How to get rid of dark eye circles, puffy eyes, and eye bags: Causes and Treatments

Dark eye circles and puffy eyes are concerns that have come up time and time again with my clients.  I wish there was a magical eye cream that would just take care of both issues, but unfortunately it’s a bit more complex than that.  First of all we must find out what is causing the dark circles and the puffiness.  Let’s take a look at some of the causes:

Dark Circles

Dark circles can be a genetic, ethnic trait.  In this case the dark circles are most likely caused by pigmentation in the skin (excess melanin).  This type of dark circle looks like a half moon shadow under the eye and sometimes surrounds the whole eye.

Lightening this type of pigmentation is very difficult if not impossible.  It is necessary to find a product that stops melanin synthesis as well as lightens the skin AND it has to be safe for use around the eyes.  The problem is that effective skin lightening products are usually too strong for use around the eye.  You are better off investing in a good concealer like Jane Iredale Enlighten.  Enlighten conceals, but also contains the natural pigmentation inhibitor arbutin (extracted from the bearberry plant).  Jane Iredale Enlighten Concealer is to be applied with the Camouflage Brush.

Dark Circles can also be caused by blood pooling in the tiny blood vessels under the eyes.  As we age our skin thins and the blood vessels become more visible.  This type of dark circle usually has a red. blue, or purple cast to it.

This type of dark circle can usually be improved by using an eye treatment containing ingredients that help to increase circulation, strengthen and/or clear backed up blood vessels (Chrysin, Vitamin K, Caffeine).

Jan Marini Age Intervention Dark Circle Eye Defense (see trial below) – rapidly lessens the appearance of dark circles, fine lines, and wrinkles with chrysin enzyme, peptides, and retinol.

See Product Review/Trial: Jan Marini Age Intervention Dark Cirlce Eye Defense>

Stress, lack of sleep, poor nutrition, drinking, and allergies are also culprits in causing dark eye circles.  This type of dark circle is normally accompanied by puffiness.  It’s usually temporary and can be improved with use of a stimulating, decongesting, eye treatment.

VivierSkin Dark Circle Diminishing Eye Cream – medical grade under eye cream enriched with Vitamin K.  Puffy, tired eyes and dark circles are diminished, fine lines & wrinkles are improved.

Phytomer Regard Delicieux: Dark Circle Eye Cream – marine based formulation that activates circulation and decongests the eye contour to reduce the appearance of dark circles.

Puffy Eyes & Bags Under the Eyes

Eye puffiness can be caused by something as simple as lack of sleep or it can be a much more complicated issue.  Here are the most common causes of eye puffiness:

•toxin and waste build up in the body

•sinus problems

•side effect from medications

•allergy

•stress

•putting eye product too close to eyes (especially at night)

•alcohol consumption

•high salt intake

•hereditary

Cellex-C Under-Eye Toning Gel – specifically formulated with plant extracts that stimulate and tone the skin around the eye area. Combats dark circles and puffiness caused by late nights, stress, water-retention, allergies, colds or sinus problems.

Puffiness/Dark Circles Associated with Aging

As we age we naturally lose elasticity in our eyelids and they begin to sag.  As this occurs, normal fat that lies under the eyeball pushes forward against the lower eyelid and creates a bulge, eye bag or puffy eye.  A shadow then forms beneath the protruding puffy eyelid and creates a dark circle.  This type of puffy eye cannot be corrected with cosmetics and topical treatments.  This type of puffiness may be corrected with cosmetic surgery.

How to conceal/cover up dark eye circles:

If you like a creamy nourishing concealer with good coverage you will love Jane Iredale Circle Delete Concealer.  It comes in a pot with 2 shades and is applied with the camouflage brush.

If you prefer a light, more sheer, brightening concealer you will love the Jane Iredale Active Light Concealer.  It comes in a tube with attached brush for easy application and it contains decongesting plant ingredients!

If you want a multi-use concealer that covers up all types of dark circles and imperfections you will love the Jane Iredale Corrective Colors Concealer.  It’s a palette that comes with 4 different shades!  Use the Camouflage Brush for best results.

We would love to hear your thoughts on the topic of this blog! Feel free to write your comments or questions below.  As always, just for being a follower of our blog, enter coupon code BLOG10 for 10% off your next purchase! Also, remember to follow us @spaboutique on Twitter, like our Facebook  page, and check out our boards on Pinterest! You could be the lucky winner of one of our many contests!

As always, just for being a follower of our blog, enter coupon code BLOG10 for 10% off your next purchase! Also, remember to follow us @spaboutique on Twitter, like our Facebook  page, and check out our boards on Pinterest! You could be the lucky winner of one of our many contests!

Tags: bags under eyes, cellex-c, circles under eyes, conceal dark circles, concealer, cover up dark circles, dark circles, dark eye circles, eye bags, jan marini skincare, jane iredale, mineral makeup, phytomer skincare, puffy eyes, vivierskin

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