Removing Bags Under Eyes
Nobody likes getting bags under their eyes, but unfortunately, it happens to the best of us. It’s almost impossible to go through life without getting dark circles at some point, so it’s important to be aware of some of the causes. More importantly, it’s good to know how to get rid of them. Here are some tips you should know about dark circles and how to get rid of them.
What Causes Bags Under Eyes
Most people think that bags under eyes are something that are attributed to a lack of sleep. While this may be true to an extent, there are several other major factors that can contribute to dark circles. Here are a few things that cause them, and a couple of tips on how to avoid them:
- Lack of Sleep: This is one of the major causes of under-eye dark circles and puffiness. Not getting enough sleep can make your skin appear paler, which makes your blood vessels more visible under your skin. This is what causes that bluish-gray color under your eyes. Make sure you’re getting at least seven to eight hours of sleep each night
- Allergies: No matter the season, there is usually something to be allergic to. Along with puffiness, a runny nose, sneezing, headaches, and coughing, allergies can also cause bags under your eyes. Try asking your doctor about different types of allergy medicines. If you don’t have a regular doctor, try doing some online research
- Allergic Reactions: Similar to allergies, allergic reactions can also cause dark circles. Be careful and pay attention to the foods you’re eating and the beverages you’re drinking. You could be allergic to something and not even know it, so be sure to pay attention to puffiness under your eyes when you eat certain foods
- Fluid Retention: Salt and MSG cause your body to retain water. If you have under-eye puffiness due to fluid retention, it is likely to go away within a couple of hours. Simply make sure you’re within your daily limit of salt each day, which is generally only about one teaspoon
- Illness: Not only is being sick no fun, but there are several different illnesses that contribute to dark circles, such as kidney problems and Graves’ disease
- Menstruation: For females, the water retention before your period can cause you to have puffiness and dark circles. Try eliminating extra salt, carbs, and liquid from your diet the week leading up to your period
- Genetics: If your parents and grandparents have dark circles, it could just be hereditary. In this case, there really isn’t much you can do but try to cover it with makeup
- Aging: As you get older in years, your skin becomes thinner, which makes it easier to see the blood vessels underneath your skin. Try a firming cream to help keep your skin healthy
- Dehydration: Not getting enough water can cause dark circles. Make sure you’re getting at least eight glasses of water each day. Also, stay away from salt. Not only does it retain water, it can also cause dehydration
- Smoking and Drinking: Both smoking and an excessive amount of drinking can cause dark under-eye circles. The nicotine in cigarettes restricts your blood flow, which causes your blood vessels to swell. Alcohol can decrease the flow of oxygen to the skin, also causing your blood vessels to swell
- Stress: Stress can manifest itself by causing dark circles under your eyes. Try finding something relaxing to do that will relieve your stress
The easiest way to avoid bags under your eyes is to keep your body healthy. A healthy lifestyle is not only good for your body, but it is good for your appearance. Simply avoiding doing things that you know are unhealthy will drastically reduce dark under-eye circles.
How to Get Rid of Bags Under Eyes
Now that you know several things that can cause dark circles under your eyes, your next question should be how you get rid of them. Sometimes they’re easier to simply try and cover up, especially in hereditary instances, but most of the time it isn’t too hard to get rid of them. Here are a few tips:
- Sleep: More than anything else, make sure you’re getting enough sleep. Sleep deprivation is likely the most well-known factor contributing to under-eye dark circles. Getting at least seven to eight hours of sleep will help drastically
- Diet: Your diet can have a huge effect on the overall health of your skin. Eating plenty of fresh produce, such as acidic fruits and green, leafy vegetables will help get rid of dark circles because your skin won’t look pale and unhealthy
- Wash Properly: Make sure you’re washing your face every morning and evening, especially if you wear makeup. Follow with a moisturizer or a firming cream to keep your skin from aging faster
- Exercise Facial Muscles: This may seem like a silly tip, but exercising your facial muscles can help relieve a lot of stress that is built up in your muscles and help to strengthen facial muscles
- Get Proper Blood Circulation: Make sure you’re getting enough blood circulation to your face, especially at night when you’re sleeping. Be sure you’re getting enough elevation at night to prevent a buildup of blood in the vessels under your eyes
- Natural Remedies: There are several natural remedies that are said to work. Cucumbers, potatoes, and mint leaves are all widely accepted as useful when it comes to dark under-eye circles
- Hydrate: Since dehydration is such a key contributor to dark circles, make sure you’re getting enough liquid in your diet. You should be getting at least eight glasses of water alone, and that doesn’t include other kinds of beverages
If you need a quick remedy, try an eye cream or gel and let it sit for a few minutes. Then try a concealer that is slightly lighter than your skin and pat with powder, which will keep your concealer from caking or creasing.
