Pack Your Bags: The Doctor’s Quick Fix Eye Lift

 

The perennial puffiness, dark circles, bags. A problem so common and so frequent that you may have been tempted to give up, let it become one of those things you just stop seeing like the door dings on your car, and look for a better concealer. That is defeatist and, thankfully, unnecessary. There is plenty you can do to depuff, smooth, and brighten the area. It starts with understanding what’s ailing your orbital region.

 

Dark circles could be hereditary. Or they could be from swollen blood vessels. Because the skin around the eye is thinner, it has a certain translucence that makes the blood vessels more visible, so any swelling or drainage issues in the area will make the skin appear darker. Too many late nights or trouble sleeping, too much sodium in your diet, or allergens can be aggravators that make the problem worse.

 

Bags are a product of herniated fat. That sounds more unpleasant than it really is. Everyone has fat pads in this area. They are nature’s cushion for the vulnerable eye area. Sometimes they swell and create the puffiness that gives the impression you are either worrying far too much or having far too much fun and not worrying enough.

 

You could just buy the t-shirt that says, “the bags under my eyes are designer” and call it a day. Or you can follow these tips.

 

 

Use the Right Eye Cream

A targeted eye cream is the number one requirement. But with so many out there, how do you choose? It’s all about formulation. No matter what the cause of your eye area woes, the right ingredients can minimize the appearance of dark circles, banish bags, smooth fine lines, and brighten dull skin. Vivant’s Wink Eye Rejuvenation Cream is a high-performance formula specifically targeted to do just that. Here’s a quick breakdown of the ingredients:

Vitamin A Propionate (retinoid): A potent collagen generator that accelerates cell turnover, plumps thinning skin, smooths fine lines, and counters dullness.

Peptides: The building blocks of protein, these workhorses stimulate your body’s production of collagen, elastin, and the fibers that bind them to smooth and lift sagging skin. Peptides also help with hydration by boosting hyaluronic acid in the skin.

Caffeine: Not just a great way to wake up your brain in the morning, caffeine in your eye cream increases circulation and constricts blood vessels making them less visible. Swelling and pooling of excess fluid is also diminished.

Kojic Acid: This alpha hydroxy acid derived from mushrooms is a melanin inhibitor and that works to reduce excess pigment and brighten skin.

Aloe: A soothing, regenerative, and anti-inflammatory agent that aids in diminishing puffiness, stimulates skin repair, and reduces discoloration. 
Grape Seed Oil: A hydrating agent rich in nutrients and free-radical fighting antioxidants. Helps tighten skin and combat effects of UV radiation.

 

  

Wear Sunscreen and Sunglasses

Dark circles can also be the result of excess pigment from sun exposure. Apply sunscreen daily to protect the delicate eye area from melanin production and also from the free radical damage the causes collagen breakdown and premature aging. Day Treatment Lotion SPF 15 provides moisture and sun protection in a lightweight, non-greasy foundational formula that works well under concealer or can be mixed with a mineral powder to create a foundation.

 

 

Boost with Chilled Aloe Gel

Our Totaloe Calming and Hydrating Gel provides a temporary skin tightening effect. Aloe is also known to increase circulation and to brighten pigmentation. To make it even more potent (not to mention refreshing) keep Totaloe in the refrigerator. The cold will constrict blood vessels making them appear smaller. The more nourishing version of the makeup artists’ Preparation H runway trick.

 

 

Decrease Alcohol, Increase Hydration

Alcohol has a number of contributing factors to both puffiness and dark circles. It causes a histamine release that can create inflammation (puffiness). It increases blood flow and causes blood vessels to expand near the surface of the skin (dark circles). The excess fluid also creates puffiness, especially around the eyes. Additionally, alcohol dehydrates by acting as a diuretic and suppressing the hormone that helps you absorb water. Cutting down on alcohol and increasing your water intake will help reduce those issues and keep skin looking healthy and plump, but not puffed.

 

 

Sleep eight hours preferably on your back

Lack of sleep causes blood vessels under your eyes dilate creating the appearance of dark circles. Get good rest on a consistent basis keep your eyes bright. It helps to sleep on your back. Side sleeping allows fluid tend to pool under your eyes, which can make eyes appear puffy. You can also try using an extra pillow to elevate your head to keep the fluid from collecting under the eyes.

 

 

Cut down on sodium

Excess sodium causes water retention, slows circulation, and dilates blood vessels. Even if you never put salt on your food, that doesn’t mean your diet is low in sodium. It’s hiding in places you might not expect. Processed foods are loaded with it. And so are sodas, particularly diet sodas. Read the labels and moderate your choices to keep your eyes bright.

 

 

Load up on Antioxidants

An antioxidant-rich diet will help to fight free radicals that damage and thin skin. When you’re in the produce aisle, remember that the darker or brighter the color, the higher the antioxidant quotient. So, things like blueberries, red peppers, eggplant, mangoes, kale, spinach, etc., are going to be high-performers in the antioxidant category. Also look for fruits rich in vitamin C, a natural brightener that is essential to the synthesis of collagen. It also helps to reduce fluid build-up. 

 

 

Get More Iron

Iron carries oxygen, which is essential to keeping blood vessels healthy. Lack of iron can result in a worsening of dark circles. It can also be a cause of anemia and pale skin, which causes blood vessels under the skin to become more prominent. Good sources of iron include red meat, poultry, seafood, beans, lentils, spinach, and apricots.

 

 

Meet Vitamin K

Vitamin K is an anti-coagulant that strengthens blood vessels and protects them from damage. A deficiency of vitamin K can result in broken capillaries. Hello, dark circles. Make sure you’re getting enough of this beneficial brightener. Good sources of vitamin K include soybean and canola oil, broccoli, kale and Swiss chard.