For anyone with allergies, stress, or a busy schedule you may notice unwanted puffiness and discoloration under your eyes. There are several tips to help prevent the issue of dark, hollowed, under-eye circles before taking more drastic action. First, it’s wise to better understand what is causing the problem, the list below are common causes of dark circles around eyes or puffiness. By first determining which of these issues may be a reason why your problem is apparent, it will help you decide what the proper steps are to fix it
Allergies: One of the biggest causes of puffy eyes and dark circles are allergies. If you tend to be affected (especially in the spring) by allergies, you should always take proper precaution as seasons approach.
Build-Up of Fluid: Known as edema, the fluids that build up can be caused by crying, pregnancy, change in hormones or a number of other issues. Acknowledge if under your eyes are discolored or there seems to be actual build up.
Nasal Congestion: Obstruction of the nasal passage can dilate and darken veins that are located in the area under your eyes. This can lead to puffiness as well as discoloration.
Salt Intake: Too much salt can increase your body’s fluid retention. Dark eyes or puffiness is usually a result of something you did the day before. Take note of what you ate in the previous 24 hours to track if too much salt is an issue.
Stress and Sleep Deprivation: What seems most common is lack of sleep or stress. Although a cause, it’s typically the icing on the cake of other factors.
Age and Heredity: pigmentation irregularities and thinning skin through aging can’t necessarily be avoided and natural cures typically can’t help these issues.
Now that we know the most common causes, there are a few things one can personally do to help prevent or eliminate the issue. However, one must also realize that these quick steps are only temporary solutions for long term issues and it is always best to consult your doctor on proper steps for permanent solutions.
The Power of Cold: With any type of swelling, if it be from injury or under the eyes, using ice helps calm the problem. Common tools for eyes are two chilled teaspoons, ice pack, cooled cucumbers or tea-bags. This is a temporary fix but can help if used on a daily basis, as well, it’s quite relaxing.
Sleep with Your Head Elevated: Not only should you work towards getting a proper night of sleep as often as possible, elevate the head to prevent liquid from pooling.
Snack Right: Reduce your intake of salty foods and replace with bananas or raisins which both alleviate fluid retention.
Exercise: Keeping a regular schedule of exercise will help your body move fluids efficiently rather than accumulate.
Prevent Allergies: If you know you have allergies, take necessary steps to prevent as much problems as you can. This includes keeping windows closed and using A/C, wearing sunglasses that protect the eyes from pollen, and taking a mild allergy medicine if suggested by a physician.
Use Eye Cream: there are many companies with skin creams and, specifically, creams to help under eyes. Many of these eye creams also contain the Brazilian suma plant to help reduce the appearance of dark circles.
If these home remedies offer no results it may be time to schedule a consultation and discuss potential solutions including skin treatments such as Restylane(r) and or Radiesse(r) to improve under the eye hollowing.
Restylane(r) is made of hyaluronic acid, which is a substance naturally created by the body to retain moisture in the skin. Radiesse(r) is another dermal filler and option to improve sunken undereye circles. Both provide effective and long-lasting results, that have a longer lifespan than over-the-counter eye cream or home remedies. As well, what may be thought to be puffy eyes may actually be drooping undereye skin, often called “bags”, that no home remedy can cure. The surgical cosmetic procedure, blepharoplasty , removes excess fat and skin below the eye, and the surgery can help lead to a more natural look. As a topical solution, our practice frequently recommends Auriderm, a vitamin K solution or laser treatments are recommended.
