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Summary: In this blog, learn how to get rid of dark bags under eyes, what causes them and tips for prevention...

Dark circles under your eyes can be expected after a particularly raucous night out, exhausting shift or general busy week, but despite them being a normal occurrence, they can be unpleasant to look at and be worsened by other life factors. 

So, what’s causing our under-eye shadows and how can we prevent these bags under our eyes from appearing in the first place…?

What causes dark circles under eyes?

A number of things can cause gray, dark circles to appear under your eyes.

• Fatigue – Over sleeping as well as extreme fatigue, can induce under eye bags. Being over-tired can cause the skin to become pale and dull which then allows blood vessels and dark tissue beneath the skin to show
• Aging – As you age, your skin becomes thinner. Loss of collagen and fat means loss of skin elasticity, and thus blood vessels and dark tissue can begin to become visible
• Eye Strain (Too much screen time) - Straining from staring at a laptop or television can cause the blood vessels to grow larger and therefore, the skin around the eyes to darken
• Dehydration – When we’re dehydrated, the skin beneath our eyes can begin to look sunken and dark because this area is very close to a bone (cheek)
• Smoking/Alcohol – Both drinking alcohol and smoking prevents oxygen from traveling effectively around the body in the blood stream which can result in dark circles under the eye and general poor skin health
• Allergies – If your allergies cause you to have itchy eyes, constantly rubbing at them can irritate the skin and exacerbate any under-eye shadows
• Overexposure to the sun – If you’re getting too much sun, your body can begin to over produce melanin which provides your skin with color. So, too much sun can cause the skin to develop a darker pigment, particularly under and around the eyes
• Your genes – If dark circles under the eyes runs in the family, unfortunately they can be an inherited trait. Thyroid disease can also cause issues with visible eye bags too
• Vitamin C, Iron or Zinc deficiency – Dark circles under your eyes can be the first sign of poor nutrition and the lack of a balanced diet
• Stress – Worry, anxiety and high stress levels can all cause and worsen under eye bags

How To Prevent Bags Under Eyes

It’s Time For A Lifestyle Overhaul!

Your body is a temple, as they say, so if it’s not being treated with the respect and rest it deserves, then it can’t be expected to look and feel it’s best either. If you’re wanting to fast-track the banishment of your under-eye bags, there are some simple, achievable lifestyle changes you can implement immediately that may help:

• Aiming for 7-8 hours of sleep per night
• Drinking 2 liters/8-10 glasses of water per day (more if exercising)
• Improving your diet by reducing your salt intake and making sure you’re getting your recommended daily amounts of all essential nutrients (Namely Vitamin C, Iron, Omega 3 and Zinc to target your under-eye bags).
• Reducing your alcohol intake (It’s advised in the US that females shouldn't drink more than 12.3 units of alcohol per week, and males no more than 24.5)
• Quitting smoking (If you’re addicted to smoking, always consult with your physician for support)
• Aiming to relax and de-stress more often, whether this be by taking a regular, long bath, participating in exercise or simply meditating. Making time for you can really help promote your aesthetic!

Try Cucumbers, Lemon Juice & Cold Tea Bags

We see that age-old photo a lot – a lady in a spa with cucumbers over her eyes… But, does it work?

Well, cucumbers are actually touted as having skin-lightening properties and are considered as a mild astringent (skin tightener), so they may well do! Simply cut two thick slices of fresh, refrigerated cucumber and leave the slices on your closed eyes for 10 minutes. Rinse the area with lukewarm water after use.

You can also squeeze equal part lemon juice and cucumber juice together, and use a cotton pad to sweep the mixture directly to the under eye area (being sure to avoid the actual eye). After 15 minutes, simply rinse off with lukewarm water. Loaded with Vitamin C, lemon is also known as a skin lightener and brightener in the beauty world so combining these two juices could really help!

And yes, you can also use cold tea bags! Many herbal teas like green tea, are packed with antioxidants which can help soothe any strained capillaries in the eye area that may be causing the dark circles lurking there. Simply soak your tea bags in clean water, and then pop in the refrigerator for half an hour. Next, place them both over closed eyes and leave for 10 minutes up to twice a day. Rinse with lukewarm water after each eye soak!

Oil Up With Coconut Oil or Vitamin E Oil

Coconut oil is a gentle anti-inflammatory and thought to help lighten dark eye circles. As well as being a natural moisturizer, it can also help prevent the signs of ageing. Simply smear onto your under-eye area, leave on over night and cleanse as usual in the AM!

As for Vitamin E Oil, using Vitamin E topically can help fight the signs of ageing and aid the appearance of under-eye bags. As with coconut oil, apply on your dark under-eye circles before bed, sleep in the oil overnight and in the morning, cleanse as usual!