They say that the eyes are the window to the soul, but when they are accompanied by puffiness and dark circles, it’s hard to see anywhere else. The problem is more common than you think, with about 30% of people having pronounced dark circles and some 60% having different levels of eye bags. 

In some cases, the symptoms are temporary. However, some patients could experience these issues in the long term, depending on what caused them. This article will help give you a better understanding of under-eye puffiness and dark circles. We’ll also offer some efficient ways to keep that puffiness and those circles under control.

What Causes Puffiness and Dark Circles?

Puffiness and dark circles can appear for various reasons, with some being more obvious than others. The most common causes are the following: 

• Age: Skin becomes thinner as you get older because collagen production decreases. As a result, the darker blood vessels underneath the skin become visible, causing the entire area to darken.
• Poor Sleep: Both sleep deprivation and oversleeping can affect how the skin around the eyes looks. Sleep deprivation leads to fluid buildup, resulting in puffiness. Oversleeping dulls the skin, causing the blood vessels underneath to show.
• Fluid Retention: Things such as dehydration can lead the body to retain fluids, which is a common reason for puffiness. Too much salt can also cause the body to hold onto fluids for longer, giving patients the “eye bag look.”
• Sun Damage: In some cases, excessive sun exposure can lead to dark circles, especially if the area is unprotected. The phenomenon is known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and is a result of excess melanin produced after sun exposure.

Additionally, lifestyle factors, poor diets, allergies, and many other factors may lead to the formation of eye bags and dark circles. A consultation can be helpful to get to the bottom of things.

Top Tips to Brighten Your Eyes

Here are a few ways to reduce the appearance of dark circles and puffiness.

1. Make Sleep and Hydration a Priority

Since too much and not enough sleep can cause puffy eyes and dark circles, the best way to achieve a rested look is to strike a balance. Try to sleep for seven to eight hours every night and make sure to stay hydrated to avoid fluid buildup.

2. Use Targeted Skincare

Targeted skincare, especially the medical-grade type, can reduce dark circles and puffiness caused by sun damage and lifestyle. The Eye Restore Complex restorative peptide product can stimulate collagen production, reducing eye bags and dark circles. The Retinoid Eye+ is also effective for those with sensitive skin, as it brightens the area with its vitamin-rich formula.

3. Try Dermal Filler Treatments

Facial fillers, especially those with a hyaluronic acid base, can restore lost volume underneath the eyes. This reduces dark circles caused by aging, offering near-immediate results. The effects can last for months and can be touched up before they are lost.

4. Apply Sunblock Correctly

We apply sunblock every time we get out of the house, but the eyes are often left forgotten. That’s a big mistake, considering how the skin in that area is most sensitive. Use eye cream with SPF during your skincare routine or apply the sunblock to cover the eye area as well. 

5. Try PRFM Treatments

PRFM treatments, especially when combined with procedures such as microneedling, trigger a body’s healing response. Along with the growth factors in PRFM, these procedures start the production of collagen, which can reduce dark circles in the long term.

Make Your Eyes Look Brighter Today!

Puffy eyes and dark circles might seem like they are a constant part of your appearance, but that doesn’t make them permanent. The secret is to find what makes the condition “tick” and choose the appropriate treatment for it! Schedule an appointment with Dr. Ariel Ostad today and allow your eyes to shine beautifully!

For more guidance on how to reduce puffiness and dark circles, contact Dr. Ariel Ostad at 212-517-7900. We can help you find the right treatment based on the root cause of your condition. As an alternative, fill out the provided online contact form, and we will get in touch shortly for an appointment!