Tired of looking in the mirror every morning and seeing dark circles and under eye puffiness staring back at you? If you're like most women, you've probably tried just about everything to get rid of them. But no matter how many times you use a cold cucumber slice or apply concealer, those pesky dark circles and bags just won't budge.

So, what gives? Why do they happen in the first place—and is there anything you can do to get rid of them for good? Keep reading to find out.

What Causes Dark Circles and Under Eye Puffiness?

There are a few different reasons why dark circles and under eye puffiness happen. First, as we age, the skin around our eyes becomes thinner and less elastic. This causes the blood vessels under the skin to become more visible, resulting in that dark, shadowy appearance. Additionally, as we age, we produce less collagen, which leads to a decreased ability to retain moisture. This lack of moisture results in dryness, which can make fine lines and wrinkles more pronounced—including those pesky crow's feet.

Other lifestyle causes include:

• Allergies: Allergies can cause the blood vessels under your eyes to dilate, which leads to the appearance of dark circles. Allergies can also cause inflammation, which can lead to puffiness.

• Lack of sleep: Not getting enough sleep can cause the skin under your eyes to appear darker. It can also lead to fluid retention, which can cause puffiness.

• Dehydration: Dehydration can cause the skin under your eyes to appear dry and sunken, which creates the illusion of darker circles. It can also lead to fluid retention, which can cause puffiness.

• Sun exposure: Sun exposure can cause the skin under your eyes to produce more melanin, which leads to darker circles. Sun exposure can also cause the skin around your eyes to thin, making blood vessels more visible and causing puffiness.

• Age: As you age, the fat and collagen around your eyes decrease, which can cause sunken eyes and wrinkles. This can make dark circles more visible and increase puffiness.

• Genetics: Some people are simply more prone to dark circles and/or puffiness due to genetics. If this is the case for you, there are still things you can do to help improve the appearance of your under eye area (more on that below).

What Can You Do About It?

While there are many potential causes of dark circles and under eye puffiness, there are also many things you can do to help improve the appearance of your under eye area. These include:

1. Get enough sleep

Make sure you're getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night.

2. Drink plenty of water

Stay hydrated by drinking 8-10 glasses of water per day.

3. Limit salt intake

Too much salt can lead to fluid retention, so try to limit your intake to no more than 2 grams per day.

4. Use Cold Therapy and Lymphatic Drainage

Cold Therapy can really help reduce swelling. And a daily lymphatic drainage massage can move toxins and lymph away from the eyes and out of the body.  I suggest using a cold roller ball made of stainless steel like the one found in Chill Out.  

Swiping Chill Out under the eye area and under the brow bones towards the ear will encourage proper drainage.  You can swipe as many times as feels good, especially when your sinuses and allergies are acting up.  It feels pretty amazing actually!  

5. Sleep with Your Head Elevated

Try sleeping on 2 pillows to keep stagnant blood from pooling in the under-eye area.  This can help  encourage proper drainage and reduce unnecessary fluid retention come morning.

6. Use ingredients like Vitamin K, Peptides, and Arnica Extracts

Vitamin K helps to diminish vascular conditions like dark circles (found in Chill Out and Eye Lift).

Peptides helps to stimulate collagen production and help fill in lines and wrinkles (found in Chill Out and Eye Lift).

Arnica Extract can help reduce swelling and decrease puffiness (found in Eye Lift).

I like layering Chill Out under Eye Lift for maximum results morning and night. 

 

Dark circles and under eye puffiness are common problems that many people deal with.

While there's no guaranteed way to get rid of them completely, there are a few things you can do to minimize their appearance.

If you're looking for ways to make yourself look more rested and refreshed, give some of these tips a try!