So Long, Circles!

Are you a busy mom, worn out from chasing your little ones all day…never quite able to catch a full night’s sleep? Or perhaps a career gal: conquering the business world during the day, and busy being the belle of the ball at night? Wherever you’re at in life, the result of a too crazy schedule is the same: besides crabby moods and a desperate need for multiple doses of caramel frappuccinos…we’re usually plagued with under eye circles and bags. For others, these pesky dark circles are a daily reality, thanks to genes, allergies, or illness. Either way, under eye circles need to pack their bags and leave. Here’s how to give them the boot:

1. Food and water
Many cosmetic problems can be attributed to vitamin deficiencies. Dark circles and puffiness are often the result of a lack of vitamin K or inadequate antioxidants, as well as not enough B12. To get your fill, load up on plenty of fruits and veggies—especially cabbage, spinach, and other leafy greens. Adequate fluids improve circulation, even to your under eyes, so drink up!

2. Chill Circles.

Place cool, caffeinated tea bags, an ice cube wrapped in a cloth, or cucumber slices to your eyes. Tannin in tea bags has been shown to reduce swelling and discoloration. Cucumbers and ice can combat puffiness. Lie down in the morning and set your chiller of choice over your eyes (lids closed) for 10-15 minutes.

3. Reduce salt intake.

Since salt can cause the body to retain water, too much of it may be the culprit of under eye puffiness. It can also impair blood circulation, making blood vessels under the skin appear blue. Consider cutting out the extra salt in your diet and see if it affects your circles.

4. Cover them up!

There are many techniques you can use for reducing those awful circles, but reality is we almost ALL have discoloration or circles that won’t budge completely. Cover them up with a high coverage, moisturizing formula like Bye Bye Under Eye. Bye Bye is packed with Vitamin K, which is clinically proven to reduce discoloration under the skin, as well as Collagen and Vitamins A, C, and E which reduce under eye puffiness and strengthen delicate under eye skin.

5. Maybe it’s allergies.

Allergies can cause skin discoloration under the eyes. If they’re the root of your circles, you’ll need to treat the allergen to treat the circles. Talk to a dermatologist to figure out what you’re allergic to. People with allergies tend to be deficient in B6, folic acid, and B12 so taking a multivitamin may help.

6. Count Sheep.

What’s the best thing you can do to kick the circles to the curb? Rest up! Besides playing a large part in creating the circles themselves, lack of sleep makes skin paler (increasing appearance of dark under eyes). So turn off your computer, chop some cucumbers for your eyes, and get some zzz’s…you deserve it!