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Writer's pictureNurse Irena

How to Reduce Eye Bags and Dark Circles

Eyebags are one of the most common issues people face with their skincare. Whether you do shift work, or are just exhausted, there are many ways to make those eye bags and dark circles less noticeable, and brighten your eyes.


What Causes Eye Bags And Dark Circles?

There are numerous causes for eye bags and dark circles under your eyes. Some reasons are out of our control, such as our genes and natural ageing process. The cause is unique to each and every person, and each have their own ways to manage and reduce their appearance.


Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation is caused by your skin producing melanin. Melanin is what causes skin to become darker. Melanin is a naturally occurring amino acid that causes pigmentation in your skin, and increases skin’s resistance to damage from UV rays. An even distribution of melanin causes the skin to look more evenly toned.


If you notice some patches on your face or body are darker, this is called hyperpigmentation.

Injury and inflammation are common causes of hyperpigmentation, as after an injury and your skin heals, melanin may be produced by the skin, giving it a darker appearance. This is the reason why some scars may appear to be a darker colour. If you recently spent a lot of time in the sun and see ‘sunspots’ coming in, that is also an instance of hyperpigmentation. Melanin production also occurs hand in hand with inflammation, which is a common reason for dark circles under your eyes.


Inflammation

When you first wake up in the morning, you may notice your eyes feeling puffy and tired. One of the most common causes of puffy eyes is lack of sleep. If you are not getting the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep a night, you may notice tired eyes, which can darken your eyes and leave you looking sleepy.


Another common cause of inflammation is allergies. Allergies are caused by the immune system reacting to a foreign substance in the body. Environmental allergies which cause sneezing and runny nose can also cause puffy eyes. Taking over-the-counter allergy medication and other anti-inflammatories can help reduce the appearance of your allergic reaction. It may be a good idea to talk to your doctor if your allergies are getting out of hand or if symptoms are severe..


Moreover, eating too much salt and a diet high in sodium can cause your body to retain too much water, and have you holding onto water weight. This water weight can has a tendency to show itself in your face, with inflammation around your eyes, cheeks, and chin. Lowering your salt intake while staying hydrated is important in maintaining your glowing complexion. Eat balanced meals everyday, and skip out on the bag of salty potato chips or french fries.


What Are Some Natural At Home Remedies For Bags Under Your Eyes?

Thankfully, there are many options for all budgets and lifestyles to reduce your puffy eyes and dark circles. Many of these solutions can be easily found at your local shops, or even at home in your cupboards.


Check your Kitchen

If you have teabags in your cupboards, warm tea bags that are lukewarm to the touch can be great to put over your eyes. The caffeine and antioxidants in green and black teas can brighten up your eyes and leave you feeling soothed and ready for the day! Other cool compresses such as a cool wet cloth, or cucumbers can brighten your skin and reduce puffiness.


Under Eye Skincare

There are many products you can buy at your local cosmetics store and pharmacy to help reduce those dark circles. While you may already be very familiar with the effects of caffeine in your morning coffee, caffeine also does the same thing for your skin. Buying caffeinated eye creams can tighten skin and brighten your eyes. Adding caffeinated eye creams to your skincare regime, paired with retinol creams can repair the skin under your eyes over time, and have anti-aging effects.


Take Care Of Your Body

Be aware how you care for your body, as what you do to your body shows on your skin.

Manage sinus inflammation by using a neti pot as part of your morning routine. Consider lymphatic drainage massage, or gua sha techniques for relaxation and anti-inflammatory massage.

While caring for your face, remember to use sunscreen daily, even on cloudy days as UV rays can cause damage over time and cause hyperpigmentation and injury to your skin.


By watching your sodium consumption levels, you can help your body fight water retention and inflammation. Though fuelling your body right by making healthy meal and snack choices, you can help balance hormones and lead a more balanced life, meaning more balanced healthy skin.



Non-surgical methods for reducing Eye Bags


Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)

Platelet rich plasma, also known as PRP is a non-surgical procedure that uses your own body’s plasma, a component of your blood, alongside with platelets which aid in your body’s ability to heal, injected into target areas to trigger the healing process to repair scarring, sagging, or other signs of ageing. Since PRP is produced from your own body, it is a safe and effective procedure without adding fillers or unnatural ingredients to the body. PRP has a minimal downtime, making it a simple and effective treatment for dark circles and eye bags.


Laser therapy and RF Microneedling

Different non-surgical laser treatments and RF Microneedling treatments such as Morpheus8, are able to use lasers and radio frequencies to penetrate the skin, promoting the production of collagen to reduce darkness and sagging. Both are proven safe and effective treatment for all sorts of beauty enhancements on the face and body. works by creating micro-abrasions in the skin, and lets your body produce new collagen, which can zap away puffiness and hyperpigmentation.


Surgical Methods For Reducing Eye Bags

Surgical facelifts for eyebags include Blepharoplasty, where excess skin is removed from around the eyes to reduce sagging and dark circles. This treatment is more extreme with a longer recovery time, more risks of complications, and a higher price tag. Always talk to your doctor if you are considering surgical beauty enhancements.


No matter the method you choose to enhance your natural beauty, always consider safe and healthy options and do your research. This article is not a replacement for medical advice, always consult your physician for all risks and benefits of both surgical and non-surgical procedures


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