SAY GOODBYE TO DARK UNDER-EYE CIRCLES
With 3 Easy Tips
If you’re older than 30, you’re probably no stranger to dark under-eye circles. They can make you look worn down and older, and makeup can temporarily conceal but doesn’t solve the problem. Many people think dark under-eye circles are a sign of tiredness, but fatigue is only one of several causes. Other lifestyle factors like sun exposure, alcohol consumption, and smoking can play a role, as can some skin conditions. But the No. 1 factor that causes dark under-eye circles is one we can’t control: aging. You can’t help getting older, but you can mitigate some of the effects. Your dark circles will probably never go away entirely, but you can use these tips to minimize their appearance. Use prevention methods. To avoid getting or worsening dark circles, your best defenses are staying well hydrated and always wearing sunscreen. Dehydration can cause dull skin and sunken eyes, so be sure to drink lots of water. And since time in the sun can result in premature aging and discolored skin (not to mention skin cancer), always wear an SPF 30 or higher sunscreen to protect the delicate skin under your eyes. Try a cold compress. Placing something cold (but not frozen) under your eyes can cause the blood vessels to constrict, providing a temporary improvement in appearance. You can buy a cold compress, but at-home methods often involve a cold teaspoon, cucumber slice, or a wet washcloth. Since tea contains antioxidants that will stimulate your blood circulation, a cool tea bag is another popular option. Heat up two tea bags in warm water for five minutes, then chill them in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes. After that, just rest them gently on your eyes. Use retinol cream in your routine. Retinol helps to improve collagen deficiencies and plump up the skin, and some people have dramatic results with retinol cream. Over-the-counter options are available, but higher strengths require a prescription. Retinol makes your skin more sensitive to the sun, so only apply your
This past summer, celebrities went out of their way to tell us they don’t bathe very often. With the higher temperatures, it was an odd time to announce a casual relationship with soap, but that didn’t stop stars like Ashton Kutcher, Kristen Bell, and Jake Gyllenhaal. It got so bad that Duane “The Rock” Johnson and Jason Momoa released statements assuring us that they do shower daily. The anti-shower celebrities’ argument was that too much soap is bad for your skin. Bathing too often, they argued, was not just unnecessary but could also be unhealthy. The hullabaloo has since died down, but it’s worth asking: Do the celebs have a point? As it turns out, frequent showers are more of a cultural than health practice. For example, two-thirds of Americans shower every day, but only about half of Chinese people do. Meanwhile, almost 90% of Mexicans shower daily, and Brazilians average two showers per day. Climate, access to clean water, and cultural norms all play a role. But, according to dermatologists, the stars might be onto something. While there’s no consensus on how often you should shower, dermatologists agree that washing with soap every day is unnecessary for most people. Soap dries out the skin, often making it itchy, irritated, and more prone to infections and allergic reactions. Antibacterial soap can kill off good bacteria that helps our bodies, and some evidence even suggests that washing with soap too frequently can weaken the immune system. That said, dermatologists agree that some people should shower every day, including those who work out regularly, literally get dirty at their jobs, or work with harsh chemicals and odors. And anytime you start to smell, you should definitely lather up. If you want to reduce how often you shower, dermatologists agree you should wash your face, armpits, and groin area with soap daily. Then, when you do shower, wash with warm (not hot) water and a moisturizing soap and try to keep your shower under 10 minutes. It’s important to wash gently instead of scrub your skin hard, and you should pat (not rub) yourself dry and apply lotion after your shower. These tips will ensure you stay clean while also protecting your skin. In the end, it’s how you shower — and not how often — that likely matters most to your skin health. CELEBRITIES COME CLEAN They’re Not Washing Daily — Should You?
retinol cream at night. You don’t want to swap out dark circles with sunburn!
If these tips don’t reduce the appearance of your under-eye circles, it may be time to see a dermatologist. But most dark circles can be resolved at home with just a little TLC.
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