How to Get Rid of Dark Circles Under the Eyes

Women, in particular, suffer from dark circles beneath their eyes. Darker skin circles might form when you’re tired or have allergies, and some people are more susceptible to them than others.

It’s crucial to remember that dark circles beneath the eyes aren’t harmful and don’t require treatment. However, for cosmetic reasons, many people wish to know how to get rid of dark circles beneath their eyes.

Continue reading to learn more about the symptoms, causes, and treatments for dark circles under eyes.

Causes of Dark Circles Under the Eyes

Dark circles under the eyes are a common set of symptoms, including darker skin pigmentation and possibly puffiness in a circular pattern beneath the lower eyelid. Medically, this area is referred to as the infraorbital area, which is the section of the face between the bottom of the eye sockets and the roof of the mouth.

Research into the cause of dark circles under the eyes is lacking, but some cases have been identified.

Genetics

Dark circles around eyes are a problem for some people. Shadowing can be caused by a thin skin or large fat deposits in the infraorbital area. Others have veins in that location that is close to the skin’s surface, causing greater pigmentation (coloration). Although these qualities are not medically significant, they can result in dark circles. 1 Dark circle and bags under the eyes can be a hereditary physical trait, which explains why it appears to run in families.

Stress or Fatigue

Many people associate dark circles or bags under their eyes with being tired or stressed. When someone experiences stress or fatigue, the blood flow to the infraorbital area can slow down. Since the skin in that area is thin, the pooled blood can create a darker hue. At the same time, pooled blood can stretch blood vessels, creating swollen bags under the eyes.

Allergies

Hay fever and other common allergic reactions produce inflammation and edema around the eyes. This can result in dark circles and bags under the eyes.

Smoking

Smoking can cause you to lose collagen, making the already-thin skin beneath the eyes even thinner. This can make the appearance of dark circles more dramatic.

Age

Because collagen is lost as you get older and your skin thins, dark circles, and puffiness are more common in the elderly. The reddish-blue blood vessels behind your eyes may become more noticeable as a result of this. As people get older, they may have puffy eyelids or hollows under their eyes. These bodily changes might cause shadows around the eyes that appear to be dark circles.

 How to Treat Dark Circles Under Eyes

Although many people want to get rid of dark circles, there’s no proven way to do so. Genetics plays an important role in the formation of dark circles. Since there’s no way to change genetics, you may not be able to remove dark circles or puffiness completely.

However, some treatment options may help. It helps to understand what’s causing your dark circles—like lack of sleep, allergies, or thin skin. Once you’ve identified the cause, you can choose a treatment that’s most likely to work for you.

Self-Care

Dark eyes can sometimes indicate that you aren’t taking care of yourself. Make sure you get enough rest, drink lots of water, and refrain from smoking. Inadequate sleep can cause stress, which can exacerbate dark circles. You’ll probably feel better in general, and your dark circles may fade.

Reduce or eliminate your face’s exposure to the sun. Make sure you are wearing sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 every day. Sunglasses and hats can shield your skin from the sun and keep your dark under-eye circles at bay..

Cool Compress

Applying a cool compress to your eyes can reduce inflammation.4 For added benefit, try applying thick slices of cool cucumbers to your eyelids for about 10 minutes. Then rinse the area with water. Cucumbers contain vitamin K, which has been linked to a reduction of dark circles and improvements in skin elasticity.5

Treat Allergies

If your dark circles are caused by allergies, treating the symptoms might reduce the appearance of dark circles or bags. Take a daily antihistamine during the time of year when your symptoms are worst. Use an air purifier, keep the windows closed, and shower before bed.

Use Eye Cream

Over-the-counter (OTC) eye creams can reduce the appearance of dark circles and bags, especially if you use them for a long time. Look for a cream that has vitamins K and E and that includes a topical antihistamine, which can reduce inflammation.

Think about fillers.

Dermal fillers are compounds that a dermatologist injects beneath the skin to plump it up. They can assist to hide discoloration beneath the eyes and reduce wrinkles. 1 If you’re interested in fillers, speak with your health care provider or a dermatologist (a doctor who specializes in skin, hair, and nail disorders).

Laser Therapy

Laser treatments can brighten the skin around the eyes and eliminate wrinkles, which can make dark circles appear even worse. A dermatologist can advise you on whether laser treatment is appropriate for you.

Summary

Although dark circles are not a medical condition, many individuals find them to be an aesthetic issue. Lifestyle changes, over-the-counter medications, and dermatological procedures may assist if you have dark circles or bags under your eyes.