Fighting dark circles and under-eye bags: treatments and tips for a fresh look

Understanding dark circles and bags under the eyes: causes and mechanisms

Dark circles and bags under the eyes are common cosmetic concerns, affecting both women and men. While they often give an impression of fatigue or premature aging, their causes are numerous and their treatments must be tailored accordingly. To better combat them, it is essential to understand what causes them: anatomy, lifestyle, genetics, and environmental factors all play a role.

Dark circles: pigmentation or transparency?

Dark circles refer to a darker discoloration of the skin under the eyes. This area, called the eye contour , is particularly thin, making it more sensitive to external aggressors and more prone to discoloration. There are several types of dark circles:

• Pigmented dark circles : caused by an accumulation of melanin, often of genetic origin. They appear brownish or purplish.
• Vascular dark circles : caused by poor blood or lymphatic circulation, allowing the blood vessels to show through the skin. They give a bluish or reddish tint.
• Hollow under-eye circles : linked to a loss of volume under the eyes, often with age. The hollow accentuates the shadow and gives the illusion of darker circles.

Bags under the eyes: swelling and water retention

Bags under the eyes, on the other hand , are swelling caused by the accumulation of fluid (water or fat) in the tissues. They can be:

• Watery pockets : resulting from insufficient lymphatic drainage, often accentuated upon waking or in case of fatigue.
• Fatty pockets : due to a herniation of the orbital fat, generally more pronounced with age.

Aggravating factors:

• Lack of sleep or poor sleep quality
• Chronic stress, anxiety
• Unbalanced diet, excess salt or alcohol
• Tobacco, pollution, prolonged screen exposure
• Natural skin aging
• Genetic predispositions

Eye contour care: hydration, nourishment and targeted active ingredients

The eye contour area requires special attention: its skin is four times thinner than that of the rest of the face and contains few sebaceous glands. It is therefore essential to provide it with specific care , adapted to its particular needs, especially in terms of hydration and decongesting ingredients.

Choosing an effective eye contour treatment

A good eye contour treatment must meet several criteria:

• It must be non-irritating , fragrance-free, and alcohol-free.
• To have a light , easily absorbed texture
• To be rich in targeted active ingredients depending on the type of dark circles or bags

Recommended active ingredients for dark circles:

• Vitamin C : lightens dark circles under the eyes
• Caffeine : stimulates microcirculation and reduces dark circles under the eyes.
• Retinol (low concentration): stimulates collagen production, improves hollow under-eye circles
• Niacinamide : anti-inflammatory, evens out skin tone

Recommended active ingredients for reducing puffiness:

• Caffeine : decongestant effect
• Cornflower water , cucumber , arnica : soothing and decongestant properties
• Peptides : strengthen skin tissues
• Hyaluronic acid : plumps the skin and improves its elasticity

Morning and evening skincare routine

Morning :

• Gentle facial cleansing
• Application of an eye contour treatment containing caffeine or vitamin C
• Lightly tapping with fingertips to activate circulation
• Sun protection for the entire face, including around the eyes

Evening :

• Gentle makeup removal, without rubbing
• Nourishing or retinol treatment (1 to 3 times per week)
• Gentle massage with a roller or a jade stone
• Specific moisturizing eye contour mask (1 time/week)

Natural tips and complementary steps for a fresh look

In addition to cosmetic treatments , many natural gestures and tips can complement your routine to reduce the appearance of dark circles and bags , and restore a fresher and more rested look.

Daily habits to adopt

• Get enough sleep (7 to 9 hours per night)
• Slightly elevate your head while sleeping to facilitate drainage
• Drink at least 1.5 liters of water per day to promote good hydration
• Limit salt and alcohol, which promote water retention.
• Wear sunglasses to protect the delicate area around the eyes