Dark Circles and Puffy Eyes

At some point or another, we've all had these problems. Staying up too late, too many martinis, pulling an all-nighter can all give us those unsightly under-eye problems. However, many of us have some form of these all the time. I've noticed that this is something that many people ask about, especially in regard to the miracle product that they can try that will get rid of them.

Unfortunately, the bad news is that chronic dark circles and puffiness are usually due to factors that are far more complex than just getting some extra sleep. Let's look at a few of the common culprits:

1. Lifestyle issues: chronic lack of sleep, overeating, overconsumption of salty foods, too much caffeine, stress. All of these contribute to an increased level of the stress hormone cortisol which does quite a number on your body, including those dark circles under your eyes.
2. Allergies: one of the most common contributors. Most people don't even realize they are dealing with an environmental allergen such as dust, dust mites, pet dander, indoor molds, and (yuck) cockroach droppings.
3. Sun exposure: yes, it can even cause under eye problems, along with everything else. Not only can it cause sun spots, it can damage the skin under your eyes, which isn't helping anything.
   
4. Aging: Not much you can do about this one - we all get older. But the fat pad beneath our eyes thins out, causing that area to appear dark and sunken.

Never fear. There are some things you can do for each of these to help combat the puffiness and dark circles. Let's take each one seperately:

1. Lifestyle issues: try and get at least 8 hours of sleep. I know it's hard, but it's called "beauty sleep" for a reason. Not only does it prevent those dark circles, but the body heals during sleep as well. Loosen up on the coffee (can you believe I'm saying this? but it's true), because caffeine can increase water retention, causing puffiness. Same goes for salt. Take a good multivitamin and take care of yourself!
2. Allergies: treat the allergens. It's entirely possible you don't even realize you have allergies until you get rid of them. Wrap your pillow in a hypoallergenic barrier, try an over the counter antihistimine (or talk to your doctor about your options), and most importantly: use allergy eye drops. Two drops in each eye before bed and in the morning will reduce symptoms.
3. Sun exposure: always, always, always use a good sunscreen on your entire face (and any other body part exposed to the sun). Many moisturizers and foundations have SPF in them, check them out!
4. Aging: age gracefully, as there isn't anything else to be done about this one!
   

Now, there are plenty of options to cosmetically treat those dark circles too, from creams and serums to concealers. Here are a few that I think might have promise:

• Orbital Eye Rejuvenator by Borba. Contains skin brighteners to diminish dark circles, as well as ingredients to diminish signs of aging.
• Kinerase Under Eye Rescue. Advanced peptide formula helps with dark circles and puffiness.
• eyecon by Benefit. Orange fruit extract helps stimulate microcirculation to alleviate dark circles.
• Depuffing Action Eye Gel by Benefit. Contains hydrolyzed soy flour to firm and lift plus red raspberry and chamomile to soothe and nourish.
• All About Eyes by Clinique. Diminishes the appearance of eye puff, darkness, and fine lines.
  
• Opti-mologist Eye Cream with Light Diffusers by Cosmedicine. Reduces puffiness and dark circles; camouflages with light diffusing crystals.
  
• Lighten and Brighten Eye Treatment by Murad. Clinical studies have shown that this product lightens undereye circles by 59% and puffiness by 50% (according to Sephora's site).

Those should be a few to get you started. But before you try all of that, try Naphcon-A Allergy Relief Eye Drops. I can speak from experience that these might be all the fancy product you need!