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How To Get Rid of Tired Eyes—Even When You’re Tired


Published: June 7, 2022

Puffy eyes lined with dark circles make you look tired—but some people suffer from them even when they’ve had a good night of sleep! You may be more prone to exhibiting tired eyes if you:

  • Are older
  • Have a darker skin tone
  • Are genetically predisposed to undereye circles

You can try and cover them up with makeup, but preventing them altogether will help you look more refreshed and energized all day long. What causes tired eyes, and how do you get rid of them when they occur?

"Eye creams containing ingredients that boost microcirculation, such as caffeine to reduce puffiness, as well as ingredients that help to strengthen the structure of the skin, are powerful allies to improving tired eyes. St. Paul's Wort and Achillea Millefolium are two such ingredients that support the skin structure by activating the production of collagen and elastin, which helps keep skin smooth and firm."

Elisabeth Nehme, [ comfort zone ] Skin Science and Technologies Manager

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WHAT CAUSES DARK CIRCLES AND PUFFY EYES?

The skin under your eyes is some of the thinnest on your entire body. That’s why it’s easy for dark circles to appear there—you’re actually seeing your blood vessels peeking through this extremely thin skin. Puffy skin around the eyes is caused by an accumulation of water underneath your eyes.
There are some factors that can make fluid accumulation and the appearance of dark circles worse.

Too Little Sleep

Doctors recommend at least 7 hours of sleep every night, but some people get much less. Why does that make tired eyes look worse? When you don’t get enough sleep, your skin is more pale, which makes the blood vessels under your eyes more visible and causes dark circles.

A lack of sleep can also cause puffy eyes. Fluid accumulates under your eyes when you don’t get enough sleep, making them puffy. If this puffiness gets extreme, it can even cause shadows under your eyes, which make dark circles appear even darker!

Age

As you age, your skin naturally gets thinner. This makes the blood vessels under your eyes more visible, even when you’ve slept well. Try implementing an anti-aging skincare routine to support healthy skin throughout your lifetime.

Eye Strain

Do you ever check your phone or read in bed? Squinting at screens or in dim lighting strains your eyes, which causes the blood vessels in this sensitive area to swell. More blood around your eyes means you’re more likely to show dark circles, so put your phone away at night to help prevent them.

Allergic Reactions

If you have seasonal allergies, you may have noticed that you look more tired during allergy season. That’s because your body naturally releases histamines to try and fight off allergic reactions. Histamines cause your blood vessels to dilate, which makes dark circles more visible.

Dehydration

When you’re dehydrated, your skin gets even thinner, since your cells aren’t plumped with the water they need. This makes it easier to see the blood under your eyes.

Sun Exposure

If you regularly get too much sun, you will probably develop some areas of hyperpigmentation—like age spots or sun spots—on your skin. These are areas of skin that appear darker than the rest of your skin but don’t fade like freckles. Because the skin around your eyes is so thin, it’s more prone to hyperpigmentation.

Genetics

Unfortunately, some people are just more predisposed to developing undereye circles than others. If you have a genetic predisposition, you’ve probably had visible undereye bags since childhood.

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TREATMENTS FOR TIRED EYES AND DARK CIRCLES

If you struggle with chronically tired eyes, there are a few simple things you can do to help minimize their appearance. Skincare products can help prevent tired eyes over time, while quick DIY fixes are a good option if you only struggle with dark, puffy eyes from time to time.


Retinol

Skincare products containing retinol are typically used for their anti-aging effect, since they stimulate collagen production. This makes them a great option for preventing dark circles as well, since collagen keeps your skin plump and firm.


For a gentle formula suitable for everyday use on your face and around your eyes, try applying a natural retinol serum every evening. 

Hydroquinone

Hydroquinone is a common ingredient in skincare products used for hyperpigmentation, since it helps even skin tone and lighten skin. If you’re experiencing dark circles due to sun exposure, hydroquinone eye creams can help make this skin lighter.

Cold Compresses

Cold air naturally causes your blood vessels to constrict, so it makes sense that applying a cold compress to your eyes can shrink the blood vessels around your eyes and make them less visible.


Skincare products with metal applicators, like [comfort zone’s] eye gel for dark circles, provide a similar effect to applying a cold compress. Blood vessels shrink from the cool metal application, while the gel rich in polyphenols reduces puffiness and hydrates fatigued eyes.

Eye Patches

No, not that kind of eye patch. [comfort zone’s] anti-aging Eye Patch is formulated with hydrogel to reduce puffiness and moisturize tired, dry eyes.

Cold Tea Bags

For an added boost, use chilled tea bags for your cold compress. The cold sensation will shrink your blood vessels, and the caffeine and antioxidants from the tea will stimulate blood flow to help reduce undereye circles fast.

Caffeinated Eye Creams

If applying tea bags to your eyes each day is too much effort, simply use a caffeinated eye cream to get a similar effect. Try [comfort zone’s] caffeine eye cream to decrease dark circles while nourishing and hydrating the sensitive skin around your eyes. Not only will your eyes look less tired, you’ll prevent dry eye skin, wrinkles, and eyelid sagging.


Another caffeinated option is [comfort zone’s] peptide eye cream, designed for mature skin. It reduces puffiness while providing a natural filler effect, reducing the appearance of under eye bags and wrinkles while brightening the eye contour.

Cucumber Rounds

Cucumbers contain essential nutrients like vitamin C and folic acid which support cell growth and antioxidant production. Keep a few slices of cold cucumber in your fridge to apply each morning for a quick undereye treatment that will shrink blood vessels and reduce puffiness.

Concealer

In a pinch, you can always use concealer to hide dark circles.

HOW TO PREVENT CHRONICALLY TIRED EYES

Unless you’re genetically predisposed to dark circles and tired eyes, a few simple lifestyle changes can help prevent them from occurring.

  • To start, stay hydrated. Carry a water bottle with you, and drink water throughout the day. Additionally, avoid consuming salty food, caffeine, and alcohol, since these items can cause you to become dehydrated.
  • Get at least 7 hours of sleep a night to prevent pale, puffy eyes.
  • The importance of sunscreen can’t be overstated. Wear sunscreen daily to prevent hyperpigmentation around the eyes from excessive sun exposure.
  • Limit screen time to avoid straining your eyes, especially at night. If you work on a computer, take breaks throughout the day to give your eyes some rest.
  • Keep thin eye skin moisturized with an eye cream day and night.

IF YOU CAN'T GET RID OF THEM, EMBRACE THEM

Keeping your skin healthy and nourished is important, even if it doesn’t dispel dark circles. Unfortunately, some people are going to have tired-looking eyes, no matter what they do. If you’re having trouble dealing with tired eyes, remember that nobody notices them like you do!


Implementing an anti-aging skincare routine will prevent wrinkles and sagging skin, even if it doesn’t completely eradicate tired eyes. [comfort zone’s] skincare products are fragrance-free and thoughtfully produced, so you can rest assured you’re protecting your skin while protecting the planet.

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