Limit Salt Intake
Take it easy on the salt! Water will always find its way from areas of your body that are low in sodium to those that have the most. The area around the eyes is a prime example. Therefore, a meal high in salt often leads to morning puffiness.
Manage Your Allergies
Allergy season can leave your eyes puffy. Here’s the good news: those over-the-counter medications you take for allergies, colds, or sinus infections can help reduce dark circles along with nasal congestion.
Use a Neti Pot (Nasal Irrigation)
Try a neti pot. Use this device, which looks like a small teapot, to pour saline solution into one nostril and let it drain out the other. It may sound strange, but it could help eliminate that extra moisture in your sinuses from seasonal allergies, colds, or infections.
Change Your Sleeping Position
Do you sleep on your side or stomach? Gravity causes fluid to accumulate under your eyes, which could explain those annoying bags. Try sleeping on your back and add an extra pillow under your head.
Remove Makeup Before Bed
Don’t sleep with makeup on your face. It can make your eyes puffy and lead to morning swelling. Wash off your makeup with water and a gentle cleanser or use a makeup remover every night.
Limit Alcohol Consumption
A glass of wine is fine, but don’t overdo it. Why? Alcohol can dehydrate your skin. Once the delicate area around your eyes becomes dehydrated, dark circles are more likely to appear. If you do drink a little more than one glass, drink water before going to bed and use a moisturizing cream around your eyes.
Protect Your Eyes from UV Rays
You do a lot to protect your body from sunlight. Do the same for your face! Too much sun can cause the skin around your eyes to sag or wrinkle. Use sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats to protect your face from harmful rays.
Quit Smoking
Want another reason to quit this habit? Smoking can dry out and weaken the skin on your face. Say no to smoking and save yourself from tired-looking eyes and wrinkles.
Give Your Eyes a Cooling Break
Are your eyes puffy? Soothe them! A cold compress can relieve puffiness. Try using chilled spoons, cucumber slices, or tea bags. What you use doesn’t matter; the cool temperature works.
Consider Eye Cream
Store shelves are filled with creams and lotions designed to reduce dark circles. Try them out to see if one works for you. Look for an eye cream with retinol.
Conceal
Are dark circles a problem? You can often hide them with concealer. Choose one that matches your skin tone. Apply it gently, tapping it in; don’t rub.
