WHAT ARE DARK EYE CIRCLES?
Dark circles under your eyes mean the area of skin below your eyes looks darkened. This area may appear as shades of blue, purple, brown or black, depending on your natural skin color. Dark circles under your eyes may make you look tired or older than you are.
Those prone to get dark eye circles;
Dark circles under the eyes affect people of all ages, races and sexes. All skin types can show varying levels of dark circles too. Dark circles under the eyes are more common in certain groups of people, though. These groups include:
•Elderly people.
•People with a family history of dark •circles under their eyes.
•People with darker skin tones
CAUSES OF DARK CIRCLE
One of the most common causes of dark circles is aging.
•Aging
•Genetics
•Dermatitis
•Rubbing your eyes
•Lack of sleep
•Hyperpigmentation
•Dehydration
•Lifestyle factors
HOW TO TREAT DARK CIRCLE
1. Getting adequate sleep
Some people notice dark eye circles when they experience periods of low-quality sleep. Lack of sleep may aggravate dark eye circles. Limited studies Trusted Sourcehave shown that rest and good general health lessens the dark of eye circles.
2. Elevating the head during sleep
People who experience darkening of the skin under their eyes in the morning that fades slightly throughout the day may have increased blood vessels or vasculature around their eyes. The darker color can also be the result of swelling.
By elevating the head during sleep, blood will travel away from the head and face and may reduce swelling and lessen the dark color under the eyes.
3. Applying cold compresses
People with increased vasculature under their eyes may benefit from applying cold compresses. Cold compresses can constrict the blood vessels around the eyes, which can reduce their appearance at the skin’s surface. Compresses can also reduce swelling around the eyes and lessen the dark color.
4. Minimizing sun exposure
People can reduce dark eye circles by protecting their skin from the sun. Ultraviolet radiation can worsen dark eye circles in some peopleTrusted Source. Protection with sunglasses, moisturizers with sunscreens, and hats can protect the skin from the sun and prevent worsening of dark eye circles.
5. Cucumber slices and tea bags
Sometimes. people apply cucumber slices to their eyes to reduce the appearance of dark eye circles. Although the mechanism of its effect is unknown, the cold temperature of the cucumber slices may improve swelling due to sleeping, eczema, or allergies.
Some people also use tea bags. Letting them cool off in the fridge and then placing them on the eyes might produce the same effect as cold compresses or cold cucumber slices. Some suggest using caffeinated tea bagsTrusted Source because caffeine can also constrict blood vessels and reduce their appearance on the skin surface.
Caffeine can also speed up blood flow across blood vessels around the eyes and can give a youthful and fresh appearance to the skin.
It is important to note that researchers have not studied the effects of applying cucumber slices or cold tea bags to the eyes to prevent or treat dark eye circles.
6. Vitamin C
Vitamin C can increaseTrusted Source collagen production. Increasing collagen production under the eyes can reduce blood stasis, which may cause discoloration. Blood stasis refers to blood that pools in blood vessels.
People may notice an improved appearance of dark circles under their eyes when using beauty products with high concentrations of vitamin C.
7. Retinoid creams
Retinoid creams, found in beauty stores, can also help promoteTrusted Source collagen production and improve the appearance of dark eye circles. These vitamin A-derived creams also decrease the melanin content in the skin. Melanin is what gives skin its color.
Retinoids creams are not appropriate for everyone. People should talk to their doctor or another healthcare professional before using retinoid creams.
8. Hydroquinone, kojic acid, and arbutin creams
Hydroquinone, kojic acid, and arbutin are compounds that disrupt the production of melanin in the skin. low concentrations of hydroquinone and kojic acid can be effective. People in some countries have limited access to hydroquinone creams because they may cause side effects.
Kojic acid and arbutin are naturally derived substances. In small dosesTrusted Source, arbutin can improve the appearance of dark circles under eyes, but high concentrations can cause
low concentrations of hydroquinone and kojic acid can be effective. People in some countries have limited access to hydroquinone creams because they may cause side effects.
Kojic acid and arbutin are naturally derived substances. In small dosesTrusted Source, arbutin can improve the appearance of dark circles under eyes, but high concentrations can cause hyperpigmentation.
Before using a beauty product containing hydroquinone, kojic acid, or arbutin, people should consult a doctor or dermatologist. Hydroquinone is only available as a prescription through your doctor. Previously it had been available over the counter, but the status was changed in 2021 following a ruling by the FDA.
9. Vitamin K
In one studyTrusted Source, researchers evaluated the efficacy of an antiwrinkle and dark eye circle pad that contained 3% caffeine and 1% vitamin K. Participants wore the eye pads for 1 hour every night for 4 weeks. The researchers noticed a reduced appearance of dark eye circles at the end of the study.
Further studies are needed to confirm the efficacy of vitamin K and caffeine loaded pads for reducing dark eye circles.
10. Concealers and makeup
Some people choose to use makeupTrusted Source to conceal their dark eye circles. Mineral makeup foundation can conceal dark patches under the eyes.
Optical diffusers are a type of cosmetics that reflects light away from the skin and can improve the appearance of dark circles. These techniques do not treat or prevent dark eye circles.
11. Teabags: Place cold tea bags under your eyes. This can increase circulation because tea contains caffeine and antioxidants.
12. Facials: Facials that include massage around the eye area can help improve circulation.