Dark Circles and Puffiness Around Eyes

by Jan
(Sacramento, California)

It seems like I've tried every product under the sun for this condition, and nothing reduces the dark circules and puffiness. In addition, I've found nothing that really works to conceal the condition, either.

I'm 56, female, usually get at least six hours of sleep per night, and admittedly don't drink a lot of water. However, I do take very good care of my facial skin with Murad products, I don't smoke, and while my nutrition isn't great, it's generally adequate. Any suggestions you can make would be greatly appreciated -- many thanks.

Jan


Hi Jan,
dark circles under the eyes are usually caused by either a lack of sleep, a unhealthy diet or both. Even though your sleep seems to be adequate (although I would recommend to increase your sleep to 8 hours a night) and your diet is reasonable healthy, dark eye circles can be an accumulation of fluid in the tissues under your eyes that is caused by a sluggish lymphatic system.

Around the eyes, attached to the bone is a muscle called Orbicularis Oculi. The tissue that is connecting the muscle to the bone and the skin to the muscle is called connective tissue. Dense connective tissue also makes up the lower layers of the skin (dermis) where it is arranged in sheets and has collagen fibers as its main matrix element. Loose connective tissue in between is a reservoir of water and salts while the vascular tissue (blood) carries nutrients, wastes and respiratory gases and other substances throughout the body. Lymphatic vessels pick up excess tissue fluid, also called lymph, and return it to the bloodstream. If it does not, fluid accumulates in the tissues.

The skin around the eyes is very thin. Accumulation of fluid and a sluggish lymphatic system is quickly noticeable as puffy eyes and dark circles.

I have found that eye creams are not likely to help get rid of dark circles. However, eye creams help to keep the upper layers hydrated and plump which makes the eyes look more youthful.
I recommend to use an eye cream that is light in consistency and does not contain chemicals to not aggravate allergic reactions and increased puffiness.

Try to stimulate your whole blood circulation and lymphatic system by doing regular cardio exercise. A half hour brisk walk 3 to 4 times a week should do the trick.

To kick start the removal of excess lymph around your eyes, massage lightly with your fingers under the eye in an outwards motion. (from the nose outwards) A good way to to this is by including the massage into your daily beauty routine.

I hope this helps. Please let me know if you have any more questions.

All the best.

Daniela