5 Quick-Fix Tips to Combat Dark Under Eye Circles

Dark under eye circles aren’t the most flattering assets. As we approach summer, we should aspire to attain a fresh, light and glowing look – not one that is reminiscent of the cold, dark nooks of the winter season. While there are so many reasons why under eye bags appear, there are also so many ways to combat them. The trick is finding the combination of tips that work for you.
We all have fat above and below our eyes. This fat in our face is held up by ligaments and muscles that begin to weaken and sag with age, making the fat more visible (hence the puffiness under the eyes). Collagen levels and circulation also decline with age, which leads to a loss in elasticity and color. However, there are ways to mitigate the effects of aging by making sure to eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly and treat skin with natural and organic products.
Then there are lifestyle factors that accelerate the appearance of loose features and dark under eye circles. With our exposure to environmental toxins, compromised food choices and increased stress levels at school and in the workplace, under eye circles are prevalent among all ages. Here are 5 ways to fight under eye circles and to kick them in the bud for good.
1. Whip Egg Whites
Egg whites are a great way to tighten tired skin. Simply separate the egg whites of 2 eggs from their yolks and whisk the whites until they are frothy. Apply to the face in upward motions, focusing on the under eye area. Let dry for about 15-20 minutes before rinsing with warm water.
2. Use a Cold Spoon
Place a cold spoon under your eyes for a few minutes to tighten up the loose skin and reveal a most taut appearance before you start applying make up. The cold spoon helps to soothe the skin and give you that awake appearance.
3. Lower Sodium Intake
Consuming too much sodium can cause your body to retain water, which give you that bloated look and feeling. Too much sodium disrupts the sodium balance in your cells, which leads to your body holding on to excess fluid to prevent dehydration. This can make you look heavier than usual by bringing a puffy look to your frame and your face. Under eye bags are often a sign of water retention and are one of the first signs that you are being passed the salt far too often.
4. Drink Water
It cannot be said enough. Drink. More. Water. It seems counterintuitive to fight water retention with water itself, but hydrating reduces puffiness. Think of it this way: if your body is getting enough water, it won’t hold on so dearly to the water it does have (cue: water retention). Aim to drink about 8 cups of water per day and focus on high-water containing fruits and vegetables in your diet.
5. Sleep Better
Usually, this is the first reason people jump to when explaining the emergence of eye bags. Without an appropriate amount of shuteye, our under eye skin is more likely to develop dark circles. It is not entirely clear why this happens. It is believed that a lack of sleep causes the skin to become paler, thus increasing the appearance of dark circles, as well as reduces circulation to the area.
Determine how much sleep you need per night. Seven to nine hours is fit for more people. Before bed, abstain from excess alcohol or caffeine consumption. Remove all eye makeup and be sure to be well hydrated.
Meanwhile, it is not just the number of hours you are able to hit the hay, but rather how quality those sleeping hours turn out to be. Set a regular bedtime so you can train your body to feel tired according to your daily schedule and various routines. Wake up at the same time every day, napping later, if necessary, to make up for lost sleep. Be sure that you are getting all the necessary vitamins in your diet to promote proper adrenal function and sleep. These vitamins include vitamin B6, calcium and magnesium, among others. A restless night of sleep can be harmful to the system in ways that not sleeping at all is.
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Eyes image via Shutterstock