Unveiling the Shadows: Causes and Solutions for Dark CIrcles and Bags of the Eyes
I’m sure some of you can relate...
I wake up in the morning, and gasp when I see my eyes. I look like I haven’t slept in a 1000 nights!
People keep asking are you ok? Are you tired? You should get more rest.
What the heck is going on!? I am going to break down some of the causes and aggravating factors of those baggy eyes and dark circles, and give you some tools to help.
Some causes:
Aging. As the skin ages, it thins and loses collagen, making the blood vessels beneath the skin more visible leading to dark circles. Fat and collagen loss also contributes to the formation of eye bags.
Genetics. Dark circles and eye bags can be hereditary so if your family members have them you may be more likely to develop them.
Pigmentation irregularities. Some people are more prone to hyperpigmentation around the eyes due to their skin tone or specific conditions.
Sun Exposure. Sun exposure overtime breaks down collagen, and one of the first places we start seeing the damage is underneath the eyes.
Dehydration. Not drinking enough water can cause the skin under the eyes to appear dull and sunken, highlighting dark circles. Dehydration can also affect circulation of the blood and lymph leading to puffiness and dark circles.
Lack of sleep. Insufficient sleep can lead to blood vessels under the eyes dilating, creating a dark tint and puffiness.
Fluid retention. Highly processed foods and hormonal changes can cause the body to retain fluid and sometimes it can accumulate under the eyes.
Allergies. Allergic reactions can cause itching and swelling, leading to dark circles. The histamine response can also cause the blood vessels under the eyes to dilate which can darken the area. Sinusitis can affect circulation around the eyes as well.
Other lifestyle factors: smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and highly processed foods can contribute to dark circles and bags by affecting skin health, circulation of lymph and blood, and creating inflammation.
Some things are definitely out of our control, but let’s talk about what we can control.
Drink more water. I recommend 80-100 oz daily. Good hydration can improve the texture of your skin, reduce fluid retention, and improve circulation.
Getting enough sleep. Shoot for 7-8 hours a night. Make sure you’re practicing good sleep hygiene…keeping a similar schedule of wake/sleep times, limit blue light exposure, develop a wind down routine, limit fluids before bed, and create a restful environment.
Elevation. Sleeping with your head elevated could reduce fluid from accumulating under the eyes.
Protect your eyes from the sun. Wear a hat, wear sunglasses, and use sunscreen.
Eating well. Focus on eating whole foods, including a variety of fruits and vegetables, and avoid highly processed packaged foods when possible. I like the 80/20 rule...sometimes life happens or you just need to cut loose…allow yourself some grace.
Using an eye specific moisturizer daily.
Caffeine. Place either black or green tea bags in warm water then chill the bags in the refrigerator for a few minutes. Place a bag over each eye for 5 minutes. Remove the bags and rinse. You could find an eye cream with caffeine as well.
Infrared sauna and red light therapy can stimulate collagen production, improve circulation, and reduce systemic inflammation.
Acupuncture. We are here to help you! We provide support for hormones, sleep issues, allergies, and more. Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture specifically addresses dark circles and puffy eyes from the inside out helping you feel confident in your own skin.
Schedule a free consultation with me to see if it’s right for you!
