The skin under the eyes is considered to be very delicate. It is also one of the first places to show signs of aging, stress, and fatigue. Dark circles, puffiness, fine lines, and wrinkles are common insecurities for many people, but with proper under-eye care, you can keep this area looking youthful and radiant.
In this ultimate guide to under-eye care, some tips and tricks will be revealed to help you achieve your best skin yet.
Contents
Understand the Causes of Under Eye Concerns
Before we look for solutions, it is first important to understand why those specific under-eye concerns arise in the first place. Some common causes of dark circles and puffiness include genetics, lack of sleep, dehydration, allergies, and sun damage. Fine lines and wrinkles often arise due to aging and a decrease in collagen production. Just like this, identifying the underlying cause of your under-eye concerns can help you choose the best treatments for that specific concern.
Get Enough Sleep
One of the most important things you can do for your under-eye area is to get sufficient sleep. When you’re sleep-deprived, the blood vessels under your eyes dilate, causing dark circles and puffiness. Aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night to give your body, especially your under-eye area the rest it needs.
Hydrate from the Inside Out
Dehydration is a common cause of under-eye concerns, so it is important to drink plenty of water throughout the day. You can also eat foods that are high in water content, such as cucumbers, watermelon, and celery. Be careful with salty foods, which can cause water retention and exacerbate puffiness.
Protect Your Skin from the Sun
Sun damage can cause dark spots, fine lines, and wrinkles. Therefore it is important to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Using sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and reapplying it every 2 hours can prevent under-eye skin damage. Moreover, wearing sunglasses and a hat when you are outside can protect the under-eye area from UV rays.
Use Gentle Products
The skin under your eyes is delicate, which means it is important to use gentle products that will not irritate or damage the area. By looking for eye creams and serums that are specifically formulated for the under-eye area, avoiding products that contain harsh ingredients like alcohol and fragrances, and using clinically-approved tools such as the IRIS ™ 2, you will be able to maintain healthy under-eye skin.
Incorporate Retinol into Your Skincare Routine
Retinol is a form of vitamin A that can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Look for eye creams or serums that contain retinol and apply them at night before bed. Be sure to start with a low concentration and gradually increase it as your skin becomes accustomed to the ingredient.
Use a Cold Compress
To reduce puffiness and revive tired eyes, try using a cold compress. You can use a chilled spoon, cucumber slices, or a gel eye mask that you keep in the refrigerator overnight. Then, simply apply it under the eyes for 10-15 minutes at a time and repeat as needed.
The Iris 2 visibly reduced my dark circles and puffiness. Great device!