Say Goodbye to Those Nasty Under-Eye Bags

It's hump day.  Middle of the week.  Exhaustion is starting to set in, but there is still so much to do!  Looking in the mirror this morning, my under-eye bags look darker than ever.  Now that my "tan" (let's be honest, I spent most of the summer in a research lab, so "tan" is pushing it) has started to fade, those nasty eye bags are just screaming for attention.  Concealer always helps, but how can we kick those eye bags for good?

Picture Credit: Huffington Post

Upon investigation, I found that there are many reasons for dark under-eye circles.  Some are have quick-fixes, while others pose a bigger challenge.

1. Fluid Build Up: If you have under-eye circles in the morning, but they are gone by noon, its likely that they are caused by fluid build up. Sleeping on your side or stomach can encourage fluid build up under your eyes as you sleep (thanks gravity).  Try sleeping on your back instead and use an extra pillow.
2. Allergies, a cold, sinus congestion: Fluid build up under your eye can increase puffiness and stretch the thin skin under your eyes worsening dark under-eye circles.  Relieving your sinus cavities of fluid can help reduce under-eye swelling and darkness.  
3. Genetics:  If your parents have dark under-eye circles, chances are so do you. (Now I understand what people really mean when they say I have my father's eyes...).  There's not much you can do about this one. Although certain creams have been shown to be somewhat effective.  See below.
4. Lack of Sleep:  Not getting adequate sleep causes skin paleness which makes dark circles more visible.  Go get some zzzz's!
5. Diet: Lack of iron and high sodium both are associated with dark under eye circles.   Diets high in sodium result in fluid build up (see #1).    
6. Age: As we age, dark circles increase with age. So don't wait to address the issue, it'll only get worse!

Quick-Fixes!

• Change Your Diet! Increase intake of iron-rich foods such as spinach, lean red-meat, and egg yolks.  Or take a supplement.  Vitamin K can also help reduce dark under-eye circles.  Eat more eggs, oatmeal, sweet potatoes, and milk.  
• Sleep More
• Change Your Sleep Position - Sleep on your back
• Reduce Sodium Intake
• Sunscreen - UV rays weaken collagen and cause premature wrinkling and sagging.  Use a moisturizer with SPF to protect the skin under your eyes.

Other Solutions: 

UNDER-EYE CREAMS - Do they really work?

Diet and sleep position are things that I can make an effort to change, but genetics and my lack of sleep aren't going to change.  So what about those creams?!  Do they really work?

According to a study conducted in Japan, creams that contain 2% phytonadione (vitamin K), 0.1% retinol, and 0.1% vitamin C and E are moderately effective at reducing under eye circles. 

Presently I use EyeHope by Philosophy.  It contains none of the ingredients found to be effective in the Japanese study, but I feel that it has been somewhat effective in reducing the darkness of my under-eye circles.  Looking into the reasoning behind this, I found that one ingredient, coffee extract, has also been shown to reduce under-eye circle darkness and puffiness.  Also, it is a hydrating cream. The skin around our eyes is think and fragile.  Hydration of this area can help reduce aging and help brighten the skin.

Another highly rated under eye cream is Clinque Even Better Eyes, which has been clinically shown to reduce under eye circles by 30%.  I was unable to find this study online, but the active ingredient is mulberry root, which is full of oxyresveratrol, an antioxidant that slows down the accumulation of melanin.  It also contains caffeine and green tea extract and whey protein which reportedly strengthens and tightens the skin in that area.   

Don't want to spend $40+ on an under eye cream? Grab a Potato!

Yes, you read that correctly.  Potatoes contain catecholase, which has been shown to act as a skin lightener.  I couldn't find any peer-reviewed scientific studies supporting this, but there are plenty of online bloggers who also support this idea.  Slice a raw potato, soak slices in cool water, and try it for yourself!