Dark circles and puffiness can often be caused by lifestyle habits such as lack of sleep or poor diet. They can also be handled pretty easily thanks to makeup and even a shock of ice. So what can you do? Well, we outlined your options. “Some families have under-eye fat pads that stick out from an early age,” board-certified dermatologist at Skintap Morgana Colombo, M.D., explains. Arash Akhavan, M.D., owner of Dermatology and Laser Group in NYC, adds that aging typically compounds the issue. Both dermatologists also agree that there are a few lifestyle elements that can also affect the under-eye bags and make what’s already there worse. This includes sleep, diet, and managing allergies. These are the aspects, along with aging, that we have more control over when it comes to preventing or treating under-eye bags. If you’re looking to prevent under-eye bags from getting worse without having to seek professional assistance, there are some simple, natural steps you can incorporate into your skin care routine or slight lifestyle changes you can make to see a difference: Or, as Akhavan recommends, using a product with retinol. “Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A, which increases cell turnover to help generate collagen over time,” he explains. See here for our favorite clean retinols. Peptides and vitamin C can help by promoting collagen production and reducing the breakdown of collagen to treat and prevent signs of aging. Since lack of water can worsen the appearance of under-eye bags, hyaluronic acid can treat this by binding and retaining water to keep skin hydrated and youthful. Vitamin E’s antioxidant ability helps stabilize free radicals, which can speed up signs of aging, while caffeine’s antioxidant power can delay photoaging by protecting against UV ray exposure. The good news is that there are a ton of great clean, natural eye products to choose from. “As UVA and UVB rays are the main cause of sun damage and aging, wearing sunglasses and SPF is essential for preventing under-eye bags,” Akhavan says. “This will help block the UVA and UVB light, reducing the risk of under-eye aging and skin cancer.” If you’re looking for a sunscreen that provides enough protection while still being gentle enough to use around the eyes, check out our best sunscreens for sensitive skin. To help target the right area, you’ll want a tool that has a smaller-sized corner that targets the delicate area. We’ve rounded up our favorite gua sha and facial massagers for your shopping convenience.
