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How to Get Rid of Dark Eye Circles

PROVEN Team
| October 28, 2022
Fact-checked by:
Marisa Garshick MD
, Board Certified Dermatologist
How to Get Rid of Dark Eye Circles

If you woke up this morning, took one look in the mirror, and found yourself with dark circles that weren’t there yesterday, you’re not alone. Dark circles are a fact of life that we’ve all had to deal with, whether they’re the result of sleep deprivation or simply a sign of aging. Fortunately, like many skin-related issues, they don’t have to stay on your face forever. In this post, you’ll find a few tips on how to get rid of dark eye circles, as well as their potential causes.

Dark circles vs. eye bags

These common under-eye concerns tend to be mistaken for each other but they actually don’t mean the same thing. Dark circles are precisely what they sound like — darkness in the skin around your eyes. This condition results in a circular shadow under your eyes, making your skin look sunken (and sadly, a lot older than you actually are).

Unlike dark circles that make your under-eye area seem shallow, eye bags make it look bloated. This is because eye bags are primarily caused by the build-up of fat and fluid, although genetics may also be a factor.

What causes under-eye circles?

Under-eye circles tend to be linked to lack of sleep, but that’s only one of its causes. Let’s look at some of the common causes of under-eye circles to identify the ideal solution:

Aging

Time is the most common culprit for dark under-eye circles. As you age, your body begins to lose its ability to produce collagen and elastin, proteins that are responsible for maintaining your skin’s shape. As the skin under your eyes starts to thin out, your blood vessels become more noticeable — this is why dark under-eye circles typically have a blue-ish or purple-ish tint.

Sleep deprivation

This is a well-known cause of dark circles under the eyes. Whenever you don’t get a good night’s sleep, your blood vessels dilate, leading to an increase in blood flow. Since the skin in this area is already so thin, the veins underneath become more visible.

Sleep deprivation also causes fluid to accumulate under your eyes. The dark circles that you see may actually be the shadow cast by your puffy lower eyelids. Lack of sleep also makes the skin appear paler, making the darkness more pronounced.

Dehydration

As you grow older, your skin gradually loses its ability to produce ceramides — these are lipids that make up your skin’s natural moisture barrier. When your skin isn’t well-hydrated, it becomes more prone to irritants that can contribute to dullness, particularly around the eye.

Lack of water can also make it difficult for the skin under your eyes to maintain its bounce. When this occurs, your eye’s orbital bone becomes more prominent, creating a hollow crease along your tear trough.

Eye strain

Staring at a screen for too long isn’t good for you. Eye strain can trigger the blood vessels around your eyes to enlarge, resulting in big under-eye rings.

Excessive sun exposure

Too much sun exposure can lead to the excess production of melanin, a substance that provides pigment to your body. And although your body needs melanin, too much of it can darken your under-eye area. What’s more, the sun can weaken your skin, resulting in dark under-eye circles and other signs of skin aging.

How to get rid of dark eye circles

Your eyes don’t have to pay the price of sleepless nights, aging, and some fun in the sun. If you’ve gotten tired of Googling “how to get rid of dark circles”, we’ve got you covered. Here’s how to reduce the appearance of under-eye circles:

Get a good night’s sleep

When it comes to how to get rid of under-eye circles naturally, the answer is to catch up on your Zs. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults need around 7 to 9 hours of sleep per day. It’s worth mentioning that how long you sleep isn’t all that matters — how well you sleep is essential, too. The key is to stick to a regular sleep schedule. A consistent bedtime enables you to maintain your body’s internal clock, and as a result, makes you sleep more soundly.

Add retinol to your routine

When it comes to dark under-eye circles, you can’t go wrong with retinol. Best known for its anti-aging properties, this skincare staple boosts the production of collagen to fight thinning skin. Retinol also improves your cell turnover rate, making your skin look more even-toned over time.

Use lightening agents

Directly address dark circles with lightening agents like vitamin C, vitamin K, and niacinamide. Whether your dark circles were caused by sun damage or aging, these ingredients work to brighten your under-eye area.

Drink plenty of water

For that envy-worthy glow, be sure to up your water intake. This will guarantee that your skin gets the moisture it needs to maintain its elasticity. You should consume at least 2.7 liters of water a day and include an under eye cream with ceramides in your routine.

Apply a cold compress

People with increased blood flow under the eyes may want to apply a cold compress. The cold can constrict the veins, reducing their appearance at the surface. Dampen a clean washcloth with cold water and then place it on top of your closed eyelids. You can also wrap a couple of ice cubes in a washcloth and rub it around your eyes.

Apply concealer

Concealer is a band-aid solution, but it can be helpful to have it on hand while you’re working on getting rid of your dark under-eye circles. Since the skin around your eyes is delicate, remember to be gentle and use your ring finger to tap the product onto your skin. Be careful not to tug at your skin as this can cause wrinkles.

Wear SPF sunscreen

To prevent dark circles caused by sun damage, be sure to apply sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or over daily. SPF stops the sun’s harmful UV rays — the most common cause of skin aging — from decreasing collagen production.

Can you get rid of genetic under-eye circles?

If you’ve had dark under-eye circles since childhood, chances are you’ve inherited them from your parents. While you can’t get rid of genetic under-eye circles naturally, you can use certain products to reduce their appearance. Or, if you prefer a more permanent solution, you can look into medical treatments like chemical peels, blepharoplasty, and laser therapy. It’s best to consult a board-certified dermatologist who can help determine which treatments are most suitable for you.

Bright-eyed days are ahead

Under-eye care shouldn’t be complicated. It shouldn’t be left to trial and error, either. That’s why the specialists at PROVEN Skincare have created the Personalized Eye Cream Duo, a set of products that contains everything you’d ever need to give your under-eye area the care it deserves.

We’ve simplified your routine by formulating a fool-proof system that’s designed to protect your skin during the day and fight long-term skin damage at night. By consolidating your routine, you no longer need to clutter your counter with products that won’t work. That’s because our Personalized Eye Cream Duo is formulated for you and by you, so it’s guaranteed to target your specific skin concerns such as dark circles, eye bags, and more.

Find your formula today to see for yourself why custom skincare is the only kind of skincare you should use.

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