Fraser Hamilton
Nobody likes to hear, “Wow, you sure look tired!” from a friend, co-worker, or classmate first thing in the morning. Sooner or later, though, tiredness comes for us all. As a result, you may find that dark and saggy under-eye bags start to make you look a little gloomy.
Lack of sleep isn’t always the culprit. In fact, under-eye bags can be a common sign of aging, as the tissue structures and muscles that support your eyelids start to grow weaker. The stretchy part of the skin under your eyes may then appear puffy, discoloured, and swollen. Other reasons for under-eye bags include seasonal allergies, smoking, or simply fluid retention due to eating an especially salty meal.
Under-eye bags can also be hereditary, making them frustratingly unavoidable for some people. So, what can you do to brighten up that gloomy disposition? Your average concealer can sometimes do the trick, but there are a variety of different ways to brighten up those bags.
If you think seasonal allergies may be the cause of your under-eye bags (as well as a bad case of the sniffles), supplements may help. Quercetin, a flavonoid rich in antioxidants, was found to help inhibit the release of histamines in the body, resulting in a decrease in allergy symptoms. Quercetin can be taken in supplement form or found in several raw fruits and veggies like cilantro, capers, grapes, kale, cherries, and red onion.
Just steep one or two organic tea bags for 4 to 5 minutes and squeeze out any excess liquid. Cool in the fridge for 10 to 20 minutes, and then gently press the cold tea bag(s) against your under-eye bags for 15 to 30 minutes to help reduce puffiness and dark circles. Herbal teas like rooibos, camomile, and lavender may also help your under-eye bags and provide relief.
Want to use that big cup of green tea you just brewed for a refreshing recipe? Try out our Strawberry Banana Iced Green Tea Smoothie!
You can help counter the salt with potassium-rich foods like bananas, unsalted black beans, leafy greens, and avocado. Green Goddess Smoothie, anyone?
Increase your collagen and vitamin C intake with a deliciously sweet snack by whipping up alive’s very own Rhubarb Strawberry Collagen Jam.
If you suspect you may be anemic, first talk to your health care practitioner. Then, consider iron supplements or increasing iron in your diet. Iron-rich foods include red meat, beans, kale or spinach, and fortified cereals
The National Sleep Foundation advises that every healthy adult needs between seven and nine hours of sleep per night, so try to tear yourself away from your screens at least an hour before bedtime. If you struggle to fall into dreamland, try natural sleep aids. Standout snooze supporters include