4 easy ways to banish excess eye baggage

Is your eye area looking a little worse for wear? Here’s how to go from tired to fresh-faced in a flash.

You’ll probably already know from personal experience that the eye area is where the tell-tale signs of skin ageing and tiredness first being to appear.

Unfortunately, for many of us, these beauty boo-boos are a genetic legacy but even for those who have a natural predisposition, there are a few easy ways to relieve the problem.

Whether your problem is lines, or racoon-like dark circles, salvation is at hand.

Experts share four sure-fire steps to help banish those dreaded eye bags.

1.    Get the right eye care products

The quickest way to get a head start on reducing eye area nasties is to invest in a good quality product designed specifically for the delicate eye area.

At just 0.5mm thick, the skin around the eyes is the thinnest on the body, which means that your average moisturiser is far too thick for the job.

“Different eye creams target different concerns better than others,” explains dermal clinician James Vivian.

“For puffiness, opt for an eye cream rich in stimulating ingredients to target water retention.

“For dark circles, look for one with peptides or pigment regulating ingredients to help lighten the eye area.

“And for dehydration, use an eye cream rich in hyaluronic acid to physically plump and restore moisture in the skin.”

With all products how you apply is crucial. Use a light touch as stretching out your skin will increase the likelihood of wrinkles rather than get rid of them.

2.    Find a quick fix at home

Need to disguise a late night when you have a big day ahead?

The solution may just be in your fridge.

“Simple at-home remedies such as placing a cold metal spoon over each eye, or sliced cucumbers can help to reduce puffiness and refresh tired eyes,” says skincare expert and nutritionist Fiona Tuck.

“A good-quality eye sheet mask is another quick and efficient way to brighten tired eyes.”

3.    Rejig your lifestyle

Looking at your diet may also help.

If you eat food containing too much sodium, or don’t drink enough water, the areas under your eyes are far more likely to swell and turn dark.

Consider switching to low sodium alternatives.

Skincare scientist Dr Michele Squire says there are several factors to think about.

“What you use on your skin is important but your diet, sleep hygiene, exercise, lifestyle habits — like smoking and stress — also impact your skin’s health and appearance,” she says.

“Setting some realistic goals in these areas will pay dividends in ways that buying a new serum won’t.”

4.    If all else fails, reach for the concealer

“When you’re concealing the under eye area you should use a product that’s a tad lighter than your skin tone to counterbalance the darkness,” says makeup artist Inez Deckers.

“Most concealers perform best if they’re warmed up between your fingers, and you get the most natural look by gently tapping it into the skin. Be light handed — less really is more.”

Written by Paul Ewart.

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