Dark circles, bags, puffiness... Where do they come from and how to fight them?

Dark circles, puffiness, bags – know the causes of under-eye changes

Dark circles under the eyes

Although we often equate them with not getting enough sleep, in reality the causes can be much more complex. The key to effective care is recognizing the source of the problem.

• Genetics
  In some people, the skin under the eyes is naturally very thin and translucent. This anatomical structure favors the visibility of blood vessels located under the skin – resulting in a bruising effect. So these are not "real" shadows, but vessels shining through the delicate tissue. In this case, it is difficult to talk about completely "getting rid" of dark circles – care can only optically reduce them by improving microcirculation and thickening the skin.
• Thin skin and lack of fatty tissue
  The eye area contains almost no sebaceous glands and fatty tissue, so it dehydrates and ages faster. It is, after all, the thinnest part of the skin on the face – it has approx. 0.3-0.5 mm thick, which means that it is more susceptible to dehydration and defects. The lack of fat makes vessels, discoloration or even bone structures visible to the naked eye – which can be mistaken for "shadows".
• Discoloration
  Darker coloring of the skin under the eyes may be the result of hyperpigmentation, such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), which can arise from frequent eye rubbing, atopic dermatitis or allergies. Discoloration can also have a hormonal basis, as in the case of melasma – dark brown spots around the eyes and temples, which often occur in women.
• Lack of sleep and stress
  Fatigue worsens circulation, causing tissue hypoxia and impaired microcirculation, causing blood and lymph to back up in the vessels and the skin to become bluer and duller. Stress, on the other hand, increases cortisol levels, which can affect vascular fragility and exacerbate swelling and dark circles.

Swelling under the eyes

Swelling is the accumulation of fluid in the intercellular spaces, most often observed after waking up. Unlike "bags," which are permanent, swellings usually pass within a day – But they can be a recurring problem.

• Lymphatic stasis
  The lymphatic system is responsible for removing toxins and excess fluid from the tissues. When lymph does not circulate efficiently, such as due to lack of exercise, stress or mechanical pressure during sleep, its stasis occurs. The result is swelling, especially evident under the eyes, where tissues are delicate and loosely connected.
• Sleeping in the wrong position
  Sleeping on your stomach or with your head at the same level as your body causes fluid buildup around your face. At night, when the circulatory system works more slowly, the body has no mechanisms to counteract these phenomena. As a result, in the morning you may experience swelling that passes within a few hours.
• Salt and alcohol consumption
  Salt and alcohol retain water in the body. This causes fluids to settle in the tissues, including in the delicate eye area. Excess sodium also impedes lymphatic circulation, which further aggravates the problem of edema.
• Insufficient hydration
  Paradoxically, when the body is dehydrated, "holds" water for backup, which can also lead to swelling. Lack of water also weakens the hydrolipid barrier, making the skin look more tired and gray.
• Bags under the eyes
  "Bags" are not the same as morning swelling – they are permanent thickening, which do not disappear during the day.
• Fatty hernia
  With age, the orbital septum – the thin membrane that holds the fat pads inside the orbit – weakens. When it loses elasticity, the fat "slides" outward and forms bulges under the eyes, that look like sacks. This is an anatomical problem that will not disappear with care – you can only visually reduce its visibility (e.g. through lymphatic drainage), but real results can only be achieved with surgery (lower blepharoplasty).

See also: "Thin, sensitive and demanding" - what you need to know about the skin around the eyes?

Effective skin care around the eyes – what cosmetics work?

The delicate skin around the eyes requires specialized care. It is worth choosing cosmetics that not only moisturize, but also reduce dark circles, puffiness and signs of fatigue. Products for this zone have lighter formulas, are ophthalmologically tested and can also be used on the eyelids.

Lifting and corrective, transformative eye and eyelid serum with caffeine, peptides, hyaluronic acid, and the Beautifeye™ complex 20 SECONDS MAGIC EYE TREATMENT is an advanced new-generation serum that improves eye contour in a short period of time, lifts the drooping eyelid and restores a youthful radiance to the look. An effective way to lift a drooping eyelid, smooth wrinkles and reduce dark circles under the eyes? See for yourself.

Active ingredients for effectiveness:

• Beautifeye™ Complex (3%) – A revolutionary ingredient that eliminates "crow's feet".
• Kombuchka™ black tea extract (3%) – A nourishing superfood that gives radiance and has a lime replenishing effect.
• Caffeine (0.4%) – Improves microcirculation inside the skin and provides effective protection against free radicals.
• Oat protein hydrolysate (1%) – maintains hydration, protects against dehydration, smooths fine lines and wrinkles.
• Avocado oil (2%) – Stimulates skin renewal, stimulates skin metabolism and soothes irritation.
• Triple multi-molecular hyaluronic acid (0.2%) – Intensely moisturizes and smooths the skin on all levels.
• Soy protein hydrolysate (3%) – gives an instant lifting and tightening effect.

Effectiveness of regular action 20 SECONDS MAGIC EYE TREATMENT confirm the apparatus and application studies.

Instantly illuminated look, smoothing and reducing signs of fatigue? Brightening, lifting and repairing eye and eyelid serum with caffeine, peptides, hyaluronic acid and the Beautifeye™️ complex 20 SECONDS MAGIC EYE TREATMENT GLAM provides radiance and lift in a single drop! This innovative new generation serum works not only deep into the skin. Instantly reflects light with pearlescent micropigments, creating a Soft Focus effect. From the very first application, it restores freshness, smoothness and brightness to the skin, and over time it improves the eye contour, lifts the drooping eyelid and strengthens the skin's texture.

Repairing and firming eye cream-mask with trehalose 5%, ceramides complex 1% and maritime pine extract 0.5% SMOOTH AS SILK is another expert in eye care! Innovative, luxurious, simply perfect! This cream-mask will comprehensively take care of your delicate skin, restoring its elasticity, smoothness and radiant appearance. What's more, it improves eye contour, reduces dark circles and the appearance of wrinkles, and illuminates.

Active ingredients for effectiveness:

• Trehalose 5% – A naturally occurring saccharide that exhibits moisturizing properties and inhibits skin aging.
• Ceramide complex 1% – Has restorative properties that help replenish the skin's natural ceramides, thus strengthening its protective barrier, reducing dryness and improving its overall texture and appearance.
• Seaside pine extract 0.5% – unique, powerful antioxidant counteracts the harmful effects of environmental stressors. Thanks to its high degree of affinity to collagen and elastin, it takes care of maintaining their levels.

Cooling and massage - quick help for swelling

Did you know that regular massage of the eye area promotes lymph flow and reduces swelling?

Rollers, cool flaps, Gua Sha massage and manual techniques

The cooling effect has a shrinking effect on the vessels, reducing swelling. Lymphatic drainage performed with a Gua Sha plate or fingertips promotes the flow of fluids, thereby reducing swelling and improving skin tone. Just a few minutes a day can bring visible results. For better results, store your massage accessories in the refrigerator.

Lifestyle matters – how daily habits affect the skin around the eyes?

• Dream
  Sleep deprivation leads to slower skin regeneration, tissue hypoxia and microcirculation disorders. Regular sleep (6-8 hours) is essential – has a beneficial effect on oxygenation of the skin and regeneration of the hydrolipid barrier.
• Diet
  A diet high in salt, processed foods and alcohol intensifies water retention in the body. Better avoid them. Reach for products rich in antioxidants, vitamins C, E and A, which promote microcirculation and skin condition.
• Hydration
  When your body lacks water, the skin is more susceptible to irritation and the body retains fluids in the tissues. Therefore consume a minimum of 1.5-2 liters of water per day. Dehydrated skin looks tired and ages faster, while properly hydrated skin is supple and the lymphatic system works properly.
• Stress
  Raises cortisol levels, which can lead to vascular fragility, impaired circulation and impaired skin barrier function. Reducing stress has a real impact on the appearance of the skin around the eyes. Meditation, yoga, or perhaps another technique or physical activity? They all lower the stress hormone and improve circulation – the choice is yours!

A comprehensive approach is the key to a beautiful look

Dark circles, puffiness and bags under the eyes can have a variety of causes – starting with genetics, to lifestyle, to the natural aging process. The key to successfully combating them is proper care, as well as implementing healthy habits every day. While there is no one-size-fits-all prescription – trust us, a comprehensive routine tailored to your skin's needs will truly work wonders.