Puerto Rico's Brianna Burgos eyes the ball during the table tennis women's team gold medal match against US' Rachel Sung of the Pan American Games Santiago 2023 at the Olympic Training Centre (CEO) in Santiago on November 5, 2023.
Wave goodbye to dark circles!
People develop under-eye bags and dark circles due to a number of reasons, including fatigue, allergies, heredity, sun exposure, and aging, according to Healthline. While not a serious health problem, they can impact one's perceived vitality and age.
Dermatologist Dr. Cristina Psomadakis and aesthetic oculoplastic surgeon Dr. Sabrina Shah-Desai told the Daily Mail that factors such as genetics, anatomy, vasculature, lymphatics, age and pigmentation of the skin all play a role in under-eye bag appearance.
"As we age, the eyelid skin becomes progressively thinner and loses its elasticity and tightness," Dr. Shah-Desai said. "Youthful, taut skin reflects light well, giving it luminosity; however increasing loss of collagen and hydration with worsening laxity in the skin makes the under-eye area appear duller."
The doctor also noted that "years of sun damage, exposure to high energy visible (HEV) light (from smartphones and computer screens) and environmental pollutants leads to hyperpigmentation of the eye area."
For those eager to get rid of their dark circles, Dr. Psomadakis said correct care and treatment can yield positive results.
Some lifestyle adjustments people can make to help get rid of dark circles reportedly include avoiding caffeine and alcohol, prioritizing sleep, and staying hydrated. Additionally, proper makeup removal and sleeping with an elevated head can contribute to minimizing morning puffiness.
While effectiveness varies for each individual, here are remedies that have shown promise in reducing the appearance of dark circles, according to the two experts, Healthline, and Cleveland Clinic.
- Adequate sleep: Ensuring seven to eight hours of quality sleep per night and practicing good sleep hygiene can alleviate fatigue-related dark circles.
- Elevation: Using extra pillows while sleeping can reduce fluid pooling in lower eyelids, minimizing puffiness.
- Cold compress: Applying a cold compress constricts blood vessels, potentially reducing the appearance of dark circles caused by dilated vessels.
- Sun protection: Reducing or eliminating sun exposure to the face can prevent darkening of the under-eye area.
- Skincare products: Dr. Psomadakis recommended using products with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and triglycerides or ingredients that address hyperpigmentation, such as the tyrosinase inhibitors. Dr. Shah-Desai also pointed to ingredients such as vitamin C, caffeine, retinoids, glycolic acid, vitamin E and niacinamide to help combat dark circles.
- Natural remedies: Cucumber slices, almond oil mixed with vitamin E, tea bags, and vitamin K-containing pads are among the natural remedies suggested to alleviate dark circles.
As for treatments, Dr. Shah-Desai suggested microneedling, mesotherapy, and PRP (platelet-rich plasma) as fantastic options for addressing dark circles.
Consulting a healthcare professional before attempting any new treatment is advisable to ensure safety and suitability for individual skin concerns.