Get Rid of Dark Circles & Bags Around the Eyes

Dark circles and bags around the eyes can be caused by a number of things, including dehydration, lack of sleep, allergies, aging and even genetic factors. While there's little you can do to change the aging process and genetic factors, there are several things you can do to get rid of dark circles and eye bags.

Sleep

Lack of sleep is one of the main causes of temporary dark circles and bags under the eyes, so it's important to get enough sleep. Adequate sleep is also essential for general health and keeping your skin healthy. Sleeping with your head raised slightly can also prevent eye bags, as it helps to reduce fluid retention around the eyes.

Hydration

Dehydration is another common cause of eye bags and dark circles. Some experts recommend drinking eight glasses of water a day, but this will depend on your activity levels, diet and general health. The key is to listen to your body and drink enough water to stay hydrated. You also need to avoid excess alcohol and salt intake, as these can both cause dehydration and fluid retention.

Sun Protection

Sun damage can make dark circles worse. Most people know that it's important to protect skin from strong sunlight, but the delicate area around the eyes is often overlooked. Regular sunscreen can be too heavy for use around the eyes, but you can buy special eye cream that will help to protect and moisturize the skin. Look for eye creams with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or above.

Witch Hazel

Witch hazel is a natural astringent that reduces inflammation and is highly effective at preventing and getting rid of dark circles around the eyes. Put a little distilled witch hazel on a cotton wool pad and use the pad to wipe around your eyes. Alternatively, you can dab witch hazel gel under your eyes and leave it to work on the skin. If you buy witch hazel gel, make sure there are no added ingredients, such as tea tree oil or lavender oil, as these can irritate your eyes.

Allergies

Hayfever and other allergies often cause dark circles, bags and dryness around the eyes. Antihistamines and other over-the-counter treatments can help for some people, while others may need to seek medical treatment. If you have other troubling symptoms, your doctor may recommend testing for allergies and skin reactions.

Cosmetics

Some eye creams contain ingredients, such as vitamin C and hydroquinone, that can help to reduce the appearance of dark circles. You can also cover persistent dark circles with corrector, concealer and foundation. If necessary, a beauty therapist can help you to choose the right products to suit your skin type.

Dark circles around the eyes can be caused by several factors, including lack of sleep, dehydration and allergies. Getting plenty of sleep, staying hydrated, protecting your eyes from sunlight, using witch hazel, treating allergies and choosing the right cosmetics will help to reduce dark circles and improve the appearance of the skin around your eyes.