Very interesting thread, I've read all your comments, if it helps, I've read great reviews on the US Amazon site about these "View Selene" also called "V-820" goggles designed by women, apparently 'NO' marks at all ???
http://www.divesports.com/View-Selene-Womens-Swim-Goggles-p/view-v-820a.htm
Hope this might be an option for those like me who also struggle a bit with masks.
Not sure these comments are answering my question. Let me go into a little more detail. My son is african american and swims all year. However, began to notice goggle marks from eye to eye also covering the bridge of his nose. This began obviously during outdoor swimming but now appears to be a permanent discoloration. Any advice to get rid of and then maintain so will not return?
The website with the products: http://www.gandmcosmetics.com.au/
Follow up:
I have tried the olive oil as well as a rich vitamin E cream with lanolin since I posted last. It works for me, that is, the bruising after swimming doesn't seem as bad as before and does not last as long as before. I apply a small amount of vit E cream under the eyes before I put my goggles on. I now use this cream as a daily moisturiser, morning and before bed, and it works well for my aged skin. It may be too rich for younger skin. I'm in Australia and the cream I use is manufactured here. "Australian lanolin moisturizing cream with Vitamin E" by G & M Cosmetics Pty Ltd. I think "Rosken Skin Repair with Vitamin E" may be similar. But it also may be the lanolin that does the trick. In Australia it is available from Coles, Woolworths and probably most chemists. After I put it on at night I apply a small amount of olive oil over the top of it under my eyes. The things we do for vanity.... :) The good thing about this cream is that it does not cost the earth.
I talked to an elderly lady in her 80s who looks like late 60 (seriously!) and I am trying her advice: gently apply a tiny amount of good quality olive oil over the affected area every night. Blot off excess after a few minutes. It seems to plump up the skin a little. Use your regular moisturizer and sun screen in the morning.
I am 61 and noticed over the past few years that the goggle imprint on my face after swimming has been lasting longer and longer as the years go by. The skin does not recover anymore and today, after six hours since the swim, I still have dark circles under my eyes and I am a bit sore under my left eye as well. I stumbled onto this site half an hour ago to see whether there is a miracle solution, so I can go out shopping without looking like a raccoon!
I am not sure whether I like the idea of larger goggles for pool swimming. Aren't they cumbersome for lap swimming, i.e. cause more turbulence when turning to breath?
I think the problem with the circles/bags under the eyes may have to do with fat loss on the face and reduced elasticity of the skin due to aging and genetics (as mentioned by a previous post). Just pinch the back of your hand and see how fast or slow the skin springs back. Mine has become a somewhat slow creeper and I suspect this is what happens under my eyes. Many 'bad' things can happen as we are getting older. May be we have to grin and bear it. At least we are keeping fit!
Dealers for Aqua Sphere products in Australia: http://www.aquasphereswim.com.au/
TYR Australia has a range of goggles too, but not the 'Hydrovision' style.
We are a bit limited with product choices in AUS. 'Barracuda Positive Pressure Goggles' are claimed to prevent, or at least reduce, raccoon eyes, but I have not tried them myself (yet), as I have to wear prescription goggles, but this is a product I will try at some stage or another (because of the 'leave no marks' claim).
I've read all the replies and it does make me feel better to know that I am not the only one with this 'problem'. Now I know that any woman (and man) my age with bags under her eyes must be a swimmer!