Representative image of a woman taking care of her under eye dark circles.
Credit: iStock Photo
These days, under-eye shadows and eye bags are a common occurrence. The screen-fixated times we live in is partly to blame. If you are struggling with trying to shed the shadows below your eyes and the folds too, read on.
Eat right
“Your food habits can worsen eye bags and under-eye shadows,” says dermatologist Dr Madhuri Agarwal. “Consuming salty foods and alcohol late at night will worsen the eye bags.” Delete the food delivery Apps on your phone and skip the intention to have junk foods in the night when binging on OTT. The dark under-eye patches aren’t worth it.
Stay hydrated
Tank up on water throughout the day. Drink at least two litres a day. This ensures your skin stays hydrated and moist, without turning dry and taut. It prevents the appearance of the bluish tinge under your eyes.
Sleep well
In addition to packing in eight hours of sleep at night, use suitable pillows to keep your head at a higher level than the rest of your body. “Elevate your head appropriately to prevent fluid accumulation below your eye,” explains Dr Agarwal. “Do not sleep on your stomach as the puffiness will aggravate due to gravity.”
Make away
Sleeping with make-up on is a bad idea as it makes way for tired skin and early signs of ageing. Avoid nodding off with eye make-up on especially, unless you wish to wake up with smudged eye shadow and kajal accumulated below your eyes.
Correct creams
“Use a good moisturising eye cream containing Vitamin C, retinol, peptides and Q10 coenzyme,” says Dr Agarwal. “These ingredients reduce puffiness and dark circles”. Additionally, wear a sunscreen and sunglasses while stepping out.
Home fix
Chilled tea bags (green or chamomile) raw potato slices, or cotton pads dipped in cucumber juice work well to zap away under-eye patches. “For a quick fix keep chilled spoons, ice rollers or cold tea bags (especially green or chamomile). Place them on your eyes for a few minutes before stepping out or applying your make-up. They can help reduce puffiness by constricting blood vessels and reducing inflammation,” she says.