As we age, one of the first signs of aging that I hear from my patients over 40 is about their tired-looking eyes. Eyes that look tired is a natural part of facial aging, but it doesn't mean you have to live with it. In this guide to tired eyes and how to treat them, I will discuss some effective ways to rejuvenate tired eyes and bring back that youthful spark. Remember, the key to fixing old looking tired eyes is a combination of skincare, lifestyle changes, and possibly professional treatments.

If you do not know your Baumann Skin Type, I suggest you get started first by taking the skin type quiz so we can see all of your skin concerns and treat more than just your tired eyes.

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First, let's understand what causes tired eyes. As you age, the skin around your eyes becomes thinner because collagen loss. Decreased elasticity and firmness causes sagging. This can lead to a sunken appearance, circles, and a tired or old looking eyes.  When your eyes look tired, your entire face can look tired.  Tired eyes is one of the most common skin aging complaints.  This is why antiaging eye serums are usually the first antiaging skincare products that my patients purchase.  Lifestyle factors like lack of sleep, stress, and dehydration also contribute significantly to this condition. Lets look at the best ways to fix tired looking eyes.

Choosing which eye serum is best for tired eyes can be difficult because there are so many choices.  I recommend you take the skin type quiz and we will be able to give you a list of eye serums that target all of your eye issues. For example- if you have tired eyes and dark circles- this blog can help you find a good eye serum to treat both.

Here are some good eye creams to help your eyes look less old and more radiant:

Using the right makeup techniques can dramatically change how your eyes look. Light colors reflect light so using a light eye shadow in the eye area and a light reflecting concealer can make tired eyes look much brighter. A good concealer can help cover dark circles. Choose a concealer for the eye area that  is one shade lighter than your makeup foundation. This will help to reflect light and give an appearance of freshness. Remember, the goal is to brighten the area without making it look unnatural, so do not go too light with your concealer cover.  The hardest part of improving tired eyes is finding the correct makeup color for your skin. I use one color lighter than my makeup foundation.

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Using a translucent powder that’s one shade lighter than your skin tone around the eyes can also help. It works by reflecting light, which minimizes the appearance of shadows and gives a lift to the entire eye area. However, be cautious with the amount you use, as too much powder can settle into fine lines and have the opposite effect.

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Having good habits can help you eyes look better.  I am amazed how much better my patient's eye area looks when they do the following:

• Sleep 7+ hours a night
• Wear sunglasses in the sun
• Limit sugar
• Exercise 3-4 times a week
• Meditate or do Yoga to calm the mind
• Limit alcohol and cannabis

Never underestimate the power of good rest. Sleep is crucial for skin health. It’s during sleep that your skin repairs itself. Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night. If you're having trouble sleeping, consider a nighttime routine that promotes relaxation, like reading or meditating before bed.

The reason lack of sleep causes tired looking eyes is believed (but not proven) to be because blood flow around the eyes gets more sluggish with poot sleep leading to less hydration and fewer nutrients in the eye area.  

Hydration is vital for maintaining youthful skin. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Also, include foods high in water content, such as fruits and vegetables, in your diet. This internal hydration will reflect on your skin, making it look more vibrant and less tired.

Look for eye creams and serums with humectants in them to help the eye area hold on to water.

For some, dermal fillers can be an effective solution to treat tired eyes. These fillers can add volume to the under-eye area, reducing hollowness and dark circles and making eyes look younger. However, it's crucial to choose the right type of filler and an experienced injector. I recommend hyaluronic acid fillers for under the eyes because they are reversible. Avoid non-reversible fillers like Radiesse in this delicate area. Hyaluronic acid fillers are safe and offer a more natural look and can be reversed with the enzyme hyaluronidase.

Various lasers such as the Erbium and CO2 and Fraxel can be used around the eye area in an attempt to increase collagen in the eye area. Lasers can have a lot of downtime and side effects.  In my experience as a dermatologist, using antiaging serums in this area works just as well as laser but takes longer to see results.

Tired eyes can be a thing of the past with the right combination of skincare, makeup techniques, lifestyle changes, and professional treatments. Remember, the goal is to rejuvenate and brighten your eye area in the most natural way possible. If you’re considering professional treatments like dermal fillers, always consult with a qualified dermatologist to discuss your options and ensure the safest and most effective treatment plan.

Aging gracefully is not just about looking good; it's about feeling good and taking care of your skin in the best way possible. By incorporating these tips into your routine, you can say goodbye to tired eyes and welcome a more refreshed and youthful appearance. Remember, you're not just treating your eyes; you're enhancing your overall well-being.

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1. Baumann L. Antiaging Ingredients in Ch. 37 of Baumann's Cosmetic Dermatology Ed 3. (McGraw Hill 2022)
2. Baumann, L. Cosmeceuticals and Cosmetic Ingredients (McGraw Hill 2015)
3. Sundelin, T., Lekander, M., Kecklund, G., Van Someren, E. J., Olsson, A., & Axelsson, J. (2013). Cues of fatigue: effects of sleep deprivation on facial appearance. Sleep, 36(9), 1355-1360.
4. Flament, F., Abric, A., Amar, D., Ye, C., Caron, J., & Negre, C. (2020). Changes in facial signs due to age and their respective weights on the perception of age, on a tired‐look or a healthy glow among differently aged Chinese men. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 42(5), 452-461.
5. Flament, F., Abric, A., Prunel, A., Cassier, M., & Delaunay, C. (2021). The respective weights of facial signs on the perception of age and a tired‐look among differently aged Korean men. Skin Research and Technology, 27(5), 909-917.