Although dark circles and under-eye bags are not a serious health problem, many people’s self-esteem and confidence take a hit when they feel their eyes are looking tired and older. Fortunately, there are treatments available to get rid of under-eye bags or lessen the appearance of puffy eyes.
Causes of Dark Under-Eye Circles
There are a number of different methods that can be used to lessen the appearance of dark circles under the eyes. Not all treatments and remedies are permanent, but a consistent routine can help minimize their appearance.
Under-eye bags are caused by a wide range of conditions. They can be due to:
· Allergies
· Skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis
· Genetics
· Eye irritation by scratching or rubbing the eyes
· Sun exposure
· Natural aging process
· Fatigue
Fatigue and the natural aging process are the most common causes of puffy eyes. As people age, fat and collagen is lost and the skin thins. This can cause the blood vessels under the eyes to become more prominent. The development of puffy eyelids or under eye hollows is also common as people age, and sometimes these can cast shadows that appear to be dark circles under the eyes.
How to Get Rid of Under-Eye Bags
It’s always best to talk to your doctor before beginning any treatment plan. Some of the best puffy eye remedies include treating the cause. This might be anything from:
· Sleep. Because lack of sleep can result in dark circles under the eyes, aim to get eight hours of sleep each night.
· Moisturizers and serums. Moisturizers and serums containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, retinol, caffeine, aloe, and vitamin E can lessen the appearance of dark under-eye circles.
· Cold compress. A cold compress causes blood vessels to constrict, which can help if dilated blood vessels are darkening the skin under the eyes.
There are also medical procedures and remedies that your dermatologist can help you with. These include:
· Chemical peels. A chemical peel can lighten areas of dark pigmentation by getting rid of damaged layers of skin to reveal undamaged and healthy skin.
· Laser therapy. Laser therapy uses heat energy to target damaged cells. Laser therapy can lighten dark areas and stimulate the production of collagen.
· Fillers. A hyaluronic acid filler such as Restylane or Juvederm can fill lost volume in eye hollows.
· Blepharoplasty. If you suffer from puffy eyes, a surgeon can remove or reposition fat from your lower eyelid. This reduces the puffiness and also the shadow case by the eyelid.
· Botox injections. Although not specifically a volume treatment, Botox injections in the lower eyelid can decrease puffiness in the area immediately beneath the lashes in some people.
Although puffy eyes and dark under-eye circles are usually not a medical issue, they may impact a patient’s self-confidence. There are a number of home remedies and medical treatments available for reducing the appearance of dark under-eye circles, so it’s important to check in with your doctor to determine which method is best for you and your goals.
