When Abe Vigoda played Fish on "Barney Miller," the dark bags under his eyes emphasized his laconic demeanor, while Benicio Del Toro's swollen, dark under-eyes magnify the menace of his onscreen characters. But for most of you, dark circles and bags under the eyes are just something you'd rather not have. Us too!
As you age and the skin around your eyes thins and loses collagen, muscles may droop, and fat that used to be around the eyes can settle below them or increase in volume; fluid can even pool there. That can cause puffy and/or dark-colored under-eyes, as can allergies and a chronic lack of sleep - or they might just be an inherited trait.
To banish the dark bulge, see your doc to find out if allergies are the culprit. Fortunately for most, puffy, dark pouches under the eyes are not caused by a medical problem. If they're an inherited trait you'll need to talk with a dermatologist or plastic surgeon. If they result from a chronic lack of sleep, go to sharecare.com for great tips on improving your sleep habits. And try some time-tested home remedies: Place an ice pack around closed eyelids, or put chilled cucumber slices on your lids, and try sleeping with your head slightly elevated.
Or simply take a lesson from Maggie Smith, who plays Dowager Countess of Grantham on "Downton Abbey." She uses her baggy but piercing blue eyes to silently express her disapproval or to signal to those around her that now it's time for a cup of tea!
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.