Are you tired of looking tired, even when you're not? Do you find yourself constantly reaching for concealer to hide those persistent dark circles under your eyes? If so, you're not alone.
A staggering 81% of women and 56% of men report having dark circles under their eyes, according to a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. Moreover, a survey by the American Academy of Dermatology reveals that 50% of adults consider under-eye circles to be a significant cosmetic concern.
So, What Causes Under Eye Circles?
Before we get into how to get rid of under-eye circles, it's important to understand what causes them in the first place. There are several factors that can contribute to the appearance of dark circles, including:
Genetics
Unfortunately, under-eye circles can be hereditary. If your parents or grandparents have them, you may be more likely to develop them as well. This is because the thickness and transparency of your skin, as well as the depth of your tear troughs (the indentations under your eyes), can be influenced by your genes.
While you can't change your genetics, understanding your predisposition to under-eye circles can help you take proactive steps to minimise their appearance.
Ageing
As we age, our skin becomes thinner and loses collagen, which can make the blood vessels under our eyes more visible, leading to the appearance of dark circles. As we get older, we may also lose fat and volume in the under-eye area, which can create shadows and make dark circles more pronounced.
While ageing is a natural process, there are steps you can take to slow down the effects of ageing on your under-eye area, such as using sunscreen, staying hydrated, and using skincare products designed to boost collagen production.
Lack of Sleep
When we don't get enough sleep, our skin can become pale, making the blood vessels under our eyes more noticeable. Lack of sleep can also cause fluid to build up under the eyes, leading to puffiness and shadows.
Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night to help reduce the appearance of under-eye circles and keep your skin looking its best. If you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, try establishing a relaxing bedtime routine, avoiding caffeine and electronics before bed, and creating a cool, dark, and quiet sleep environment.
Dehydration
When our bodies are dehydrated, our skin can become sunken and duller, exacerbating the appearance of under-eye circles. To keep your skin hydrated and plump, be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Try to get at least 8-10 glasses of water per day, and more if you're exercising or spending time in hot, dry environments. You can also hydrate your skin from the outside by using a moisturiser specifically designed for the under-eye area.
Sun Exposure
Too much sun exposure can cause our bodies to produce an excess of melanin, the pigment that gives our skin colour, leading to darker under-eye circles. To protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays, be sure to wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day, even on cloudy days.
Look for a sunscreen that's specifically designed for the delicate skin around your eyes, and be sure to reapply every 2 hours if you're spending time outdoors. In addition to wearing sunscreen, you can also protect your eyes from the sun by wearing sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat.
Allergies
Allergic reactions can cause inflammation and puffiness around the eyes, making under-eye circles more prominent. If you have allergies, talk to your doctor about ways to manage them, such as taking antihistamines or using eye drops.
You can also use cold compresses or eye creams with anti-inflammatory ingredients to help reduce puffiness and soothe the delicate skin around your eyes.
Home Remedies for Under Eye Circles
If you're looking for natural ways to fight under-eye circles, there are several home remedies you can try:
Apply Cold Compresses
Applying a cold compress to your under-eye area can help reduce puffiness and constrict blood vessels, making dark circles less noticeable.
To make a cold compress, simply wrap a few ice cubes in a clean cloth or use a bag of frozen vegetables. Hold the compress over your eyes for 10-15 minutes, being careful not to apply too much pressure. You can do this a few times a day for best results.
Use Tea Bags
Tea contains caffeine and antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation and puffiness. To use tea bags to combat under-eye circles, steep two tea bags in hot water for 3-5 minutes, then remove them and let them cool in the refrigerator for 20 minutes. Once they're chilled, place the tea bags over your closed eyes for 15-20 minutes. Green tea and black tea are particularly effective for this purpose, as they contain high levels of caffeine and antioxidants.
Try a Potato
Potatoes contain enzymes and vitamins that can help lighten dark circles and reduce puffiness. To use potatoes to combat under-eye circles, grate a chilled potato and extract the juice. Soak a cotton ball in the potato juice and apply it to your under-eye area for 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, you can slice a chilled potato and place the slices directly over your eyes for 15-20 minutes. Repeat this process a few times a week for best results.
Apply Cucumber Slices
Cucumbers have skin-lightening properties and can help reduce puffiness and hydrate the delicate skin under your eyes. To use cucumbers to combat under-eye circles, cut a chilled cucumber into thick slices and place them over your closed eyes for 10-15 minutes. You can also grate a cucumber and apply the pulp to your under-eye area for a more intense treatment. Repeat this process a few times a week for best results.
Topical Treatments for Under Eye Circles
In addition to home remedies, several topical treatments can help reduce the appearance of under-eye circles:
Eye Creams
Look for eye creams that contain ingredients like vitamin K(strengthens blood vessels and reduces the appearance of dark circles), caffeine (works to constrict blood vessels and reduce puffiness), retinol (a form of vitamin A that can help to stimulate collagen production and improve the overall appearance of the under-eye area), or niacinamide( brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of dark circles)
Apply a small amount to your ring finger (which has the lightest touch) and gently tap it around your orbital bone, being careful not to pull or tug at the skin. For best results, use your eye cream twice a day, in the morning and at night.
If you're looking for an eye cream that combines many of these beneficial ingredients, you might want to consider the Masofta Under Eye Gel Cream. This lightweight, fast-absorbing formula is specially designed to address multiple under-eye concerns.
It contains retinol for collagen stimulation, niacinamide for brightening, caffeine powder to reduce puffiness, and vitamin C to combat hyperpigmentation. What sets it apart is the addition of soothing aloe vera extract, making it suitable even for sensitive skin. As with any new skincare product, it's always a good idea to patch-test first and introduce it gradually into your routine.
Concealer
While concealers won't get rid of under-eye circles, it can help camouflage them. Look for a concealer that matches your skin tone and has a slightly peachy or salmon undertone to help counteract the bluish tint of under-eye circles.
Apply your concealer in a triangular shape under your eyes, starting at the inner corner and extending down to the top of your cheekbone. This will help to brighten and lift the entire under-eye area. When applying concealer, be sure to use a light hand and build coverage gradually. You can use your ring finger or a small brush to blend the concealer into your skin, being careful not to tug or pull at the delicate under-eye area. Set your concealer with a light dusting of translucent powder to help it stay in place throughout the day.
Colour Correctors
Colour correctors are designed to neutralise specific colours. For under-eye circles, look for a colour corrector with a peachy or salmon tone to help cancel out the blue or purple tones of dark circles. Apply your colour corrector before your concealer, using a small brush or your ring finger to tap it gently into the skin. Be sure to blend the edges well so that there are no harsh lines.
When using a colour corrector, less is more. Start with a small amount of product and build coverage gradually until you've achieved your desired level of correction. Set your colour corrector with a light dusting of translucent powder before applying your concealer on top.
Medical Treatments for Under Eye Circles
If home remedies and topical treatments aren't giving you the results you want, there are medical treatments available that can help reduce the appearance of under-eye circles:
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels can help reduce the appearance of pigmentation under the eyes by exfoliating the top layer of skin. A solution is applied to the skin during a chemical peel, causing it to blister and eventually peel off, revealing smoother, brighter skin underneath. They come in varying strengths, from mild to deep, and can be customised to target specific concerns like under-eye circles.
If you're considering a chemical peel for your under-eye circles, be sure to consult with a qualified skincare professional who can assess your skin and recommend the best course of treatment for your unique needs.
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy can help stimulate collagen production and reduce the appearance of dark circles by targeting the blood vessels under the eyes.
During laser therapy, a concentrated beam of light is directed at the under-eye area, which can help to break up pigmentation and stimulate collagen production. There are several different types of laser therapy available, including fractional lasers, pulsed dye lasers, and Q-switched lasers.
Laser therapy can cause some redness and swelling, so you may need to plan for some downtime after your treatment.
Dermal Fillers
For this treatment, a small amount of filler (usually hyaluronic acid) is injected into the under-eye area using a fine needle. This can help smooth out the under-eye area's contours and create a more youthful, refreshed appearance.
Dermal fillers are a temporary solution. To maintain results, they should be repeated every 6-12 months, at the advice of your dermatologist.
Blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that removes excess fat and skin from under the eyes, helping to reduce the appearance of puffiness and dark circles.
During this procedure, a small incision is made along the lash line or inside the lower eyelid, and excess fat and skin are removed. The incision is then closed with fine sutures, which are typically removed within a week.
Be informed that Blepharoplasty is a more invasive procedure than other treatments for under-eye circles and will require some downtime for recovery.
Prevention Tips for Under-Eye Circles
While getting rid of under-eye circles can be a challenge, there are steps you can take to prevent them from getting worse:
Wear Sunscreen
Protect the delicate skin under your eyes from sun damage by wearing sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day. Look for a sunscreen that's specifically designed for the delicate skin around your eyes, and be sure to reapply every 2 hours if you're spending time outdoors. In addition to wearing sunscreen, you can also protect your eyes from the sun by wearing sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat.
Manage Allergies
If you have allergies, they can cause inflammation and puffiness around your eyes, making under-eye circles more noticeable. Talk to your doctor about ways to manage your allergies, such as taking antihistamines or using eye drops. In addition to managing your allergies from the inside out, you can also use cold compresses or eye creams with anti-inflammatory ingredients to help reduce puffiness and soothe the delicate skin around your eyes.
Eat a Balanced Diet
Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can help keep your skin looking healthy and radiant. Some foods that are particularly good for the skin include:
- Leafy greens like spinach and kale, which are high in vitamins A and C
- Citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits, which are high in vitamin C
- Berries like strawberries and blueberries, which are high in antioxidants
- Fatty fish like salmon and mackerel, which are high in omega-3 fatty acids
- Nuts and seeds like almonds and sunflower seeds, which are high in vitamin E
Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes
Rubbing your eyes can cause inflammation and make dark circles more noticeable. If you wear contact lenses, be sure to handle them gently to avoid irritating the delicate skin around your eyes. If you have allergies or dry eyes that make you want to rub your eyes, try using eye drops or a cold compress instead.
Final Note
Well, there you have it. We've covered a lot of ground in this guide to getting rid of under-eye circles!
But at the end of the day, it's important to remember that there's no product or practice that can make under-eye circles disappear completely the second you use it. We all have our own unique skin, genetics, and life experiences that contribute to the way we look – and that's okay!
So, while it's great to experiment with different tips and treatments to see what works best for you, don't put too much pressure on yourself to achieve some kind of unattainable perfection.
You're already doing a great job if you're consistent with your skincare routine, taking care of yourself from the inside out, and using products that work well for your skin type. And if you ever need a little extra help, don't hesitate to reach out to a dermatologist or skin care professional who can offer personalised advice.