Dark circles under the eyes and puffiness

Dark circles are caused by the breaking down of blood capillary walls. Blood vessels become engorged and the thinner skin makes them more noticeable and become more obvious with age.

A typical cause of dark circles and puffiness around the eyes is not getting enough sleep. Since the skin is so thin around the eyes, this area is prone to wrinkles and is the first place to show lines and signs of aging. Dark eye circles can also be hereditary.

Allergic reactions to pollen and or dust can also create puffiness and w ear on the delicate area around the eye. Avoid rubbing eyes, use eye drops or if itching persists for a long time consult your eye doctor.

Although there is no one effective treatment for dark circles, there are ways to help alleviate or conceal them.

Lifestyle changes:
- Drink lots of water (6-8 cups a day)
- Get plenty of sleep (9 + hours if possible)
- Don't smoke
- Wear sunglasses and sunscreen when in the sun
- Avoid caffinated beverages

Dark circle remedies & treatment:
- Apply cold compresses throughout the day
- Use skin care creams and gels that contain antioxidant vitamins like vitamin C that absorbe easily into the thinner, sensitive skin around the eyes.
- .Steep two tea bags that contain tannic acids (like Lipton), refrigerate until cold, lie down with tea bags over eyes for about 15 minutes and use as compresses
- Apply cold cucumber slices to eye area for five minutes, cleanse and moisturize
- Apply raw potato slices cut to fit undereye area, lie down and relax for 15 minutes while juices absorb into skin
- Use a yellow or orange tinted concealer that is a shade lighter than your skin, let warm on fingers and dab into darkened skin until color blends with skin, don’t smear or rub. A yellow shade helps to correct dark areas, orange helps to correct dark bluish areas.
- use a gentle, on-oily makeup remover to remove eye makeup and be careful not to drag the skin while removing eye make-up

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Skin care regimen for Rosacea sufferers

- Wash with lukewarm water rather thant hot water.

- Use a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser applied with the fingers.

- Blot skin dry with a thick-pile cotton towel

- Let skin to dry for 5-10 minutes. If a cleanser has been used wait 20 or 30 minutes before applying a prescribed topical get or cream.

- Wait 5 or 10 minutes before applying any cosmetics or moisturizers.

Rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic condition whose cause and cure is still unknown and, despite the fact that it is usually not a medically serious condition, dealing with Rosacea can be very frustrating. Two famous people who have been affected by Rosacea are Bill Clinton and Princess Dianna.

The cause of Rosacea is still a mystery but there are many things that can be done to bring the disease under control and minimize the symptoms and to prevent the disease from progressing further. Treatment is necessary to prevent permanent damage and typically focused on the control of redness, inflammation, and skin eruptions.

In most cases a dermatologist will prescribe a combination of oral antibiotics to bring the condition under control (reducing redness and the formation of pustules) and the use of antibiotic gel, to keep the symptoms under control. The dermatologist should help to determine the relevant lifestyle factors which may need modification to keep flushin and /blushing from occurring.

Use skin care products that are gentle for sensitive and rosacea prone skin such as Shea Butter or Shea & Aloe Cream, amd Vitamin E Creme. Each person is different so it is important to recognize what works for you.

Lifestyle modifications that may help:

-Avoid exposure to the sun whenever possible and use a good, non-irritating sunscreen

-Common problem foods and drinks include spicy foods and dairy products. HOt drinks may trigger the condition.

-Avoid smoking.Smoking is a stimulant and can can damage blood vessels.

-Be careful with skin care. Avoid scrubbing, exfoliants and astringents with alcohol.

-Avid stressfu situation that bring on anger or fright.

-Use water-based makeup and sunscreens.

-Stiick with moderate excercise.

-Drink 8 galses of icey cold water to keep body cool

-Eat small meals

-Change wash cloth and towel after each use

It may take several weeks or more to see any improvement.

Since Rosacea cannot be cured it will often be necessary to continue with topical treatment even after symptoms have been reduced or have disappeared. Your dermatologist will make a recommendation based on your particular situation.