
Puffy Eyes
Products containing decongestant ingredients like caffeine help reduce puffiness by acting on microcirculation. Cooling gels relieve inflammation and activate blood circulation. A roll-on applicator may gently drain lymphatic build-up while reducing inflammation.
Top tip: Store your creams in the fridge to amplify their anti-puffiness and anti-inflammatory action.
Under-Eye Bags
Eye serums and creams formulated with hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, or vitamin C contribute to firmer and better-toned skin.
Dark Circles
Eye creams with caffeine, retinol (in low concentration), vitamin C, or niacinamide are particularly effective to fight dark circles.
Maximizing Your Eye Cream's Potential
Be Gentle and Patient
Gently tap the cream with your ring finger from the inner to the outer corner of your eye. Avoid applying cream to the root of the lashes or upper eyelid, as this could cause further swelling.
Wash Your Face Carefully
Avoid using hot water, which can make your eyes redder and puffier.
Remove Makeup Meticulously
Never sleep with eye makeup on. Gently sweep a cotton pad with makeup remover over your closed eye, from the inner to outer corner and from the root of the lashes to the tip.
Fresh Eyes Every Day: Tips for Reducing Dark Circles and Puffiness
- Get enough sleep: Aim for 7 to 9 hours to reduce fluid accumulation in the eye area.
- Sleep on your back: This prevents friction with the pillow and neutralizes gravity's effects.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking water promotes good blood and lymphatic circulation.
- Limit salt, alcohol, and cigarettes: Excess consumption can aggravate swelling.
- Manage allergies: Allergies can cause swelling, and rubbing itchy, teary eyes worsens the issue.
- Apply cold compresses: This helps reduce inflammation. Consider keeping your eye serum in the fridge.
- Massage your eyes: Gently massaging the eye area promotes blood flow, prevents blood pooling, and stimulates lymph drainage.