This post has been updated since its initial 03/14/22 publish date to include more expert tips and insight.
Sometimes no matter how good you sleep, you still wake up with dark circles and puffiness. This can be so frustrating, especially when it feels like not even makeup can help. Dark circles and puffiness can be a sign that there’s something off internally. Following a bedtime routine that allows you to truly recharge and prepare for sleep is key, experts say, and this can play a major role in reducing dark circles and puffiness.
With that said, we asked experts for more information as to which drinks you should be adding to your nighttime routine to wake up with bright, clear under eyes. Read on for tips, suggestions and insight from Dawn Del Russo, a beauty and lifestyle expert and founder of BellaDawn and Dr. Cheryl Rosen, Director of Dermatology and skincare expert at BowTied Life.
First Off, What Causes Dark Circles And Morning Puffiness?
First of all, what are some common causes of dark circles and puffiness in the morning? As mentioned previously, it could be a sign you’re not getting enough of something that you need, whether that’s nutrients or sleep. “Dark circles are usually caused by not enough sleep, dehydration, inflammation, allergies, alcohol, aging, and genetics.” Del Russo says. Making sure you’re taking time to practice self care is one way you can nourish your skin from the inside out. However, chronic puffiness could be a sign that something deeper is at play, like allergies or inflammation—if you think this could be the case for you, consult with your doctor to get to the root cause and discuss treatment.
Tip #1— Drink More Water (No, Really)
When it comes to changes you can make to your nighttime routine, one thing you should be doing is making a point to hydrate. Dehydration plays a big factor in skin’s appearance. “Water helps to reduce dark circles and puffiness, as it can flush out toxins. A simple natural tonic to try is a blending of blueberries, water, turmeric, cucumber, coconut oil, and aloe vera juice," she says.
This drink is incredibly hydrating because it helps build stronger capillaries, reduces inflammation, and adds antioxidants to the body, all essential ingredients in the recipe of natural glowing skin. Fruit is also very hydrating, so adding that to your water can give you an extra boost. Try drinking this water before bed to hydrate your body from the inside out, and it will reflect in your skin, too. Besides this, there are products you can work into your routine that may also help give your skin an extra glow and reduce puffiness. “Gua Sha and Vitamin E oil are both great ways to treat dark circles and reduce puffiness.”
Ulitmately, the best way to improve your skin’s appearance is through staying hydrated, managing stress, and getting good sleep. Before bed, and throughout the day, the best thing you can do for puffiness and dark circles is to drink lots of water. Try the blend of fruit, water, and aloe vera that Del Russo mentioned to get that extra hydration in before sleep—it’s also a way to spice things up if you don’t like the taste of water or if it bores you. While water is necessary and can be customized in many ways, there still is another healthy beverage you can drink at night to promote more radiant skin in the morning...
Tip #2— End Your Night With A Cup Of Green Tea
For more supple, radiant, glowing and hydrated-looking skin, green tea (along with enough water) has the power to promote a healthy-looking complexion. "Brewed green tea is a great drink to boost collagen production," Rosen explains. Collagen, she stresses, is the necessary protein responsible for skin elasticity, stretchiness and healthy joints.
The polyphenols in green tea, she says, help to "break down the bonds between collagen fibers," making it easier for the body to produce new collagen. The tea also contains "antioxidants that help to protect and repair existing collagen fibers." This, she notes, can lead to a more vibrant glow when added to your diet.
