5 Best Ways to Reduce Dark Circles and Under Eye Bags

How to reduce Dark Circles or Under-Eye bags?

Many of us struggle with dark under-eye circles or under-eye puffiness/bags. Some of us (I'm one of them) struggle with both!

Let's begin with WHY we get dark circles in the first place

Over time, our skin naturally loses collagen and grows thinner, so regardless of what kind of skin you have or your good habits, veins/darkness will inevitably start to show through the thin skin around your eyes.

We know exposure to the sun speeds up the process of collagen breaking down. Your best weapon against under-eye circles is disciplined and consistent sunscreen and eye gel/cream habits. Wearing sunglasses helps, too = less squinting = fewer crows feet!

It's in the genes

Genetics are the biggest determinant of what kind of skin we will have and what we’ll look like as we age. Those of us who have inherited fair or thin skin tend to show under circles more easily than others because our blood pools in the capillaries under our eyes, and it’s simply more obvious through lighter skin.

While it may not be possible to completely eliminate either dark circles or under-eye puffiness and bags, there is hope! These home remedies may help manage the conditions.

What we can do at home

1. Elevate your head - While sleep deprivation can play a part in producing those dark bags under your eyes, sometimes it’s how you sleep. Elevate your head with a few pillows to prevent fluid from pooling under your eyes which can make them look puffy and swollen.

woman laying down with cold eye mask on eyes | 5 best ways to reduce dark circle and under eye bags

2. Apply a cold compress - A cold compress can help reduce swelling and shrink dilated blood vessels. This can reduce the appearance of puffiness and help eliminate dark circles. Wrap a few ice cubes in a clean washcloth and apply it to your eyes. Let wrapped ice rest on eyes 5-10 minutes, remove, then repeat.

Contrary to popular belief cucumbers don't reduce puffiness. But, if they're cool they'll feel refreshing.

3. Reduce allergy symptoms - Allergies can cause fluid to build up in your sinuses and around your eyes. This can lead to under-eye swelling/bags/ puffiness. Avoid allergens when possible. Try over-the-counter allergy medications. Talk to your doctor about prevention strategies.

4. Vitamin C in your skincare treatments to help increase collagen production. Increasing collagen production under the eyes can reduce dark circles and discoloration and assist with fine lines.

Studies support the use of Vitamin C for reducing dark circles under your eyes. Look for skincare products with high concentrations of Vitamin C.

Woman's hand and fingers with Peptide Eye Gel on fingertips, Parisians Pure Skincare

5. Peptides: the building blocks of collagen, help keep your skin firm and smooth. As you age, the rate of collagen your skin produces slows down, so using eye creams/gels with peptides helps to support collagen levels.