What Helps Dark Circles Under Eyes

How to Get Rid of Dark Circles Under Eyes

Whether you’re juggling a stressful school project, planning your best friend’s bachelorette party, or preparing a last minute work proposal, it’s easy for sleep to get pushed to the back burner. Unfortunately, the result of sacrificing sleep is dark, puffy under eyes that’ll leave you looking like you stepped straight off the set of The Walking Dead. Pricey cosmetic procedures may offer a quick fix, but dark circles always find their way back to your face. 

What causes dark under eye circles? 

Like most common skin care concerns, dark under eye circles can have a number of different causes. Perhaps it’s something as simple as a lousy night’s sleep, or maybe you have undiagnosed allergies that need more investigation.  

Aging

When your skin is youthful with plenty of elasticity, your under eyes will have a plump, pillowy appearance. However, as you age, you’ll notice that the skin beneath your eyes will begin to shrink and slowly deflate. One of the unfortunate side effects of aging is a decrease in collagen and elastin, two proteins that lend to your skin’s natural volume. This loss of volume is often accompanied by thinner skin and dark under eye circles that are more difficult to disguise. 

Allergies

Red, itchy, watery eyes are a clear sign of allergies. Airborne allergens can cause blood vessels to dilate so that you can see them more clearly beneath the skin’s surface. As uncomfortable as allergies may be, do your best to resist rubbing or scratching your eyes or the skin surrounding them. You may unknowingly break a blood vessel which will only worsen the appearance of dark shadows. 

Damage from the sun

Overexposure to the harmful UV rays of the sun can cause your skin to produce an excess of melanin, the result of which is dark spots dotting the surface of your skin. And if you think that the delicate skin beneath your undereyes is immune from sun spots, you’d be wrong. So the next time you step outside, take care to protect your precious peepers with an SPF, a cool pair of shades, and a ball cap for good measure. 

Dehydration

Keeping your body hydrated is crucial, both inside and out. After all, our body’s are about 55-60% water, so it only makes sense that we’d need to replenish our reserves. Failing to drink enough water will result in shriveling skin and sunken in under eyes. So before you book that expensive treatment or procedure, consider whether you’ve had enough H2O. And don’t forget that your other favorite beverages may be the culprit for dehydration, so avoid alcohol and caffeine in excess whenever possible. 

Exhaustion

The most obvious cause of dark under eye circles is a lack of sleep. It’s an unfortunate ailment that is typical for parents, busy professionals, and just about anyone in between. Your sleep cycle will evolve as your circumstances do, though you can take action in your day to day to ensure you achieve a restful night’s sleep. First and foremost, try sticking to a sleep schedule and don’t exceed your bedtime by more than a few hours on weekends or evenings off. Also, avoid computer and cell phone screens for about an hour before falling asleep. Instead, opt for a book or podcast to unwind and destress. 

Eye strain

You probably are aware that straining your eyes can disrupt your vision, but did you know that it can also contribute to the development of under eye circles? Eye strain tends to exercise some muscles more than others, and in many cases, can enlarge blood vessels so that they’re more noticeable to the naked eye. Eye strain can occur when you do any of the following for an hour or more: driving, using cell phone or computer screens, reading, watching television. 

Genetics

In many cases, the occurrence of dark circles is simply a matter of genetics. Periorbital hyperpigmentation, AKA dark undereyes, can appear at any age. If genes are to blame for your dark under eye circles, ingredients like caffeine, hyaluronic acid, and retinol are worth giving a shot. 

Remedies for dark and puffy eyes

Fortunately, there are several solutions to get rid of dark circles under your eyes. From wellness techniques to products formulated with certain key nutrients — you have options for combatting dark, puffy, tired eyes. 

Apply a cold compress

A simple and straightforward remedy for dark undereye circles is to soak a small cloth in cool water and apply a cold compress to your eyes. Relax on your back for about 20 to 30 minutes. This will relieve swelling and help to shrink your blood vessels back to normal size. You’ll notice your puffy eye bags deflate and your dark circles fade. You can repeat this process as many times as necessary. 

Slice some cucumbers

No spa day is complete without some slices of cucumber to cover your eyes as you unwind and destress. Besides being a refreshing snack, cucumbers are packed with vitamin K which helps boost collagen production and fortify blood vessels beneath the skin. 

Elevate your head when sleeping

Prevent puffy bags that result from fluids pooling beneath your eyelids as you snooze with a simple solution. Elevate your slumber and invest in some super fluffy pillows for you to prop yourself up on. This will ensure you won’t wake up with dark circles or swelling.

Wear tea bags

What do tea bags and expensive skin care elixirs have in common? They both contain high levels of caffeine and antioxidants, of course! Relaxing with cooled tea bags on your eyelids can improve circulation, constrict the blood vessels, and leave you looking rested and recharged. 

Vitamin C Skincare

Vitamin C is your not so secret weapon for fading dark circles beneath the eyes. Moody Sisters Vitamin C Glow Eye Gel is an ultra-effective, lightweight treatment for dark, puffy, tired eyes that won’t break the bank. Rich in skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamins C & E, and amino acids, you’ll fall head over heels for this eye gel. 

Best Skincare for Dark Spots & Dark Under Eye Circles