How to Get Rid of Dark Under Eye Circles
If you're struggling with dark circles under your eyes, it can sometimes feel overwhelming trying to work out which product or lifestyle change is best for you. That's why it's important to understand the cause of discoloration before taking any action. In some cases, physical darkness may be present while in others the problem may stem from a shadowing effect caused by vasculature. Don't worry if you don't have time to pop down to your dermatologist, I'm here to guide you on this journey and provide expert advice on how to get rid of dark circles effectively.
Exploring the causes behind darker under-eyes so we can come up with the right solution for you.
Physical Darkness
Physical darkness refers to a pigmentation issue, caused by an overproduction of melanin and sometimes genetic factors. Pigmentation can be treated with products containing hydroquinone, kojic acid, glycolic acid, arbutin, phytic acid, niacinamide and shiitake extract. These ingredients work to lighten the skin under the eyes and even out its tone. Some of our favorite products to address pigmentation include Unsun Mineral Tinted Face Sunscreen Cream SPF 30+ and the Mandelic Pigment Corrector from Allies of Skin. Why do we mention a sunscreen in here? Whether genetically predisposed to under eye pigmentation or not, the most common cause of this concern is actually the sun. Sunscreens can dramatically help improve the pigment and the color underneath your eyes over time.
Shadowing and Vasculature
As we age, our skin thins out and the blood vessels underneath can become more prominent. Combined, these two things can make the shadow look worse. The reason for the change? Both genetics and lifestyle choices such as smoking and drinking alcohol have an impact. This type of darkness can be treated with products that constrict the vasculature, so caffeine is a top ingredient to look out for. The Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream is great for this because it contains caffeine to reduce puffiness and dark circles while providing an antioxidant boost. Other good options include the Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Eye Crème, which has an instant brightening effect.
Puffiness
Puffiness can also be caused by poor lifestyle choices like lack of sleep, alcohol consumption, and unhealthy eating habits. To reduce puffiness, you should look for products containing ingredients such as caffeine or arnica montana extract to help constrict blood vessels and reduce swelling. A quick trick is also to take an antihistamine at night, which will make a huge difference in reducing how puffy your eyes are when you wake up.
Herniated Fat Pads
Finally, herniated fat pads in the under-eye area can create a sunken or hollow look which casts shadows on the skin and makes dark circles appear more prominent. Herniated fats pads are one of the trickiest problems to solve, so a trip to the derm is really worth your time and money. Creams won’t work, but hyaluronic acid fillers can achieve good results if your bone structure is strong and you choose a reputable provider. Plastic surgeons can also remove the fat pads surgically but this is obviously a drastic step. Fat transfers have been hyped to help solve this issue, but they can be very costly and you run the risk of looking lumpy bumpy.
Overall, dark circles are caused by a variety of factors and it is important to identify the type that is affecting your eyes before choosing a product or making any major lifestyle changes. But the good news is: with the right combination of products, lifestyle adjustments and patience, most types of darkness can be eliminated.
