Struggling with dark circles under the eyes? You’re not alone. Whether they result from sleep deprivation or a particularly stressful week, tired-looking eyes happen to the best of us. The good news is that there are various ways to help, and we are happy to share them with you.
We all have that one friend with perfect skin, hair, and body—and it’s not even fair! If you’ve ever wondered how they look so radiant all the time, it probably has something to do with their beauty secrets and daily routines.
If you want to get rid of dark circles under your eyes, we have a few simple hacks that will help you achieve those gorgeous-looking peepers in no time at all!
What causes Dark circles?
A variety of factors can cause dark circles under the eyes.
Tiredness is not one of them.
One of the main reasons for dark circles is hyperpigmentation, which can be caused by environmental factors (such as sun exposure, smoking, and poor sleep). Also, genetics can play a role.
Individuals of Asian and African skin types are predisposed to hyperpigmentation under the eyes because of a common genetic trait of fragile lower eyelid skin. This allows veins to show through, resulting in a darker appearance.
Seasonal allergies and nasal congestion can also contribute to poor circulation to the lower eyelid, leading to dilated veins. When veins under the eye dilate, they become more prominent and darker. The loss of volume, fat and collagen under the eyes (which occurs naturally as we age) significantly contributes to dark circles, resulting in a sunken appearance and thinner skin, which can magnify their appearance.
What should you eat to remove dark circles?
Nutrition might be the answer if you're looking for ways to eliminate dark circles under the eyes.
According to Paula Begoun, founder of Paula's Choice Skincare, a good diet is vital in making skin look its best, including the eye area. "While there aren't any fast dietary fixes for dark circles, maintaining a nutritious anti-inflammatory diet full of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein and healthy fats can bring visible skin improvements all over the body – including the eye area," she says.
Some specific fruits and vegetables are said to help lift a pesky dark circle (and prevent them from getting worse), too. Take tomatoes, which contain an antioxidant called lycopene, which boosts circulation and protects blood vessels—so load up on them! Other foods to fill up on include blueberries, watermelon, oranges, and beetroot.
Small changes in your diet, like consuming less red wine and caffeine, can reduce the appearance of dark circles under the eyes. Lots of water, since dehydrated skin can generally lead to more prominent dark circles. Unfortunately, that nightly glass of Merlot or after-dinner espresso may need to go.
The best ways to remove under eye dark circles:
1. Sleep well:
We recommend sleeping between seven and nine hours every night, an ample amount to avoid looking pale and sleepless the following morning. Not getting enough sleep doesn’t cause dark circles; it somewhat exaggerates their appearance. Sleeping on your back with your head slightly elevated will also help to minimise the chance of added puffiness.
Your number one priority should be reducing blue light exposure on your devices, there are blue light filters widely available to purchase, and they will have a genuine impact on your eye health and appearance.
2. Watch your health:
Sometimes, the best way to banish dark circles under the eyes is to look at your health. If you’re a smoker, do whatever you can to quit. Research has shown that smoking cigarettes and inhaling second-hand smoke worsens dark circles significantly, as does being overweight and having high cholesterol or triglycerides – both of which can be reduced via dietary changes, medication, and exercise. Essentially, anything you do to live healthier will make a considerable difference in the appearance of dark circles.
3. Wear Sunscreen:
You should also apply sunscreen every day. Daily sunscreen is essential to avoid hyperpigmentation; try and reduce exposure to the sun. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection to the lash line, and wear sunglasses when the sun is out.
4. Game up your skincare routine:
The best way to banish dark circles under the eyes is to shake up your skincare routine.
The skincare world is full of different lotions and potions to help tackle dark circles. As we age, our skin loses elasticity and becomes more translucent so that blood vessels can become more visible under the eyes. "Look for ingredients like vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E and Hyaluronic acid," says Dr Niamh Connolly, MD of The Dermatology Clinic. "Vitamin C helps build collagen, so there's a separation between the vein and skin, and hyaluronic acid plumps the skin to decrease transparency."
Try Lashfactor's Under eye gel serum filled with ingredients like Aquaxyl 3D Hydration Complex, Glutathione, Ginseng, Niacinamide & vitamin E, which are rapidly absorbed into the skin around the eyes, giving excellent results within a few weeks.
5. Regular Eye Checkups:
As per Eyecirque, get your eyes checked by an eye specialist at least once a year to correct any refractive errors (plus or minus numbers) and advise you on reducing eye strain.
Stop staring at screens for long periods. Computers, laptops, tablets and smartphones emit blue light, which can cause eye strain, headaches and fatigue. Only use these devices within two hours of bed, as they may disrupt your sleep cycle.
Treatments for the under eye dark circles:
1. Chemical Peel:
If you're looking for an at-home treatment that can help reduce the appearance of dark circles under the eyes, chemical peels may be your answer.
Chemical peels often treat various facial pigmentation problems, including melasma and age spots. Deep peels should be avoided in the eye area due to the risk of scarring and worsening pigmentation. However, a course of light peels can help over time. The most common peels used are lactic, mandelic, and glycolic acids. You can expect some mild skin shedding post-treatment.
2. Laser Treatments:
Laser treatments can be a great way to reduce the appearance of dark circles.
Several different lasers target pigments, such as the QS-Ruby, QS-Alexandrite, 1064 Nd: YAG, and the 1550 nm Fraxel. These lasers can be used in the eye area, but since the eye is vulnerable to laser injury, treatments must be carried out by an experienced practitioner.
A few courses of treatment are required to treat the area.
3. Microneedling
A minimally invasive skin procedure called micro-needling involves small needles making tiny punctures in the skin. These tiny punctures prompt skin cells to kick into repair mode, lighting dark circles. “This can often be combined with chemical peels, as micro-needling will increase the penetration and therefore the activity of the peel.”
After the procedure, there will be redness and swelling, which can take a few days to settle, as the skin around the eye area is thin. It’s not as painful as it sounds, and numbing cream can help minimise discomfort.
The Takeaway
It's typical for skin to lose elasticity as you age, which causes these wrinkles and dark circles to appear and become more prominent. While skin care products, protection from UV rays, and a healthy lifestyle may prevent fine lines or reduce their appearance, you might not be able to avoid them entirely.
If you are not satisfied with the results of skincare products or the lifestyle change seems a little too challenging, make an appointment with a doctor or dermatologist for professional advice in approaching this sensitive area.