Our Best Tips For Getting Rid Of Dark Under-Eye Circles
Let us get one thing straight: we love your dark circles. We promise you they're beautiful, untouched. Not only that, but there is no real cause for concern when it comes to having them — they are entirely normal, and a mere reflection of your lifestyle, melanin levels, and genetics. That being said, many consider their own under-eye darkness to be the stuff of nightmares. And that is simply human nature. We understand. Most of us are in constant competition with ourselves, striving for perfection. Big pores? No, thank you. Acne? As if! Fine lines? Will be Botoxed away as soon as they appear.
Dark under-eye circles are no exception, and they plague most of the population at one point or another. So, if you have dark circles and are looking to eliminate them at any cost, we won't judge. In fact, we're here to give you our best tips and knowledge on how to do exactly that. Keep reading to find out how you can prevent, camouflage, and erase your dark circles, once and for all.
What are the causes of dark circles?
Dark circles come in all shapes and sizes, and so do their causes. It is never a one-size fits all solution when the roots of the problem are varied. For some people, dark circles are the well-known consequence of a lack of sleep and stressful life. For most, though, they are likely caused by other factors such as the natural aging process and loss of collagen — resulting in fat loss and a sunken cheek area — as well as hyperpigmentation, dehydration, and genetics. Plus, lifestyle-wise, certain things like smoking and drinking can contribute to other stressors in your life, making your eyes darker and your bags heavier.
Some causes for dark circles around the eyes are within our control, and some aren't. For instance, dark circles that are due to a lack of sleep, dehydration, or bad lifestyle choices can (arguably) be easily remedied, while others such as genetics and aging are harder to treat. If you're unsure which type yours are, we recommend paying your dermatologist a visit.
Are they preventable?
Most dark circles are, indeed, preventable. As long as you're taking proper care of yourself and your health — getting enough sleep, moisturizing, wearing sunscreen daily, and cutting back on bad habits like smoking and drinking — eye bags and dark circles should not be a problem (via Cleveland Clinic).
For daily sunscreen use, dermatologists recommend SPF 30 and up for the face, especially the eye area. Find a sunscreen that is comfortable around the eyes (some chemical sunscreens sting), and that you'll want to wear every day. Dr. Dray, a board-certified dermatologist and YouTuber, recommends tinted mineral sunscreens with iron oxides to better protect the skin against hyperpigmentation.
Full disclosure, there isn't much you can do to prevent genetically dark under-eyes. Trust us, we've tried. What you can do is follow the advice above to potentially diminish their appearance as much as possible and prevent them from becoming worse over time.
Can you get rid of them?
Yes, under-eye circles can respond well to a variety of treatments, depending on their causes. While genetically dark under-eyes are tougher to treat and might require extra measures to fade completely, they are ultimately treatable through dermal filler injections, microneedling, targeted facials, or other in-office treatments. Always seek a specialized and board-certified professional for any procedures concerning the skin around the eyes.
Other types of dark circles require less invasive treatments and can be erased by conscious lifestyle choices, healthy living, and good skincare. Once you've pinned down the cause of your dark circles, you can build an effective skincare routine that caters to your own skin's needs. Vitamin C is well-known for its brightening qualities that can lessen hyperpigmentation under the eyes and decrease puffiness, while eye creams with retinol as an active ingredient can stimulate collagen production for a plumper look (via Cleveland Clinic).
How to treat and cover dark circles
Makeup is an extra step you can take to brighten your eyes and camouflage unwanted pigmentation. Dr. Dray explains that makeup has the ability to give extra protection against UV rays that increase pigmentation. You should never rely solely on makeup to protect against the sun (it's sunscreen all day every day for us!), but it sure is comforting to know our concealer is not just sitting there looking pretty.
To cover dark circles, which often show up in dark blue/purple shades, use a peachy concealer or an orange color-correcting product before going in with a concealer that matches your face. If you want some extra brightness below the eye, highlight the outer and inner corners of the under-eye with a concealer up to two shades lighter than your foundation. Make sure the concealer you use goes well with your skin's needs — hydrating concealers are a must for dry skin types, and will help improve dark circles caused by dehydration.