Many of us have experienced the frustration of dealing with sunken eyes. People with sunken eyes are likely to suffer from an assortment of skin issues. These include an inability to store moisture within the skin, leaving it dry, redness, irritation, inflammation, and sagging skin around the eyes due to decreased elasticity.

Additionally, dark circles and shadows can form underneath the eyes due to increased pigmentation in this area. Wrinkles and hollows may also accompany sunken eyes in the cheeks or around the eye area.

Various factors, such as aging, dehydration, lack of sleep, stress, and poor nutrition, can cause sunken eyes. These concerns can make one appear tired, aged, and unwell, even if they feel perfectly fine. 

Fortunately, several effective and efficient ways exist to eliminate this persistent concern. From eye creams and home remedies to under-eye masks and lifestyle changes, we will cover a range of effective tips on how to get rid of sunken eyes.

Say goodbye to that tired look, and hello to a refreshed, flawless, and bright-eyed appearance!

What are the causes of sunken eyes?

Here are some top reasons behind sunken eyes -

Genetics and Ageing

With age progression, collagen starts breaking down, making it difficult for the skin to retain its youthful appearance. As we age, collagen in the skin around our eyes starts to weaken and break down. 

This causes fat to move into the lower eyelids, making them look puffy and swollen. Additionally, genetics can cause tissues around your eyes to be weaker, further contributing to the appearance of sunken eyes.

Dehydration

The under-eye area is particularly susceptible to dehydration as the skin in this area is thinner and more delicate than the skin on the rest of the face. 

When the skin in the under-eye area becomes dehydrated, it can lose its elasticity and firmness. Without enough water in the body, the delicate skin beneath our eyes starts to wrinkle and sag, creating a sunken look.

Lack of sleep

Research has shown how our skin and eyes can show signs of fatigue when we do not get enough sleep or rest. When we lack sleep, our body releases hormones like cortisol which can cause inflammation in the delicate area below the eyes, leading to bags and dark circles. 

Additionally, the muscles around the eye area weaken, leading to tissue laxity, thus pulling the skin down and causing sunken eyes. Sleep deprivation reduces blood circulation to the skin, contributing to dullness and discoloration of under-eye skin.

Sun exposure

Over-exposure to U.V. radiation from the sun can lead to sunken eyes due to changes in melanin production caused by intense exposure to UVA and UVB rays. It can further result in hyperpigmentation or dark spots under the eyes. 

Sun damage can cause the skin to become dehydrated, dull, and discolored. The harmful U.V. rays can also cause the breakdown of collagen and elastin fibers, resulting in a loss of firmness and elasticity in the skin. 

Weight loss

Research has proved how drastic weight loss is one of the most common causes of sunken eyes. Weight loss can cause a loss of volume and fullness in the under-eye as the body consumes resources from other parts of the body due to a lack of calories. 

This can lead to a lower fat content in the face, which can cause blood vessels below the eyes to become prominent, and skin to be transparent. 

Allergies

Specific allergies, infections, and conditions like Cushing's Syndrome can cause the eyes to sink. It can further contribute to forming dark circles due to inflammation in the tiny blood vessels below the eyes. 

In addition, allergies can block your nasal passages, leading to difficulty breathing. Moreover, allergies can also cause itching and rubbing of the eyes, further leading to the development of sunken eyes and loss of volume and fullness.

What are the most effective ways to get rid of sunken eyes?

1. Under eye creams

Under eye creams are specially formulated to provide your delicate under-eye area with the extra nourishment it needs. 

This area is much thinner than the rest of our skin. It tends to dry out, wrinkle, and age prematurely due to increased exposure to environmental factors. These creams can help build moisture and hydration in the tissue, helping reduce wrinkles, dark circles, and puffiness. 

The active ingredients also address inflammation and brighten and even out skin tone. Also, it provides anti-aging benefits, making this topical formulation highly effective as part of a regular skincare routine. 

You can either opt for a gel or cream-based eye cream. It ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. 

Gels are a bit lighter and more suitable for those with very oily skin. At the same time, creams are heavier and provide more intense hydration.So make sure to assess your needs to develop the best solution!

Here are some ways that under-eye creams can be effective in treating sunken eyes:

• Hydration: Under-eye creams containing hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin provide deep and lasting hydration for the thin and delicate area around the eyes. Hyaluronic acid helps to lock in moisture, while glycerin helps to draw moisture from the deeper layers of the skin. 

• Collagen production: Some under-eye creams contain ingredients like retinol or vitamin C, and Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract which can help to stimulate collagen production. Collagen is a protein that gives the skin elasticity, and a loss of collagen can contribute to sunken eyes. By increasing collagen production, under-eye creams can help to restore firmness and fullness to the skin.

• Antioxidants: Under-eye creams that contain antioxidants like vitamin E or green tea can help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals can damage collagen fibers and contribute to a loss of volume in the under-eye area, so using an antioxidant-rich under-eye cream can help to prevent this.

2. Use sunscreen and protect your eyes from the sun

Sun damage can cause the skin to lose elasticity and lead to wrinkled and pigmented under-eye areas leading to sunken eyes. Sunburn can also lead to skin peeling and damage, making the skin around the eyes appear dry, rough, and sunken. 

Therefore, it is vital to apply sunscreen with a broad spectrum with an SPF of 50 or higher and wear sunglasses to protect the eyes from the sun's harmful rays. 

3. Under eye masks

Under eye masks are designed to directly address the underlying causes of sunken eyes. Under eye masks contain high-quality ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides, retinol, caffeine, and niacinamide. 

These ingredients help address sunken eyes by restoring volume, hydrating skin, reducing puffiness along with dark circles, and smoothing wrinkles. These active ingredients nourish and plump up the hollowed skin, resulting in a more youthful and voluminous appearance.

4. Cucumber slices

Cucumbers have naturally cooling, anti-inflammatory, and hydrating properties that can help to moisturize the delicate skin around your eyes. The cooling effect of cucumber helps in reducing eye puffiness and swelling.

Cucumber slices contain vitamin C and folic acid, which can help to stimulate collagen production, improve skin elasticity and fight environmental damage. Not only do these vitamins help reduce swelling, but they also soften the skin under the eyes, making them look more youthful.

All you need to do is place a few thin slices of freshly chopped cucumber over each eye and let them sit for 15 minutes. During this time, the cucumbers reduce puffiness, inflammation, dark circles, and overall sagging around the eyes. 

5. Green tea bags

The cool temperature of the tea bag with the caffeine and tannins helps to constrict blood vessels reducing puffiness and swelling. The antioxidants and flavonoids in green tea bags improve blood circulation and aid in skin cell regeneration. 

This further helps to reduce dark circles and decrease signs of sunken eyes. Lastly, Vitamin B2 or riboflavin in green tea helps to tone, firm, and temporarily tighten the skin around your eyes.

Place two cold tea bags straight from the refrigerator on your eyes for 10 minutes and give a relaxing sensation to your eyes.

What are the ways to get rid of sunken eyes naturally at home?

Potato juice and slices

Potato juice is potent when treating sunken eyes. The potatoes' enzymes, vitamin C, and starch nourish the thin skin beneath the eyes. The coolness of raw potato reduces inflammation of delicate skin around the eyes.

Studies have shown that potato juice nourishes the skin surrounding your eyes, making them soft and supple.

Cold compress (cold spoon, washcloth, ice cubes wrapped in a cloth)

Cold compress is an effective treatment for sunken eyes, which can reduce inflammation and puffiness and soothe tired eyes. It helps improve circulation around the eye area, thereby reducing dark circles and bringing back the natural shape of your eye. 

To use a cold compress, wrap a cold spoon, washcloth, or ice cubes in a clean cloth before gently placing it over the eye area for 10-15 minutes. This will have a calming effect on the eyes.

Aloe vera gel

Aloe vera gel has many benefits for skin health and can also treat sunken eyes. The anti-inflammatory properties of aloe vera help reduce puffiness and dark circles. 

At the same time, its hydrating effect further moisturizes the skin around the eyes, making it look plump and firm.

How to prevent sunken eyes?

Stay hydrated

Sunken eyes often result from dehydration or electrolyte imbalance. Hence, staying hydrated can help replenish the fluids and electrolytes in your body. Drinking plenty of water helps flush out toxins and rejuvenate your skin.

Get enough sleep

Getting enough quality sleep is essential to prevent sunken eyes. Having at least 7-8 hours of sound sleep is crucial to eliminate sunken eyes.

Follow a healthy diet

Eating a diet rich in nutrients and vitamins is essential for keeping your skin healthy and youthful. Fruits are a great source of vitamin C, a vital nutrient for overall skin health, especially when it comes to reducing the appearance of sunken eyes. 

Vitamin C helps boost collagen production, which can help to reduce fine lines and improve under-eye darkness. 

Additionally, fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants that help neutralize free radical damage and keep the delicate skin around your eyes healthy and vibrant. 

Avoid rubbing your eyes

Rubbing your eyes can cause severe damage to the skin around them. It can lead to fine lines and wrinkles as the delicate skin is stretched by rubbing. It can also lead to redness, irritation, and puffiness.

Wrapping up

Sunken eyes can add years to your face and make you look exhausted. It's worth noting that digital eye strain and stress are considerable contributors to sunken eyes, and addressing these issues can help improve overall eye health. 

A digital detox, for example, can be a great way to give your eyes a break from screens and reduce eye strain. Also, prioritizing healthy lifestyles and habits can reduce our risk of developing eye problems and promote overall health and well-being.

Unfortunately, there is limited information on eye health, which can lead to severe implications for our vision. 

This highlights the importance of being aware of the symptoms of sunken eyes and seeking solutions as soon as possible.