How to Get rid of dark circles under your Eyes? Tips to Treat Permanently

Tips to Permanently Get Rid of Dark Circles Under Eyes

Best Under Eye Creams For Dark Circles Under The Eyes

how to get rid of dark circles under the eyes?

How to Get Rid of Dark Circles Permanently?

Dark circles under your eyes

Are dark circles a serious health problem? Not really, but many people feel that dark circles under their eyes make them look tired, older, or unhealthy.

There are a number of methods — both natural and medically prescribed — that people use to get rid of, or lessen the appearance of, dark circles under their eyes. Although not all of these treatments are permanent, with maintenance and consistency they will help reduce the appearance of dark circles.

Why do I have dark circles under my eyes?

Although dark circles under your eyes are most commonly caused by fatigue, there are other causes as well, including:

allergies
allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
atopic dermatitis (eczema)
contact dermatitis
heredity
pigmentation irregularities
scratching or rubbing eyes
sun exposure

Another cause of dark circles is the natural aging process. When you age, you tend to lose fat and collagen, and your skin often thins. This can make the reddish-blue blood vessels under your eyes more prominent.

Also, as people age, they commonly develop puffy eyelids or hollows under their eyes. Sometimes these physical changes cast shadows that can appear to be dark circles under the eyes.

8 ways to help remove dark circles under eyes permanently

Although dark eye circles are not dangerous, many people seek ways to treat or hide them.

However, it may not be possible to remove them altogether.

Some people may think that dark circles under their eyes make them look tired and older, so they search for home remedies and treatments that can minimize their appearance.

Keep reading to learn more about how to remove or improve the appearance of dark circles under the eyes.

How to remove dark eye circles ?

Once a person understands why dark circles develop under their eyes, they can select an appropriate treatment. Some people change their lifestyle habits, while others turn to treatments and products that they find in beauty stores. While these are likely safe, most of these home treatments may be ineffective.

People may not be able to remove dark eye circles altogether, but several techniques and remedies can help minimize their appearance.

How to remove dark circles under eyes naturally in one week?

1. Getting adequate sleep

Some people notice dark eye circles when they experience periods of low-quality sleep. Lack of sleep may aggravate dark eye circles. Limited studies Trusted Sourcehave shown that rest and good general health lessens the dark of eye circles.

2. Elevating the head during sleep

People who experience darkening of the skin under their eyes in the morning that fades slightly throughout the day may have increased blood vessels or vasculature around their eyes. The darker color can also be the result of swelling.

By elevating the head during sleep, blood will travel away from the head and face and may reduce swelling and lessen the dark color under the eyes.

3. Applying cold compresses

People with increased vasculature under their eyes may benefit from applying cold compresses. Cold compresses can constrict the blood vessels around the eyes, which can reduce their appearance at the skin’s surface. Compresses can also reduce swelling around the eyes and lessen the dark color.

4. Minimizing sun exposure

People can reduce dark eye circles by protecting their skin from the sun. Ultraviolet radiation can worsen dark eye circles in some peopleTrusted Source. Protection with sunglasses, moisturizers with sunscreens, and hats can protect the skin from the sun and prevent worsening of dark eye circles.

5. Cucumber slices and tea bags

Sometimes. people apply cucumber slices to their eyes to reduce the appearance of dark eye circles. Although the mechanism of its effect is unknown, the cold temperature of the cucumber slices may improve swelling due to sleeping, eczema, or allergies.

Some people also use tea bags. Letting them cool off in the fridge and then placing them on the eyes might produce the same effect as cold compresses or cold cucumber slices. Some suggest using caffeinated tea bagsTrusted Source because caffeine can also constrict blood vessels and reduce their appearance on the skin surface.

Caffeine can also speed up blood flow across blood vessels around the eyes and can give a youthful and fresh appearance to the skin.

It is important to note that researchers have not studied the effects of applying cucumber slices or cold tea bags to the eyes to prevent or treat dark eye circles.

6. Vitamin C

Vitamin C can increaseTrusted Source collagen production. Increasing collagen production under the eyes can reduce blood stasis, which may cause discoloration. Blood stasis refers to blood that pools in blood vessels.

People may notice an improved appearance of dark circles under their eyes when using beauty products with high concentrations of vitamin C.

7. Retinoid creams

Retinoid creams, found in beauty stores, can also help promoteTrusted Source collagen production and improve the appearance of dark eye circles. These vitamin A-derived creams also decrease the melanin content in the skin. Melanin is what gives skin its color.

Retinoids creams are not appropriate for everyone. People should talk to their doctor or another healthcare professional before using retinoid creams.

8. Hydroquinone, kojic acid, and arbutin creams

Hydroquinone, kojic acid, and arbutin are compounds that disrupt the production of melanin in the skin. According to an article in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic DermatologyTrusted Source, low concentrations of hydroquinone and kojic acid can be effective. People in some countries have limited access to hydroquinone creams because they may cause side effects.

Kojic acid and arbutin are naturally derived substances. In small dosesTrusted Source, arbutin can improve the appearance of dark circles under eyes, but high concentrations can cause hyperpigmentation.

Before using a beauty product containing hydroquinone, kojic acid, or arbutin, people should consult a doctor or dermatologist.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF DARK CIRCLES AROUND THE EYES AND HOW WE CAN IMPROVE THEM.

Why do we see dark circles?

There are a variety of different reasons that dark circles appear, and contrary to popular belief, fatigue is not one of the main causes.

Although getting enough sleep is very important for your overall health, here are the main causes of dark circles:

1- Hereditary: Individuals of Asian and African skin types are predisposed to having periorbital hyper pigmentation. Having a genetic trait of very thin lower eyelid skin allows the veins to show through resulting in a darker appearance.

2- Seasonal allergies and nasal congestion are the most common contributor of dark, under eye circles, as it results in poor circulation to the lower eyelid. The congestion, even when minor, causes the veins which drain from the eyes into the nose, to increase in size and become darker.

3- Hyperpigmentation: Environmental factors such as sleep, nutrition, sun exposure, and smoking contribute to secondary hyperpigmentation. Vitamin deficiencies, including vitamin B12, E, K and D, have been associated with dark circles.

4- Volume Loss: Hollowness or the sunken appearance of the eyelids is the final primary cause of dark circles. This can be more prominent in individuals who have high cheekbones. As one ages, the eyelid cheek junction elongates and the appearance of a tear trough becomes more prominent. In addition, there is also a loss of fat and collagen surrounding the eyes. This combined with the thinning of the skin can magnify the appearance of dark under eye circles.

5- Prominent blue reticular vessels around the eyes that become more noticeable as the face ages

6- Fat prolapse: when the lower eyelid fat pads protrude forward causing the appearance of puffiness and dark circles
What can we do to improve the appearance of these dark circles?

Each case is different and the cause of the dark under eye circles will determine the remedy or solution. While the causes may be difficult to pin down and vary, there are a few simple home remedies that can be helpful for improving the appearance of the dark circles:

• If you are looking for an eye cream to add to your daily routine, ingredients such as Caffeine, Hyaluronic Acid, Tri-peptides, Ceramides (to lock in moisture) and Albizia Julibrissin Bark extract, all of which can be found in MZ Skin’s Soothe & Smooth Collagen Activating Eye Complex. MZ Skin Depuff & Define Contouring Eye Rescue fortifies the skin through organization of the extracellular matrix within the epidermis. It includes correcting actives which help diminish the signs of shadowing and dark circles.

It instantly helps smooth, lift and tighten to give a more youthful appearance.

What causes dark circles under the eyes?

People often think dark circles are due to tiredness and a lack of sleep. Although this can be one cause, there are other reasons for dark under eye circles, such as allergies or the natural aging process.

Dark circles under the eyes may look purple or blue to dark brown or black, depending on skin color.

These circles are rarely a cause for concern, but people may wish to reduce their appearance for cosmetic reasons.

In some cases, dark circles under the eyes can indicate a need for lifestyle changes, such as improvements to sleep habits or diet.

There are some risk factors for dark circles under the eyes, such as:

Older age: Loss of fatty tissue and thinning of the skin around the eyes are part of the aging process. These changes can make dark circles appear more defined in older adults. A tear troughTrusted Source is the hollow under the eyes, which can cause dark circles and is related to aging.

Nonwhite ethnicity: Dark circles are more common in people with darker skin tones, and they affect people of color more than white people. This risk factor is thought to be due to changes in pigmentation.

Genetics: Dark circles can be hereditary. ResearchTrusted Source has found that if someone has dark circles under their eyes, these also appear in some other family members.

Medical treatments

If home remedies do not get rid of dark circles under the eyes, a person can see their doctor or dermatologist for advice on medical treatment.

Medical treatment options include:

Topical creams

Bleaching creams can help to reduce hyperpigmentation. These might include:

hydroquinone
tretinoin
a combination of both

People may need to use hydroquinone for at least 3 monthsTrusted Source to see an effect.

Kojic acid

Anecdotal reports state kojic acid is effective in treating dark circles. Kojic acid is a natural product that comes from two species of fungi. However, it is important to know that side effects of kojic acid can include contact dermatitis and reddening of the skin.

Azelaic acid

People may use azelaic acid to treat hyperpigmentation under the eyes, and it is safe to use over long periods.

Topical vitamin C

A studyTrusted Source looked at the effects of 10% vitamin C lotion in the treatment of dark circles, over 6 months. The lotion was effective in lightening darkness under the eyes.

Chemical peels

Chemical peels, using alpha hydroxy acids, such as glycolic acid, can help to lighten hyperpigmentation under the eyes.

People may also use chemical peels in combination with topical creams for better effect.

Lasers

Laser therapyTrusted Source can be an effective treatment for dark circles. Less invasive laser procedures, such as pulsed dye or diode lasers, may lessen the risk of scarring or other potential side effects.

Fillers

If thinning of the skin or loss of fatty tissue is causing dark circles under the eyes, fillers may be a potential option. People can have injections of platelet rich plasma or hyaluronic acid gel into the area under the eye.

Surgery

A type of surgery called blepharoplasty can get rid of dark circles that are due to deposits of fat or extra skin around the eye area.

The area under the eye is extremely delicate, and people should always discuss possible side effects. They must also ensure that only a certified dermatologist carries out any medical procedures for this area.

If people are taking certain drugs, such as bimatoprost for glaucoma, dark circles will disappear after they stop using the medication.

tips to permanently get rid of dark circles under your eyes, according to a dermatologist

Dark circles under the eyes occur when the skin beneath both eyes appears darkened.

There are many factors that can cause this, but for the most part, it can be treated by at-home remedies, medical interventions, or both.

Try a cold compress

A cold compress can help reduce swelling and shrink dilated blood vessels, which — if those blood vessels are the ones under your eyes — can lessen the appearance of dark circles, says Michele Green, MD, a cosmetic dermatologist who runs her own practice in New York City.

To try this at home, wrap a few ice cubes in a clean washcloth, and then apply the washcloth to your eyes for three to five minutes. You can also wet a washcloth with cold water and place it on the skin under your eyes using gentle pressure for about 20 minutes. You can also use eye gel masks which can be left in the freezer until ready for use. Apply for 10 minutes.

Elevate your head while sleeping

If you wake up with dark circles, try elevating your head while you sleep.

This will keep fluid from pooling under your eyes overnight and prevent swelling, inflammation, and puffiness the next morning, O’Keefe says. Puffy and inflamed eyes can create shadows beneath your lower lid, giving the appearance of dark circles.

Apply tea bags

A cool tea bag can also help with inflammation, O’Keefe says. This is because tea contains caffeine and antioxidants which help shrink blood vessels, stimulate blood circulation, and reduce puffiness.

To try this method, put used tea bags in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes and then apply them to your eyes for 30 minutes. O’Keefe recommends green tea because its caffeine content constricts the capillaries and blood vessels under your eyes that tighten the skin.

Try cucumbers

Cucumbers contain
vitamin K, which can reduce dark circles under the eyes by strengthening blood vessel walls. This makes blood vessels less visible under thinner skin. While they likely won’t completely get rid of dark circles, cucumbers may help lessen their appearance, Green says.

To try this at home, cut a fresh cucumber into medium to thick slices, and refrigerate them for 30 minutes. Then place them on your eyes for 10 to 15 minutes twice a day. You can do this a few times a week. The cool cucumbers also act as a cold compress.

Take allergy medicine

Itchy red eyes associated with allergies can contribute to dark circles. That’s because when you rub them they become irritated and puffy, creating shadows.

Taking an antihistamine can help reduce allergy symptoms that may exacerbate the presence of dark circles, Green says. But this is only effective if allergies are the cause of your dark circles. It is not recommended to take an antihistamine if you are not suffering from allergies.

Consider laser therapy

Laser therapy can help with dark circles if the cause is excessive melanin production — darker pigmentation — from genetics or sun exposure in the skin O’Keefe says.

Laser therapy involves applying a low level of light beams to the skin to improve collagen production in skin cells and reduce pigmentation. It should be done in a medical spa after a consultation with a dermatologist. Side effects can include swelling or irritation for a few days following treatment.

Try skin brighteners

Over-the-counter skin brighteners which can be purchased in serum, gel, or cream formats can remove dull skin cells and increase radiancy, says Green. Opt for products that contain vitamin C or niacinamide which can improve the appearance of dark circles caused by excessive melanin production. This can be applied twice a day in the morning and in the evening.

Other skin brighteners — such as retinoids or vitamin A — aren’t recommended to use directly under the eye as they can lead to irritation, O’Keefe says.

What Causes Bags and Dark Circles Under Eyes?

Bags and dark circles under your eyes can be the result of many factors, including age, food, sleep habits, even your environment.1 If you are fighting bags and dark circles, it may be a sign you need to make a change.

What causes bags under eyes?

The quality of your sleep, diet, and exercise can affect your physical appearance, including under eye bags. Allergies and some medications can also make your eyes look puffy. If you’ve adjusted your daily routine to try and fix the problem, and see no changes, check in with your doctor. There may be other reasons.

How can I get rid of bags under my eyes?

Knowing how to get rid of bags under eyes is a process of trial and error. Here are some tips that may help:

Get enough sleep. Being well-rested can help reduce swelling around your eyes.

Try sticking to a low-sodium diet. Salt induces your body to retain water, which can cause bags and puffiness.

Limit the amount of alcohol and tobacco products you use

What causes dark circles under eyes?

Like bags under eyes, dark circles can be caused by some of the same factors.

Fatigue and exhaustion can make your eyes look dark
Salt/sodium in your diet can also affect dark circles
Alcohol and tobacco use can contribute, as well
Your family history could also make you prone to dark circles

How do I get rid of dark circles under my eyes?

As with reducing puffiness, sleeping and eating well can help reduce the look of dark circles under eyes. Try these:

Work on getting enough uninterrupted sleep so you can look rested and refreshed
Try limiting both excess salt and sugar from your diet
Limiting your intake of alcohol and use of tobacco products, may also help
Some cosmetics can work in a pinch to help cover up dark circles

If you’ve made improvements to your health and wellness routine and still see no change, consider talking to your doctor. They may be able to suggest other options that are right for you.

How can I get rid of bags and dark circles under my eyes?

Learn how to get rid of bags and dark circles by experimenting with a combination of improving your diet, limiting alcohol and tobacco use, getting the right amount of sleep for you, as well as adding in sun protection. The skin around the eyes is very sensitive. To help reduce the chances of sun damage, make sure you’re wearing sunscreen/block, as well a hat and sunglasses when outside.

You can also try changing your skin care routine. As you age, the skin around the eyes loses moisture and elasticity. Some moisturizers may help improve skin texture, lessening the look of bags and dark circles. Certain cosmetics may also help provide a quick cover-up.
What are some home remedies for bags under eyes?

Applying a chilled slice of cucumber, tea bags, or a cold compress over each eye is believed to help reduce puffiness.

The skin around your eyes is sensitive and should be treated with care. To help reduce puffiness and dark circles, make sure you’re sleeping well, reduce salt/sodium from your diet, go easy on the alcohol, and practice good skin care.

the Best Eye Serums That Treat Dark Circles, Wrinkles

We have nothing against eye cream, but when it comes to delivering big-time benefits, eye serums may be the answer. The difference between the two is essentially the same as the difference between the moisturizers and serums that you’d use on your face. “Eye creams are thicker, as they contain more oils and fats. Eye serums are usually water-based and less viscous,” explains dermatologist Dr. Ife J. Rodney. “While creams are ideal for hydrating and retaining moisture on the surface of the skin, serums penetrate more deeply and usually contain more active ingredients,” she says.

The bottom line: If you’re simply looking for a quick hit of hydration, stick with eye cream. But, if your goal is to target more stubborn issues such as discoloration, wrinkles, or sagging, an eye serum is definitely the way to go.

Rejuvenating Eye Formula

Hyaluronic acid helps to hydrate and plump, vitamin C can help fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation and address fine lines and wrinkles,1 and caffeine can be helpful in combatting dark circles.2 Plus, the lightweight and fast-absorbing formula is great for applying both morning and night.

Eye Lifting Serum

The peptide- and vitamin-packed formula can be used all over (lids included) and can help address your smoothing, tightening, and hydration needs. It’s non-greasy and fragrance-free, a boon for those with sensitive skin.

Best Under Eye Creams For Dark Circles Under The Eyes

Best Eye Creams for Dark Circles, According to Dermatologists

The appearance of dark under-eye circles is a common skin concern. Whether you’re sleep-deprived, sniffling from seasonal allergies, or simply experiencing signs of aging, dark circles arise for a multitude of reasons. Dark circles, often accompanied by under-eye bags, may make you look more tired.

Luckily, pesky dark circles aren’t invincible. Getting a full night’s sleep and drinking enough water can help reduce the appearance of dark circles over time. For more stubborn cases, sometimes caused by genetics or skin aging, an eye cream can soften their appearance.

The skin under the eyes is extremely thin, and often shows the first signs of aging. Because the skin is so delicate, you’ll want to use a dedicated product made for treating the under-eye area.

Eye cream products can target:

dark circles
puffiness
fine lines
wrinkles
hyperpigmentation

“Treating the delicate eye contour area is all about prevention, so the earlier you start using an eye contour product, the better,” says Dr. Luigi L. Polla, the founder of Forever Institut and Alchimie Forever.

Aging isn’t the only culprit to take into account. Dr. Erum N. Ilyas, the CEO and founder of AmberNoon, finds that many of her patients have noticed dark circles as early as their teen years.

Read on to learn how to pick the right eye cream for your needs.

What to look for in an eye cream for dark circles

Eye creams are not created equal.

“The key to choosing the right product for under the eyes is understanding what is causing those dark under-eye circles in the first place,” Ilyas explains.

Different formulas can treat the root cause of your eye concerns. Some key ingredients to look for include the following.

Hyaluronic acid

Want plump, hydrated skin? Hyaluronic acid is your new BFF.

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring glycosaminoglycan found throughout the body’s connective tissue. It holds water onto the skin to keep it hydrated. Since the under-eye area can often be dry, hydration and support is essential.

Dr. Deanne Mraz Robinson, the chief medical officer of Ideal Image and co-founder of Modern Dermatology PC, recommends creams with hyaluronic acid, as well as peptides and ceramides, to keep skin supported and hydrated.

Caffeine

Caffeine isn’t just a cure-all to get through the work-day slump. It turns out that caffeine in your daily latte can be just as effective for the eyes.

“Caffeine is a well-known and beloved ingredient you’ll often find in under-eye products, as it works to constrict the blood vessels under the eyes,” Polla says.

Caffeine can also brighten the under-eye area and leave tired eyes looking more awake.

Vitamin C

Dull skin under the eyes is a common companion of dark circles.

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can brighten the under-eye area, strengthen thinning skin, and boost collagen production — aka the protein that keeps your skin plump and supple. Adding an eye cream that’s rich in vitamin C can help perk up your under-eye area.

Vitamin K

Vitamin K is a popular ingredient in eye creams due to its healing properties. It’s sometimes used after surgeries to aid in blood-clotting and heal incisions.

“Vitamin K promotes cellular metabolism and has anti-inflammatory properties, with known effects to help with blood-clotting,” says Dr. Jeannette Graf, a dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine.

Its ability to aid blood-clotting makes it a formidable ingredient to combat dark circles.

Retinoid

As people age, the skin under their eyes can become thinner and create a crepe-like appearance. Fine lines, often called crow’s feet, can begin to form over time.

“If thinning skin is a culprit, find an eye cream with a gentle retinoid that can help thicken the skin over time,” Graf notes.

Retinoids help slow the body’s natural reduction of collagen production by helping with skin cell turnover.

One caveat is that retinoids are incredibly potent, so proceed with caution. Find a formula that’s specially made for the under-eye area. When applying a retinoid cream, a little goes a long way.

How we chose

Stop by any drug store or beauty retailer, and you may feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of eye creams on the market.

We interviewed dermatologists around the globe for their personal favorites and top recommendations for patients.

Our list of recommended products also includes bestselling products that hold a customer rating of at least 4 or 5 stars and include ingredients dermatologists recommend for targeting dark circles.