Anyone who has worked a stressful job and lost plenty of sleep over it is probably familiar with dark circles and under-eye bags. In fact, you can be perfectly well rested and still have annoying, puffy eyes.
Whether it’s caused by sleep deprivation or genetics, all you know is that you want to get rid of the bags under your eyes immediately. Fortunately, you have plenty of options that don’t involve a needle or surgery.
Here are three things every man should know about bags under the eyes:
- Bags under the eyes can be caused by a number of things, from poor sleep to dietary habits to genetics.
- Using cutting-edge ingredients in your skin care products can help reduce dark circles and restore your handsome appearance.
- With any skin care product, do a patch test on a small part of the skin first. Your eyes are especially sensitive due to the thinner skin in this region.
Use Peptides
Peptides are one of the most effective ways to fix under-eye bags and dark circles. These small proteins smooth and repair skin by stimulating collagen production.
For a super-potent peptide, use an eye cream containing Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, also known as Argireline. This specific peptide is so effective at reducing wrinkles and fine lines that it’s commonly known as “Botox in a Jar.”
Argireline is not only safer than Botox, it also works in a similar fashion by reducing muscle contractions. According to a 2002 study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science, Argireline reduced wrinkles by as much as 30 percent in patients (see claim: “…reduced wrinkle depth up to 30% upon 30 days treatment.”)
Sleep on Your Back
If your dark circles and under eye bags are only an issue in morning, they may be caused by fluid buildup under the eyes. As you sleep, fluid can pool in the tissue around your eyes and make them appear puffy.
One way to combat this is by changing your sleeping position. Sleeping on your back may help prevent fluid from pooling overnight. If you’re worried about wrinkles as well, you may also want to consider buying a silk pillowcase, which can help skin stay hydrated and healthy.
Rule Out Allergies
A lot of people don’t realize that their puffy bags could be allergies. Even if you’ve never had trouble with them before, there is such a thing as adult-onset allergies, which affect people at any age.
Dark circles under your eyes can be tied to your nasal allergies. These are commonly known as allergic shiners because they often resemble dark bruises.
Dealing with allergy symptoms can be a challenge. Your best option is to try an antihistamine or see a doctor for allergy testing.
Apply Topical Vitamin C
While researchers aren’t entirely certain why some people get bags under their eyes, they do know that the thickness of the skin under the eyes is a big part of it. Some people have much thinner skin around the eyes, making them prone to dark bags and hyperpigmentation.
Applying a topical Vitamin C can help reduce the appearance of dark circles under the eyes by stimulating collagen production. A 2009 study published in Skin Research and Technology indicated that applying a Vitamin C lotion or cream to their faces for six months could increase thickness of the skin and reduce discoloration (see claim: “ANa may improve DCLE by thickening the eyelid dermis and concealing dark coloration due to congested blood.”)
Cover it with Concealer
From Chris Pratt to David Beckham, male celebrities aren’t strangers to relying on makeup to disguise their lack of sleep. Who says that you can’t do the same?
Whether you had a late night out or you struggle with chronic bags under the eyes, makeup can be a lifesaver. While it won’t deflate puffy bags, it can lighten up dark circles under the eyes to make you look well rested.
When wearing makeup products for men, be sure that your concealer closely matches your skin tone. The last thing you want is for your mismatched makeup to make you look like a clown.
Say Goodbye to Bags Under Eyes
Unless you want to try an expensive laser treatment, there is no instantaneous way to get rid of bags under the eyes. However, a few simple changes to your sleeping habits and a powerful men’s eye cream can do wonders for the skin around your eyes.
Be patient and give any new product you try a few weeks to do its job. If you’re still dissatisfied with your appearance, consider seeing a professional. Although it won’t be cheap, a dermatologist may find a solution that will once again restore your handsome appearance.
