Dark Circles Under Your Eyes: What Causes Them and What Can You Do?

Someone's eye

Dark under-eye circles are unfortunately prevalent in both men and women. They are often accompanied by bags which are excellent if you're going for that 'insane lack of sleep' look. However, if you prefer to look well-rested, there are things you can do.  

There are many different treatments you can do, and there are different techniques for concealing them with cosmetics. Some of these are home remedies, while others will require a professional. We are going to go over what causes dark under-eye circles and how you can HIDE them. 

What Causes Dark Circles?

Various things can be causing your dark under-eye circles, such as: 

  • Dehydration: One of the more common causes of dark circles is dehydration. When you don't get enough water, your skin lacks luster, and you can end up with that sunken-in look under the eyes. 
  • Sun Exposure: If you spend too much time out in the sun, your body can create too much melanin. The pigment gives color to your skin, and this melanin can darken your under-eyes. To protect yourself, you need to wear sunscreen daily or wear sunglasses that protect from the sun’s rays in place of SPF. 
  • Genetics: Unfortunately, you may have inherited your dark under-eye circles. If you've always had dark circles, even as a child, you may just be genetically predisposed. However, there are things you can do to make them less obvious! 

Age​ 

Aging comes with many bodily changes, and one of those may be the appearance of dark under-eye circles. Your skin gets thinner as you get older, and you also lose fat and collagen, which maintains your skin's elasticity. All of these side effects of aging make it easier to see the blood vessels below your skin. 

Exhaustion​ 

Extreme fatigue and even just staying up a little later than usual can lead to dark circles forming under your eyes. When you have sleep deprivation, your skin can become pale and dull, allowing for the dark tissue and veins underneath your skin to show through. It can also cause fluid to build up underneath your eyes, resulting in puffiness. 

Allergies

Allergies don't just cause sneezing, congestion, and a runny nose. They can also trigger dark circles due to eye dryness. When you have allergies, your body releases histamines to ward off harmful bacteria. Histamines can cause your blood vessels to dilate, making them more visible underneath your skin. 

You may also have the urge to rub and scratch the skin around your eyes, making matters worse. When you tug at the delicate skin around your eyes, you can cause broken blood vessels, which results in darker under-eyes. Try taking an over-the-counter antihistamine (like Zyrtec) for seasonal allergies. 

How To Cover Dark Circles

Don’t worry if you do have dark under-eye circles. There’s plenty you can do to cover them. There are makeup products specifically designed for covering problem areas, like HIDE Premium Concealer. You can also consider a color corrector. 

Color correcting is the technique that uses the opposite color on the color wheel to cancel out discoloration. For dark circles, you want an orange or peach shade since those colors cancel out shades of blue. 

Here is a step by step guide for concealing your under-eye area: 

  • Step 1: The first thing you should do is prep your under-eyes for makeup. You can do this step with eye creams or primers that are formulated for your under-eyes. These products will help your makeup go on smoothly. It can also prevent it from settling in the fine lines under your lower eyelids.  
  • Step 2: Apply your color corrector if you’re using one. You can pat it on with your fingertip until you feel like your circles are covered. HIDE concealer is often pigmented enough to cover under-eye circles on its own, so you may not need it. 
  • Step 3: Apply a liquid concealer over top of the color corrector. You want to select a shade that’s a little lighter than your natural skin tone for a brightening effect. Start with a thin layer and dab it out with a damp makeup sponge. You don’t want to use too much concealer at once. Otherwise, it may look cakey. Do your best not to tug on the skin since it can cause your under-eye circles to darken.
  • Step 4: Finally, apply a translucent powder under your eyes to make your makeup last longer. 

How To Treat Dark Circles

You can treat your dark under-eye circles based on the underlying cause. Some of the treatments can be done at home, while others require a professional. 

Here are some at-home options that you can try: 

  • Cold Compress: Try applying a cold compress to reduce swelling and puffiness. It will help diminish the dilated blood vessels causing your dark circles. 
  • Sleep: A good night's rest is beneficial for your whole body, but it can also reduce the appearance of dark circles. Sleep deprivation can also make your skin dull and pale, making your dark circles stand out even more. Consider elevating your head a little more when you sleep by using extra pillows. Lying flat can lead to fluid collecting under your eyes as you sleep, resulting in puffiness. 
  • Tea Bags Treatment: Applying cold tea bags from the fridge to your under-eye area can also be helpful. There is caffeine and antioxidants in tea that can stimulate blood circulation and help reduce fluid retention under your eyes. 

Now there are medical treatments that can offer more permanent solutions to reduce the appearance of dark under-eye circles. Here are some medical options to consider:

Prescription Creams​ 

You can go to a dermatologist for an evaluation and get a prescription for a topical cream or serum to help reduce your dark circles. Skincare products, like Retin-A, can be prescribed, and it helps by preventing the formation of dark pigment. There is also hydroquinone which is often used on discolorations like freckles and age spots, but it also can work on dark circles and act as a lightener.

These topical treatments usually take four to six weeks to see results. You can also use over-the-counter products that contain ingredients such as vitamin C, kojic acid, and peptides. You can find these as serums, creams, or sometimes in chemical peel pads. Just be sure to rinse your face the morning after using any of these products, as they make your skin sun-sensitive. 

Laser Treatments​ 

Laser treatments effectively diminish the appearance of dark circles. Lasers help reduce hyperpigmentation. The heat and intense light from the laser helps stimulate the skin tissue. There are two types of laser treatments to treat under-eye circles. Ablative lasers remove the top layers of skin that may contain excess melanin. In comparison, nonablative lasers tighten the skin and encourage collagen production.

Tissue Fillers​ 

If you have sunken in dark circles, you can get tear trough fillers to eliminate them. The filler is made from hyaluronic acid gels that fill out the hollows of your under-eyes and stimulate collagen production. Some fillers can attach to the water molecules in your skin which results in very natural-looking results. You can get this done through dermatology or through plastic surgery.

Bye-Bye Dark Circles

There are many reasons why you have dark under-eye circles, but thankfully there are just as many ways to get rid of them or cover them up. 

There are several at-home treatments, like cold compresses and staying rested, that may help get rid of your dark circles. There are also medical options available like prescription creams, lasers, and fillers. However, the quickest fix is makeup. 

HIDE premium products are highly pigmented and can help you effortlessly cover your under-eye circles. The formula is lightweight and long-lasting to keep you looking great all day.

 

Sources:

Dark Circles Under Your Eyes: Causes and Treatments | Healthline

Can a Dermatologist Eliminate Dark Circles Under The Eyes | Mayoral Dermatologist

Laser Treatments for Dark Circles: Are They Worth It, Before & Afters, Cost | Derm Collective

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