Medicadermis | Skin Therapy The Hague

Why do your eyes look so tired after a long flight?

A long flight is not exactly a wellness treatment. You sit still a lot, the air in the cabin is dry, you may sleep for a shorter time or more restlessly, and when traveling across time zones, your biological clock temporarily gets out of sync. That can make you feel more tired and make you look that way too.

The skin around your eyes is thin, and changes are noticeable there relatively quickly. But beware: Jet lag, puffiness, and dark circles are not the same.. They can occur together, without having the same cause.

Twin 1: Puffy Eyes — Extra baggage day!

Extra baggage under your nose? You'd rather not! At Puffy Eyes It involves a swollen eye contour. Sometimes temporary fluid retention plays a role, for example after a night of little sleep or due to a different fluid distribution while lying down. Salt intake, allergies, and personal predisposition can also contribute.

Not every visible bag consists of fluid. Fat pads and anatomical changes around the under-eye area can cause a persistent bulge. These do not disappear with massage, a cream, or a skin therapy treatment.

What can Medicadermis do for fluid retention under the eyes?

The Puffy Eyes treatment is a nourishing treatment involving mild electrical muscle stimulation (EMS), gentle drainage techniques, and appropriate skincare. For suitable forms of temporary swelling, this can make the eye contour feel more comfortable and potentially make it appear temporarily less swollen. However, there is insufficient convincing clinical evidence for a long-lasting effect of EMS on puffiness.

In the case of persistent, sudden, or unexplained swelling, assessing the cause first is more important than cosmetic treatment.

Twin 2: Dark Circles — Step over your shadow

You finally got eight hours of sleep, but your eyes still feel like they took a night flight. Sound familiar? Dark circles under the eyes are by no means always a matter of sleep deprivation.

In the dermatological literature, various causes are distinguished:

• Pigment: a brown discoloration due to more pigment in the skin.
• Vascular component: Underlying blood vessels may be visible through the thin skin.
• Shadow: The shape of the tear trough or eye socket can give a dark impression, depending on the angle of light.
• Mixed forms: Multiple factors play a role simultaneously; temporary swelling can further accentuate shadows.

A long flight does not simply cause new dark circles. However, sleep deprivation and swelling can make existing circles more noticeable.

And what helps with dark circles?

That depends on the cause. Targeted skincare can help with dryness and certain pigmentation issues. Professional peels or skin-improving treatments can be discussed for suitable indications. For fine lines and skin texture, a non-ablative fractional laser, such as ResurFX, may sometimes be an option. Treatment directly around the eyes requires a thorough safety assessment.

Shadows caused by the anatomy of the eye socket cannot be easily treated with a cream or laser. Therefore, I prefer to take a thorough look first rather than promising a technique that does not suit the cause.

Five tips for a fresher look after a flight

• Seek out the daylight. Daylight at the right times helps your biological clock adjust to the new time zone.
• Restore your sleep rhythm. Try to align with local bedtime and give your body time to adjust.
• Drink regularly. The cabin is dry; drinking enough fluids helps prevent dehydration, but is not a miracle cure for bags under the eyes.
• Move during flight. Stand up whenever possible and move your legs regularly. This supports circulation during prolonged sitting.
• Keep your eye care simple. Gentle moisturizing care and possibly a cool compress can be pleasant for dryness or mild, temporary swelling. Avoid harsh products near the eyes.

When are swollen eyes not just jet lag?

Sudden, unilateral, or painful swelling, severe redness, fever, or changes in vision are reasons to seek medical attention. Emergency care is required in case of acute swelling with shortness of breath. Swelling that recurs or does not subside also warrants assessment by the general practitioner.

Do you want to know more about causes that don't necessarily have anything to do with air travel? Read my article. Swollen face: causes, fluid retention, and when to need medical help.

From boarding pass to a fresh perspective: what suits you?

Conclusion: don't let your eyes write your travelogue

Whether you have just returned from an international business trip, a long-distance vacation, or a week full of early appointments: tired eyes do not always have a single cause. Temporary bags under the eyes require something different than dark circles or anatomical shadows. That is why, at Medicademis in The Hague, we look at the skin first, and only then at the treatment.

The Jet-Lag Twins. Two unwanted guests under your eyes. Because your eyes don't need to show your travel history.

About the author

Charlotte de Deugd is a skin therapist and owner of Medicadermis in The Hague. In her practice, she guides and treats clients with conditions including acne, rosacea, pigmentation problems, scars, and edema.

Her approach combines dermatological expertise, clinical experience, and current scientific insights. She pays special attention to appropriate skincare and carefully tailoring treatments to the individual skin.