Eye Care Tips: Many people experience puffiness under their eyes, dark circles become more visible, and a tired face. People often dismiss this as simply a lack of sleep.

Eye Care Tips: With the arrival of summer, people start complaining of skin problems like tanning, pimples, sweating, and dehydration. The intense heat also affects the skin around your eyes. Many people experience puffiness under their eyes, dark circles become deeper, and their face appears tired. People often dismiss this as simply a lack of sleep, but experts say that the increased heat, dehydration, intense sunlight, and some unhealthy lifestyle habits can be major reasons behind this.

According to experts, taking timely and appropriate steps can significantly reduce the problem of puffiness and dark circles under the eyes. So, let's explore why this happens in the summer and what you should do to avoid it.

Why do we get puffiness under our eyes in summer?

The skin around the eyes is very thin. In hot weather , the body sweats more, leading to dehydration. Furthermore, exposure to strong sunlight, pollution, a high-salt diet, lack of sleep, and prolonged periods of staring at a mobile phone or laptop screen can also cause puffiness under the eyes. According to doctors, this condition is called periorbital puffiness. It involves water accumulating in the loose tissues around the eyes, causing visible swelling.

Why do dark circles increase in summer?

Dark circles can occur for a variety of reasons. In some people, they're caused by increased visibility of blood vessels beneath the skin, while in others, fatigue, lack of sleep, and dehydration can cause them. Excessive sun exposure can sometimes increase pigmentation under the eyes, making dark circles appear darker. Dehydration can also cause the skin under the eyes to appear dull and sunken.

What you should do to avoid this

1. Cold compresses can provide relief - If you have puffiness under your eyes, cold compresses can be very beneficial. You can place chilled cucumber slices, a refrigerated gel eye mask, a chilled spoon, or chilled tea bags on your closed eyes for 10 to 15 minutes. This constricts blood vessels and helps reduce puffiness.

2. You can also use tea bags - Green tea and black tea bags contain caffeine and antioxidants, which can help temporarily reduce puffiness around the eyes. However, use tea bags only after they have cooled thoroughly. Hot tea bags can damage the delicate skin around the eyes.

3. Keep your body hydrated - Excessive sweating in the summer can lead to dehydration. This can first be seen on the face and around the eyes. Drink plenty of water throughout the day and include water-rich fruits like cucumber, watermelon, and orange in your diet. This helps maintain skin moisture and reduces puffiness under the eyes.

4. Reduce salt intake - Eating too much salt causes water retention in the body, which can increase puffiness. Limit your intake of processed foods, packaged snacks, and salty foods. This will reduce fluid retention and may help relieve puffiness.

5. Getting enough sleep is essential - If you don't get enough sleep every day, dark circles and puffiness become more noticeable. Try to get 7 to 8 hours of quality sleep daily. This gives the skin and blood vessels time to recover, leaving your face looking fresher.

6. Protect your eyes from the sun - Strong sunlight can increase pigmentation under the eyes and accelerate the skin aging process. Wear UV-protected sunglasses and use a sunscreen specifically for your face when outdoors. This will help protect the delicate skin around your eyes.

When is it necessary to consult a doctor?

In most cases, mild puffiness and dark circles under the eyes are temporary and resolve with proper care. However, if the swelling persists, accompanied by redness, itching, pain, or sudden increased swelling in one eye, don't ignore it. Such symptoms could be a sign of an allergy, infection, thyroid problem, or another health i