Here’s How To Reduce Dark Circles & Under Eye Puffiness
The truth is we all want to look more refreshed and one of the most impactful ways to help your clients change how their skin looks is to educate them on the causes of dark circles and puffy eyes. And while genetics play a role, you can help them improve both of these issues at home with a few simple recommendations. Experts agree a combination of a healthy lifestyle and quality skincare ingredients are the key to improving this skincare issue once and for all.
The Right Foods Can Help
Since the skin around the eyes is the most delicate in the body, when we are dehydrated it can cause blood vessels to become prominent, creating dark circles, while excess fluid can cause puffiness. Incorporating hydrating foods and circulation-boosting antioxidants into a diet can make a noticeable difference, as will mineral-rich foods that help to balance fluids. A few favorites to recommend include:
- Cucumber: High in water content it rehydrates, while also providing collagen-boosting and skin strengthening benefits along with vitamin K. Basically good for your eyes inside and out!
- Watermelon: This powerful re-hydrator is made up of about 90% water and also contains many antioxidants to support overall eye health.
- Blueberries: Also known for their eye health benefits, blueberries protect blood vessels which can improve circulation to the eyes.
- Water: If the goal is to hydrate, then drinking enough water is a must. It will also help flush out toxins.
Lifestyle Improvements
While dark circles and “bags” are often genetic and become more prominent with age, there are some lifestyle improvements that will not only benefit their eyes, but can improve their health overall as well. Some tips include:
- Get Enough Sleep: Healthy adults need seven to nine hours of sleep a night; too little sleep may dull and pale your skin, leading to more prominent circles. Lack of sleep can also cause fluid to build up, creating puffiness.
- Correct Anemia: This condition occurs from deficiency of red blood cells and can lead to feeling tired and weak; iron deficiency can cause under eye circles even pre-anemia.
- Stop Smoking: Nicotine is a sleep disruptor, and can lead to sleep apnea; it’s also dehydrating, which may lead to dark under eye circles.
- Treat Allergies: Swollen nasal cavities may cause “allergic shiners."
- Prevent Sun Exposure: Sun promotes melanin production, meaning dark under-eye circles can darken further. One more benefit of wearing sunscreen every day.
- Improve Eczema: Due to the inflammatory nature of this condition, under-eye circles might be more apparent during flare-ups.
- Get a Facial: Regular facials that include massage can improve circulation and help your clients reduce the look of darks circles and puffiness.
Beneficial Skincare Products
When used consistently, the right products can help minimize puffiness and reduce the appearance of dark circles. When used together, morning and night, these eye care treatments will work together to de-puff, lighten and brighten the skin.
- For Puffiness: recommend an eye product that reduces inflammation with ingredients such as anise oil, sunflower oil and vitamins E and C to moisturize, condition, brighten and protect.
- To Treat Dark Circles: have them try a light weight eye gel that will help give the eyes a well-rested look. Ingredients such as lupin extract, brightening licorice and antioxidant ginkgo helps spark cell turnover while vitamin E hydrates and protects.