Whether it's the result of a sleepless night, poor diet, fatigue or just a stressful week, visibly tired eyes are an unwanted problem. The skin under the eyes is the thinnest and most delicate. The skin on the rest of your body is even four times thicker. As a result, it is easier to see the blood vessels below the surface and some people have thinner skin than others.
When those blood vessels get damaged, the blood can leak out, creating dark circles that we all hate. When that is combined with fluid buildup, the problem becomes even more apparent. Fortunately, even if you're genetically predisposed to dark circles, there are ways to reduce and possibly eliminate them without going under the knife.
Why dark circles appear under the eyes
Genetics is the biggest culprit. If you experience light or thin skin under the eyes, it will be more obvious when blood pools there (often due to slower circulation due to lack of sleep). This buildup causes fragile capillaries to stretch and leak.
Age is another factor. Over time, the skin loses collagen and becomes thinner, so veins become more prominent. Sunbathing speeds up this process by breaking down collagen and splashing the skin tone.
Seasonal allergies are to blame for many people. They cause the release of histamine in the body, which in turn causes inflamed blood vessels and swelling. Gently stretch the skin under your eyes to determine why your circles are happening. If that area darkens, the circles are likely due to genetics or aging. If the color does not change, UV rays or allergies are probably the cause.
What can you do about dark circles?
Watch what you eat Any quest to get rid of dark circles should start with a thorough evaluation of your diet. While there are no quick food fixes for dark circles, maintaining a nutritious anti-inflammatory diet full of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats can bring about visible improvement in skin all over the body – including the eye area.
Sleep better
Not sleeping enough does not cause dark circles; it makes them look worse. Get seven to nine hours of sleep a night, enough to keep you from looking pale and sleepless the next morning, complete with dark circles. Sleeping on your back with your head slightly elevated also helps to minimize the chance of extra bags under the eyes.
Use sunscreen
To prevent hyperpigmentation, a daily sunscreen is essential. Try to reduce sun exposure. Apply a broad spectrum sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection up to the lash line and wear sunglasses. If you want to protect and cover at the same time, use an under-eye concealer.
Look at your health
If you are a smoker, do what you can to quit. Research has shown that cigarette smoking and inhalation of second-hand smoke worsen dark circles, as well as being overweight and high in cholesterol or triglycerides – both of which can be reduced through dietary changes, medication and exercise. Alcohol also has an effect on your skin. While a little alcohol (read:one glass a day) is actually good for your health, too much of a good thing will damage your skin. Essentially anything you do to make yourself healthier will make a big difference in the appearance of dark circles.
Watch your skincare The beauty world is full of different products to tackle dark circles. Look for ingredients like caffeine, hyaluronic acid, tri-peptides, and moisture-blocking ceramides. Don't forget about vitamin C, especially when combined with hyaluronic acid:Vitamin C helps build collagen so that there is a separation between the vein and the skin, and hyaluronic acid plumps the skin to reduce transparency.
Pretend with makeup
If you want to get rid of dark circles in an instant, consider a little makeup. The key? It's all about color correction. First, look at the colors you're trying to hide. It's common to see dark, blue/gray shades, meaning you'll need the warmth of a peachy concealer to counter the undertones. If you see more pink/red tones, neutralize them with a concealer that has more of a yellow base. And when it comes to application, it pays to go lightly. Using a thin layer of the right tone has a lot more impact than trying to completely eradicate dark circles with a lot of coverage.
The treatments to try
When skincare and makeup don't work, injectables and other innovative treatments are available to help lighten dark circles.
