Keep reading to find out all my tips and tricks to keep those peepers bright and smooth!
Before we can work on the under eye concerns, it helps to figure out what might be causing them.
Why do we get eye bags?
-You might think that lack of sleep is the main cause of under eye darkness and puffiness, but it's actually more likely to be caused by nasal congestion. This is why most of us tend to suffer more during winter and spring months as allergies, colds and flu symptoms increase. The veins that drain from the eyes to the nose become dilated and create stagnant blood flow causing the bluey purple cast that we know as dark circles.
-Even if it's not something that particularly bothers you right now, the skin begins to naturally lose collagen and become thinner over time meaning veins will start to show through the skin. Wearing an SPF every single day can help to prevent the breakdown of collagen caused by UVA/UVB rays.
Some other factors that can affect dark and puffy under eyes include:
Iron deficiency
Genetics
Lack of sleep
Fluid build up around eyes
Now that we know some of the causes, we can work on treating those under eyes at home!
Ice, ice baby:
Coldness stimulates blood flow. Increased blood flow will help to minimise darkness and puffiness whilst increasing oxygenation and circulation to remove stagnant blood flow.
A few of my favourite options for this are cold rollers. This can be jade/rose quartz rollers, icey globes or even chilled spoons!
Pop two teaspoons into the fridge for about 20 minutes, apply a small layer of eye cream to the under eyes and use the cold spoons to gently massage and drain excess fluid build up.
An eye cream that I LOOOVE is the Image Skincare Vital C Hydrating Eye Recovery Gel. It's hydrating, brightening and is amazing when used cool from the fridge.
Tap, tap, tap in:
Tapotement is a massage technique involving rhythmic tapping and patting. This in combination with light, stroking massage movements and pressure points can make a big difference in the appearance of dark circles.
Try out some of these techniques:
Gently tap around the orbital bone
Lightly sweep from the inner corners of the eye outward
Apply slight pressure to the temples and between the brows
A tool that I love using for facial massage is a Gua Sha.
With any of these tools and techniques, you have to be so, so gentle as the skin under the eyes is very thin and fragile.
QUICKFIRE TIPS:
-Avoid rubbing the eyes. This can break the tiny vessels around the eyes and cause bruising
-Eat plenty of iron rich foods e.g seafood, spinach and red meats
-Limit the amount of fluids before bed. Whilst water is so essential for a healthy body and skin, drinking too much water before sleep can create excess build up and puffiness
I'm thinking of filming a video featuring some of the techniques and tools mentioned, would you guys be interested in that? Let me know!
Comments