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If your concealer is working overtime, dark circles may be to blame. The appearance of dark circles under the eyes can be linked to everything from genetics and aging to lack of sleep, dehydration and sun exposure. While they're usually not a sign of a medical concern, they can leave the eye area looking tired, dull or shadowed. Read on to discover what causes dark circles and how to reduce their appearance with skin care, lifestyle changes and targeted eye treatments.
While dark circles are not typically a cause for concern, they may be a sign that your routine could use an overhaul. Some of the most common causes include:
Dark circles under the eyes are one of the most common cosmetic concerns. They can affect people of all ages, skin types and ethnic backgrounds. While some of the causes, like genetics and aging, are harder to control, there are products and lifestyle modifications that can reduce or eliminate the look of this unwanted “baggage.”
In addition to age and genetics, stress and sleep deprivation contribute to the emergence of dark shadows and can reveal your late nights and early mornings. Applying a cool compress, ice or cold metal to the eye area can help shrink dilated blood vessels, reducing discoloration, puffiness and inflammation. Let the cold make contact with the undereye for five to 10 minutes to minimize the look of bags and dark undereye circles in the morning when the area is often at peak puffiness.
Along with SPF and retinol, vitamin C is an ingredient that no skin care routine should go without. When it comes to dark circles, it is a true multi-tasker. First of all, vitamin C helps reduce the appearance of pigmentation by interfering with the process involved in melanin production. It also helps build collagen, which can firm the skin in the area, making it less transparent so underlying blood vessels aren’t as prominent. As an antioxidant, it neutralizes free radicals from pollution and sun damage that can cause dullness.
The Eminence Organics Vitamin C⁺ Eye Cream improves the look of puffiness and dark circles from multiple angles. The cooling metal applicator helps ease puffiness and shrink dilated blood vessels, while stable vitamin C, cloudberry and yerba mate leave the eye area looking instantly brighter, firmer and more refreshed. The cream’s subtle illuminating boost helps revitalize the appearance of tired-looking eyes, supporting a brighter, more well-rested look.
By now you know that the sun can cause all sorts of skin issues, but if you’re struggling with dark circles under your eyes, let this be your sign to up the SPF. Sun exposure triggers your body to produce extra melanin, aka the pigment that darkens your skin. In addition, the skin under your eyes is particularly thin and delicate, making it more prone to UV damage and visible pigment changes than other areas of the face.
Applying concealer after your favorite Eminence Organics eye cream can mask the look of persistent undereye circles. Real Simple recommends choosing a concealer with yellow undertones to neutralize the purplish tinge of dark circles. Pro tip: Don’t swap your concealer for foundation, as it can have a drying effect that will accentuate any fine lines and wrinkles around the eye area.
Poor diet and dehydration can also add to the look of dark circles under the eyes. According to Byrdie, increasing vitamin C in your diet is key to brightening that area, so stock up on citrus and dark leafy greens.
Upping your water and decreasing salt intake are also key in combating puffy eyes, which can create dark shadows. WebMD says: “Water will always find its way from parts of your body that are low in sodium to those that have the most. The area around your eyes is a prime example. That’s why a dinner loaded with salt often results in morning-after puffiness.”
Other dark circle culprits include alcohol and caffeine, certain vitamin deficiencies and low iron. A good diet is one of the best hacks for healthy skin from the inside out.
Prioritizing quality sleep is one of the most effective ways to minimize the appearance of dark circles. As explained by Everyday Health: “Lack of sleep tends to cause the blood vessels under the thin skin of the eyes to dilate, creating a dark tint.”
A regular evening routine with adequate time to wind down beforehand is key to ensuring your eyes look bright and well-rested by morning. If you find you have difficulty disconnecting and getting a truly restful sleep, try our five step nightly detox routine for deeper relaxation.
And don’t forget to keep your head elevated with a few pillows while you sleep. This prevents fluid retention under your eyes and may reduce dark undereye circles.
Can dark circles under the eyes be permanent? Yes. Dark circles caused by genetics, facial anatomy, pigmentation or aging may be persistent. Skin care and lifestyle changes can help improve their appearance but may not completely eliminate them.
How long does it take to see results from dark circle treatments? Results vary depending on the cause. Cooling treatments and brightening ingredients can provide temporary improvement within minutes, while other skin care products may require several weeks of consistent use to improve the look of pigmentation and uneven skin tone.
Does rubbing your eyes make dark circles worse? Frequent eye rubbing, sometimes due to allergies, can irritate the delicate undereye area and may contribute to inflammation and a darker appearance. Try to avoid rubbing or pulling at the skin around your eyes.
When should you see a doctor about dark circles? Dark circles are usually a cosmetic concern, but sudden or significant changes, especially when accompanied by swelling, irritation or other symptoms, may warrant a conversation with a health care professional.
Do you struggle with dark undereye circles? Find the perfect eye cream at your nearest Eminence Organics Spa Partner.
Alisha is a digital content writer specializing in travel, beauty, and wellness. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Communications and an MBA from Simon Fraser University. Originally from Vancouver, she now calls Lisbon home. When she's not writing, you'll find her trying out the lates… Read more
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