Dark circles and puffiness around the eyes are a common cosmetic concern. While the problem can be difficult to treat, there are many expert-backed tips and techniques for addressing it. The key is to find the underlying cause of your dark circles.
According to dermatologists, dark circles can often be improved, but it’s important to treat all possible contributing factors. These can include both at-home products and in-office procedures.
What causes dark circles under eyes?
The first step in deciding which treatments will be most effective is to determine the cause of your dark circles. One tip for identifying the root cause is to hold a mirror in front of your face and look up. If your dark circles improve, they may be caused by shadows from hollowing, which can occur naturally as we age due to collagen loss and volume depletion.
However, undereye circles are often a result of both volume loss and hyperpigmentation. The thin, delicate eyelid skin becomes thinner over time, making underlying blood vessels more visible and contributing to the appearance of dark circles. Hyperpigmentation, or a brown discoloration, can also play a role, often stemming from environmental stressors like sun damage or family history.
Other factors that can worsen preexisting dark circles include dry and dehydrated skin, irritated and inflamed skin, sun damage, and allergies. Chronic rubbing of the eyes can also lead to discoloration.
How to conceal dark circles with makeup
While not a permanent solution, a full coverage concealer can brighten the undereye area. Color correction is a helpful technique: for fair undertones, use a concealer with a soft pink or rosy undertone; for medium or tan, opt for peach undertones; and for deep complexions, use red undertones.
When choosing a concealer, look for products that are brightening and hydrating. Avoid concealers that are too drying, as they can make your undereyes look dehydrated.
Here are some tips for applying concealer:
1.
Color-correct with concealer:
Apply in a triangle shape under your eyes to lift and brighten the area, and extend the same shape to the top of the eyelid. This helps neutralize the lid and lifts the eye. Blend with a concealer brush or your fingertips.2.
Apply under and above the eyelid:
Once you’ve applied concealer, blend with either a concealer brush or the tips of your finger. The warmth of our fingers is great for blending, though using a damp makeup sponge is also fab.3.
Set with pressed powder:
Lightly set the concealer with a translucent powder to prevent creasing and keep it in place throughout the day. Apply with a small fluffy eyeshadow brush by tapping pressed powder under and over the lid. Finally, for extra lift, add a touch of highlighter to the inner corners of your eyes and the brow bone to brighten the overall eye area.Remember, less is more when it comes to concealing undereye circles. Work in light layers first, and you can always add more if needed. This will create a more natural look and prevent creasing.
How to prevent dark circles
Lifestyle changes can play a significant role in preventing dark circles:
1.
Prioritize sleep, hydration, and a healthy diet:
Getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, and eating a balanced diet are essential for overall health and can contribute to reducing the appearance of dark circles.2.
Raise your head at night:
Sleeping on an extra pillow or wedge can help prevent fluid buildup and reduce swelling in the morning.3.
Treat allergies:
If allergies or sinusitis are contributing to puffiness, treating them can reduce the appearance of bags and dark circles.4.
Always wear sun protection:
While genetics play a role in dark circles, regular use of sunscreen and moisturizer can keep the undereye area hydrated and healthy. UV radiation can damage DNA and lead to collagen loss, so wearing sun protection and sunglasses helps prevent collagen loss and potentially reduce lower eye bags and dark circles.How to get rid of dark circles with skin care
Here are some skincare strategies for tackling dark circles:
1.
Use cold compresses & eye masks:
Applying cold compresses can reduce swelling and puffiness as the cold causes blood vessels to constrict. Keep eye creams or masks in the refrigerator for an added cooling benefit, or use eye creams with cold metal applicators. You can also fridge a spoon for a DIY alternative.2.
Apply caffeine:
Caffeine is a vasoconstrictor that helps reduce underlying vessel dilation and puffiness, resulting in a smoother, tighter appearance. Cold tea bags are another great home remedy, offering a depuffing and soothing effect, as well as caffeine and antioxidants to brighten the undereye skin. There are also many caffeine-spiked skin care products available.3.
Look out for brightening ingredients:
Eye creams containing antioxidants like vitamin C or niacinamide help target hyperpigmentation. Antioxidants also stimulate collagen production, which can improve the quality of eye skin and help address hollowing and fine lines. Kogic acid is another ingredient that helps combat hyperpigmentation and contributes to overall skin brightness.4.
Turn to retinols:
Retinols stimulate collagen production and combat hyperpigmentation, making them effective for dark undereyes. They also normalize cell turnover, improving skin brightness. Look for retinol eye creams that are gentle enough for sensitive undereye skin.5.
Use hydrating ingredients:
Hyaluronic acid attracts water to plump the skin, while peptides boost collagen production. Eye creams containing peptides and growth factors can help strengthen and support the skin around the eye, helping to thicken the skin. Ceramides and glycerin also protect the skin barrier in the delicate undereye region and help plump the skin for a smoother, lighter appearance.6.
Explore professional treatments:
For those with a true undereye hollow that creates a shadow effect, consider undereye filler treatments to soften the hollow and mitigate the dark shadow. Laser options can also be helpful for dark undereyes. Lasers like IPL, KTP, or PDL can be effective for darkness due to an increase in vasculature, while other lasers target pigmentation. Resurfacing lasers smooth the skin and stimulate collagen, reducing the appearance of dark undereyes.By following these dermatologist-approved tips, you can effectively address and manage dark circles under your eyes and achieve a brighter, more refreshed look.
