The eyes are one of the face's most notable and defining features that can transform how we appear. But what if the skin around your eyes gets discolored and dull? You may receive unwanted comments about how unhealthy and tired you look because of dark circles under your eyes.
The fact is that dark under-eye circles are one of the biggest and most common concerns among men and women of all ages. Dark circles under the delicate skin of your eyes can make you look exhausted and unhealthy. So if you’re observing changes in your under-eye area and feeling worried about uneven and dull skin under your eyes, we’re here to help you with effective and easy ways to get rid of dark circles.
What Causes Dark Circles Under Your Eyes?
For fast and effective removal of dark under-eye circles, it’s imperative to have proper knowledge of the causes behind their appearance. In addition, it can help you identify the factors paving the way to discoloration under your eyes and choose an appropriate treatment plan.
Discoloration on the skin, including dark under-eye circles, results from the over-production of melanocytes, damage to the delicate skin under the eyes, or other internal and external elements. Some of the commonly seen factors that contribute to the development of dark circles under the eyes are¹:
- Sun damage
- Improper diet
- Inflammation (including inflammatory skin conditions)
- Hormonal disturbances²
- The natural process of aging
- Wrong skincare products
- Unhealthy sleeping habits
- Dryness and dehydration
- Genetic predisposition
- Smoking
- Fatigue and eye strain
Can You Get Rid of Dark Circles Under Your Eyes?
While dark circles under the eyes may seem inevitable due to internal and external agents, there are many safe and effective approaches for reducing and preventing them. However, it’s important to opt for a treatment option keeping in mind the reason behind dark circles under your eyes and the severity of the problem. For more deep-rooted and stubborn dark under-eye circles, you may have to consult with a dermatologist and explore some in-clinic treatment options that can work better to alleviate the specific causes behind your dark circles. Many topical products with pigment-reducing ingredients, advanced tools, and DIY recipes can prove effective if your problem is not severe and doesn’t warrant invasive in-clinic procedures.
How to Get Rid of Dark Circles?
After having information about the causes behind the formation of dark circles under the eyes, the next step is to explore different treatment options to decide on the one that will work most efficiently for your skin and its problems. Here are some of the commonly used methods to get rid of dark circles:
Caffeine - One of the oldest and most commended natural ingredients known for removing dark under-eye circles and puffiness is caffeine. Caffeine is a rich reservoir of many skin-savvy active components that help to repair, protect, and soothe the skin. In addition, it functions by constricting the blood vessels and stimulating better blood supply, which helps to treat discoloration and inflammation. You can make your under-eye mask with caffeine and yogurt or invest in an eye cream that contains caffeine. Caffeine is an excellent fix for puffiness and discoloration around the eyes.
White Tea Extract - You may have heard of the incredible antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of drinking white tea on your body but may not know that it can also help to treat dull and dark skin around the eyes. The powerful composition of white tea constitutes a high concentration of antioxidants, such as flavonoids, tannins, and polyphenols, which yields a natural repairing and protecting action.
Skincare products with white tea extract shield against cell damage caused by oxidative stressors and improve the renewal and restoring process of the skin, leading to a brighter and plumper under-eye area. So, besides drinking your white tea, apply it too.
Under-eye Masks - Under-eye masks are one of the quickest and easiest at-home treatments to help get rid of dark circles under your eyes. A moisturizing, nourishing, and repairing under-eye mask can add instant glow and suppleness to the skin, helping to relieve fatigue, dullness, and dehydration.
You can prepare your under-eye mask using natural ingredients, such as tomatoes, olive oil, cucumbers, coconut oil, caffeine, green tea, and white tea from your kitchen. If you don’t have enough time to prepare your DIY under-eye mask, another way of reaping the benefits of pigmentation-fighting ingredients is to buy under-eye masks.
Peptides - Peptides are generally added to skincare formulations due to their skin lightening and tightening actions, which make them ideal for treating loose, dull, and discolored skin. Peptides are the building blocks of collagen and help to boost the levels of collagen molecules in the skin, which aid in repairing cell damage that causes dark under-eye circles and fine lines.
Collagen also fortifies the skin’s barrier, blocking the adverse effects of oxidative agents on the skin. Collagen starts to break down due to internal and external factors, leading to dullness and darkening of the under-eye area. Using eye creams or masks with peptides can restore its level in the skin and prevent skin issues caused by collagen breakdown.
To help reduce the appearance of dark circles, de-puff, and firm the delicate under-eye area, we recommend trying Sundree’s PEPT EYES Biocellulose Eye Masks. These puppies include anti-aging copper peptides to boost elastin and collagen production, while antioxidants, white tea extract, and CBD help soothe, hydrate, and reduce oxidative stress.
Vitamin C - Vitamin C is unique in reducing hyperpigmentation. The brightening effect of vitamin c results from its ability to decrease the production of melanin in the skin, which gives an uneven and dark appearance to the skin. It also enhances collagen production in the skin, elevating microcirculation to the under-eye area and lessening the appearance of dark circles. Moreover, it acts as a potent antioxidant that protects the skin from free radicals and UV damage caused by sun exposure.
Vitamin E - It’s almost inevitable to list vitamin E when referring to dark spots and hyperpigmentation. This powerful compound has high antioxidant and healing abilities that work wonders to accelerate collagen synthesis, boost blood supply, retain moisture in the skin, and fight oxidative damage. Since dark circles under the eyes mostly appear due to damaged cells, dryness, and malnourishment, applying an eye cream or under-eye mask with vitamin E can be beneficial in relieving these problems.
Get Enough Sleep - While there is nothing wrong with staying up late at night, making it a habit may adversely affect your skin. Lack of ample sleep is one of the primary reasons for the emergence of pesky dark under-eye circles. Hence, if you want to wake up with bright and beautiful eyes every morning, don’t compromise on your beauty sleep. Instead, aim for getting a good 7 to 8-hour sleep at night. Make a habit of going to bed early and not staying up late.
Keep Yourself Hydrated - We all know that a sufficiently hydrated body is quintessential for flawless and glowing skin. The same notion is applicable when it comes to the sensitive area under the eyes.
Keeping your body hydrated is probably the easiest way to reduce the likelihood of getting dark circles under your eyes. The commonly advised amount of water you should consume throughout the day is 8 to 10 glasses. When your body is adequately hydrated, it can help improve microcirculation to the skin and flushes out toxins by accelerating the lymphatic system. A better supply of nutrient-packed blood and elimination of toxic wastes aids in reducing and preventing dark circles under the eyes. So, keep your water bottle handy during the day!
Use Cooling Facial Globes - Cold compresses have long been used to reap cold therapy's healing and soothing benefits. With the progress in the skincare world, we have access to plenty of easy-to-use and fuss-free tools to gain the same benefits.
Cooling facial globes are among the top-trending beauty tools that can help reduce puffiness under the eyes. Cooling facial globes are designed to encourage the flow of oxygen and nutrient-rich blood to the treated areas and draw out lymphatic wastes.
Cold therapy is also seen to improve the skin’s regenerating ability, helping to repair cell damage. Therefore, grab a cooling facial globe if you’re not a fan of applying ice cubes or cold water around your eyes to get rid of dark circles and swelling.
For a spa-at-home experience, we love using Sundree’s Cooling Facial Globe. Made using borosilicate glass and filled with a biodegradable gel, these Cooling Facial Globes are used to help minimize puffiness by decreasing inflammation and soothing redness while also helping to refine pores and stimulate blood circulation to help achieve a more radiant glow.
Final Thoughts
Dark circles under the eyes can make you look tired and unhealthy. Your dark circles may invite unsolicited remarks about your appearance and health from the people around you. Discoloration around the eye area may differ for different people. Still, some common factors include genetics, lack of proper sleep, inadequate nutrition, inflammatory skin diseases, dryness, and pigmentation irregularities.³
Luckily, numerous skincare products, procedures, DIY recipes, and lifestyle changes can help you prevent and treat dark circles under your eyes and achieve an even-toned, radiant, and smooth under-eye area.
Citations:
- Nature. (2022). ‘Melanocyte biology and skin pigmentation, Nature. Accessed September 28, 2002. Available at: https://www.nature.com/articles/nature05660
- Cleveland Clinic. (2022). ‘Hormonal Imbalance’, Cleveland Clinic. Accessed September 28, 2022. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22673-hormonal-imbalance
- Aswell, Sarah. (2022). ‘6 Ways to Maximize Your Beauty Sleep for #WokeUpLikeThis Skin’, Healthline. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/beauty-sleep
