I experience phases of insecurity like many women. Ten years ago, I thought my eyebrows were too thick, and now, I feel like they’re too thin (curse you, changing beauty trends!). I’ve had days where I dislike my thighs, want to hide my stomach, or feel like no amount of makeup is enough to cover a breakout. But the one insecurity that I have felt every day for years is this: Dark circles under my eyes. Sometimes I swear I have a blackeye or my eyes puff up so much it looks more like I’m suffering from an allergic reaction than a consequence of not getting enough rest. My under-eye area is darker genetically (so it’s probably not possible to get rid of them completely) but not as dramatic or puffy as I’ve experienced on and off for years.
All this complaining was to say that I was ready and willing to make some changes, do some research and try out some solutions to brighten up my eyes and de-puff my area. Spoiler alert! I noticed major changes. Just look at the before and after pics! Because not all under-eye treatments are the same, I gave each product a ranking based upon how quickly I noticed a change, how effective it was, how much it cost, and most importantly how hard it took to complete the task (I admit, I can be lazy).Continue reading to find the eight tricks, products, and hacks that helped me reduce my dark circles and under-eye bags.
1. Vitamin-C eye serum
Of all the different eye serums, lotions, and creams that I’ve tried, the most effective formulas contain vitamin C. So why is the vitamin that we take when we’re getting a cold so beneficial for the skin? “One of the best ingredients to find in eye creams is vitamin C because it gets rid of free radicals and brightens the skin,” explained Shea Amiruddin, director of skincare education for HeydayTo. CNN. Also, vitamin C can help boost collagen productionThe delicate under-eye area can be thickened with collagen, which helps conceal any discoloration.
After consistently using a vitamin C eye cream, the area looked brighter instead of that dreaded purple-ish tint, and I looked a little more well-rested (even when I wasn’t, TBH). The only reason I didn’t rate it 10/10 is that it took a few weeks to start seeing results, but I’m in it for the long haul; beating eye bags is a marathon, not a sprint, and vitamin-C eye serum will certainly help me get to the finish line.
Rating: 8/10
2. My back is my pillow
I am a firm stomach-sleeper and this proves that I will do almost anything to achieve flawless skin. I slept on the back for three nights. This position did reduce puffiness and some darkness under my eyes. “If dark, puffy bags seem to be a morning problem, consider sleeping on your back with an extra pillow so that fluid doesn’t pool overnight,” suggested Dr. Rebecca TungA dermatologist based out of Florida, Dr. Allure. I added an extra pillow for my poor eyes and tried to sleep on my back.
It was amazing how I woke up each morning with a more contoured look and less bags. Yes, the tip works. I vow to one day stop sleeping in the mornings. Until then, I’m ranking this hack a 6/10 since I can’t kick the stomach-sleeping habit completely. I’d much rather load up on expensive eye creams than forgo my preferred sleeping position, you know? Although back-sleeping is a great tip to have in your back pocket, it doesn’t make a huge difference in my daily life.
Rating: 6/10
3. Ice roller
Don’t have time for a marathon and looking for a quick fix instead? The ice roller is your answer. You might have seen this affordable and popular tool on social media (since it’s all over TikTok, does that make me cool?), and it’s well worth the hype. The ice roller is a quick and easy way to relieve a puffy face. For a quick and effective treatment, simply store the ice roller in the freezer. Then, roll the ice roller over your face. This is a great part of my self-care routine.
Ice-rolling reduces puffiness and redness of the skin (just as an ice pack reduces swelling on an injury). This is a great way to help in the mornings, when you wake up with puffy eyes and a bad hangover. You can use an ice roller to make your job easier. Help boost circulationYou will have radiant skin and better skin function. I noticed a difference not only in my eye bags, but also in my complexion. For me, the one and only con of ice-rolling is that although it significantly reduced puffiness, it didn’t change the dark circles very much.
Rating: 9/10
4. Drinking more water
It is no surprise that water is so important for overall health (including skin health), but it shouldn’t be surprising that Dehydration can appear under the eyes.. “Dehydration can make eye bags look worse by amplifying the effects of excess salt, high alcohol, or poor sleep,” said Dr. Chaneve JeannitonTo be a oculofacial surgeon, he is. Vogue. “Maintaining proper hydration enhances circulation, which helps remove excess fluid from the eye area.” In other words, better hydration can mean less puffiness.
Although this tip is difficult to keep track of (I always take pride in my water intake), I have noticed a noticeable difference in the appearance and size of the under-eye area when I drink less than usual. Hydration is a priority for me. I feel healthier and more radiant. Drinking more water automatically earns me 10 gold stars, because I know it makes such a difference in my skin, health, and under my eyes.
Rating: 10/10
5. Eye patches
Eye patches are a popular choice for beauty because of their easy shape and promise of many benefits. You can think of them as individual sheet-masks for your undereye area (and a key component in bouncing back after a night on the town). They address all problems around the eyes, including dark circles, puffiness and wrinkles. After trying dozens of eye patches, I’ve learned that their effectiveness depends on ingredients, just like any eye cream or serum. If the patches contain high-quality ingredients targeted to your concern (shoutout to vitamin C), it’s definitely worth trying. I love eye patches and immediately noticed an instant brightness, but since the good ones can get pricey, I’ll save them for special occasions or when I’m in dire need.
Rating: 8/10
6. Facial massage
A facial massage is not just an add-on at the spa; it’s something that you can do daily for a wide range of benefits. Whether it’s with a jade roller, gua sha, or your hands, facial massages have many benefits, including decreased dark circles. “I find lymphatic drainage particularly effective for a patient who has significant under-eye bags (puffiness or darkness),” explained Dr. Kim PeiranoTo be a licensed acupuncturist and doctor of Chinese medicine, Dr.???? InStyle. “It is great at moving that fluid through the body more efficiently.”
Not to be dramatic, but facial massages are one of the best beauty hacks I’ve ever tried. Massaging my skin makes it glow, and the same goes for my eye area. Plus, you don’t have to spend half your paycheck on expensive treatments, luxurious skincare products, or even fancy tools. Grab your favorite oil and start massaging. You’ll be glowing from the inside. I took away one point from the rating because you need a few minutes, but it’s still a tip that can show immediate results. Click here to find out more about facial treatments, or Click here to get a facial massage in less than five minutes.
Rating: 9/10
7. Eye sleeping masks
If you’re a wannabe mask connoisseur like me, you probably have a charcoal mask to clean out pores, a chemical exfoliant to brighten, and maybe even a peel-off because it’s so satisfying (even if they’re Not great for the complexion). What about a mask for under the eyes? I was eager to try the eye sleeping masks as I have both under-eye bags and a love for masks. An eye mask has become a part of my nighttime routine. It is my favorite travel companion, or at least it was before traveling became a thing. Eye masks have a luxurious, luxurious feel without feeling heavy. They’re the perfect moisturizer, but I don’t think they’re any better at improving dark circles or puffiness than a regular eye cream. 10/10 for hydration. They’re still there.
Rating: 7/10
8. Eight to ten hours of sleep is recommended
I love to sleep. If I could choose between a week’s worth of sleep and the best vacation ever, I would choose sleep every time. My workday begins at 6:30 am so sleep is more limited on the weekdays. Even though I make a vow to get to bed by 10 p.m. every night, life happens and I end up sleeping for six hours instead of the eight. This is the most frustrating thing, but sometimes more sleep is all you need to get rid dark circles and puffy bags. I notice a significant difference in my complexion when I sleep for eight hours. And when I sleep well for multiple nights in a row (though it’s a rarity)? My eye bags look so much better that I almost forget they’re problematic. Beauty sleep is real!
Rating: 10/10
Source: The Every Girl
