How to Get Rid of Dark Circles Under Your Eyes

Nothing says “concealer” like waking up to dark circles under your eyes.

If you’re getting tired of the daily drama of dealing with dark, puffy under-eyes, we can help. We’ll explain why they’re happening and how you can treat them.

What causes dark circles?

One of the first places on the skin where we begin to notice signs of aging is the under-eye area. Puffiness, darkness and even the occasional skin texture issue can all affect the way this delicate area of skin behaves. 

The skin that surrounds your eyes is more delicate and thin than skin anywhere else on your body. In fact, the eyelids are the thinnest area of skin, followed closely by the skin underneath your eyes.

Skin changes with age

The already paper-thin skin under your eyes can continue to change as you age. Collagen production slows, resulting in a loss of 1% of collagen per year by the time you are age 30. 

Collagen is a protein that supports our skin and helps it look plump and firm. As that collagen decreases (especially around the eyes), you might begin to notice hollows that look darker than the surrounding skin. 

Coupled with loss of collagen is a change in the way the skin renews itself. Skin cells are continually being renewed, but as we age, the renewal process takes longer. This can lead to skin that has a rough texture and uneven skin tone and is freckled with dark spots or areas of uneven pigmentation. 

These changes can lead to dark under-eye circles — but it’s not just your skin’s fault (or your chronological age). 

Other causes of dark circles

Sometimes, our own lifestyle habits are the reasons why our eyes look tired, dark and swollen. Here are some of the most common reasons you might wake up with under-eye bags or dark circles:

• Not getting enough sleep. A lack of sleep can cause the blood vessels in your skin to dilate, which can allow more blood flow into the tiny capillaries under your eyes. The more blood in this area, the more visible it will be through your skin, giving the appearance of shadows and darkness. 

• Injuries. If you’ve had an eye injury or trauma, you might experience darkness under your eyes. This will usually go away on its own, but in the meantime, you’ll likely see the results of broken capillaries and bruising. 

• Smoking, drinking and excessive rubbing. These are also skin stressors that can lead to irritation in the eye area, which can cause it to appear redder, darker and more uneven. 

Genetics can also contribute to dark circles and puffiness under your eyes. If one or both of your parents have under-eye issues, you’ll be more susceptible to developing them. Don’t worry, though — there are solutions to dealing with dark eyes and looking more well-rested.

It’s important to note that dark circles could be a sign of an underlying health problem, so you should always check with a healthcare provider to make sure that you’re truly just dealing with a skin issue.

How can you address dark circles?

Dealing with dark circles requires a combination of skin care essentials and lifestyle alterations. In terms of lifestyle, you’ll want to address sleep issues and ensure you’re getting the sleep you need. If you have an unsavory habit (like smoking), finding a resource to help you quit is essential. 

When you wake up with dark circles, there are a few home remedies you can try to get immediate relief and alleviate some of the shadow:

• Green tea. Using green tea bags that you’ve properly steeped in hot water, remove the excess liquid and apply them to your eyes like a hot compress. You can also steep them and chill them to use them like a cold compress. The caffeine inside the tea helps constrict blood vessels and prevent the appearance of dark circles.

• Cucumber slices. Are you in a pinch and need a fast solution for under-eye woes? Slice up a cucumber and place the slices on your eyes for a few minutes. The vitamin K content inside the cucumbers can help reduce the appearance of darkness, while the cooling sensation of the cucumber can help reduce puffiness. 

It’s also important to defend against sun damage by applying SPF every day. To tackle dark circles on a more consistent basis, be sure to incorporate an eye cream into your skin care routine. 

Ingredients that can help diminish darkness

Skin care ingredients that promote brightness under the eyes can help reduce the appearance of dark circles and help restore healthy-looking under-eye skin. Eye Sculpt targets two underlying causes of darkness: thinning, aging skin and uneven skin tone. 

Key ingredients include: 

• Niacinamide. A form of vitamin B, this ingredient is a powerful antioxidant that helps brighten the skin and correct areas of discoloration. 

• Peptides. Peptides are the building blocks of proteins that help keep your skin plump and firm. Eye Sculpt delivers peptides right where you need them most: areas of thinning skin under the eyes. 

• Hyaluronic acid. Your average moisturizer may not contain ingredients that support deep hydration. Hyaluronic acid is the ultimate hydrating ingredient, able to retain 1,000 times more water than its own weight. 

Eye cream should be applied after cleansing, exfoliating and toning the skin, but before you apply moisturizer and sunscreen. Adding a high-quality eye serum to your skin care routine is one of the best solutions to support the aging process in your skin and treat darker skin under the eyes.

While over-the-counter products with ingredients like retinol and vitamin C can address dark circles (as well as the appearance of fine lines), your skin care provider can offer expert advice tailored to your specific concerns. Depending on the severity and cause of your dark circles, they may recommend skin care treatments such as fillers or lightening skin care products to treat dark circles.

Don’t be left in the dark

Even the best eye cream can’t fix lifestyle habits that could be leading to your dark circles. Taking care of yourself can help diminish dark circles under your eyes and eliminate puffiness. 

For a skin care solution that can work synergistically with your lifestyle changes, we've got you covered! All of our products contain proven ingredients that work to support your skin and help it look truly radiant. To learn more, book a consultation and get personalized recommendations from one of our skin care providers.

SOURCES:

Anatomy of the Skin | UTMB.edu

Why does skin wrinkle with age? What is the best way to slow or prevent this process? | Scientific American

Age-associated changes in human epidermal cell renewal | PMC

How many hours of sleep are enough? | Mayo Clinic