Collection: Dark Circles

Under Eye Treatments

Under-eye discolorations can stem from childhood and maybe a typical facial feature. However, they can also be a sign of aging skin and premature aging.

Skin discolorations tend to appear when the area is congested; they can also emerge from sun damage and get darker as we age.

The skin under the eye gets thinner as we age. As a result, thinning skin is a prevalent complaint. Thus, fading the look of discolorations in the delicate eye can take a while. In addition, thin skin may take longer to undo.

While there is no easy cure-all fix, you can minimize the dark circles' look and brighten the under-eye area.

How to Fade the Look of Dark Circles

• Get plenty of sleep.
• Eat a well-balanced diet so that you make sure you are getting the proper nutrition.
• Conceal with a light-reflecting or colored concealer. Pink or white works best.
• Use an eye cream with vitamins and anti-aging peptides to fade the area.
• Firm up the area at the same time you are treating the discoloration.
• Look for peptides that plump and lighten.

Peptides for Under-eye Dark Circle Treatments

Peptides, as essential building blocks of proteins, stimulate collagen production, which can improve skin elasticity and thickness, making them an effective solution for treating under-eye dark circles.

Look for an eye care product that includes these anti-aging ingredients:

• Adipofill-in
• Haloxyl
• Melanostatine® 5
• Retinol
• Vitamin K
• EyeSeryl (if the dark area has puffiness)
• Syn-Coll

Botanical Ingredients to Minimize the Look of Dark Circles

Vitamin K: Helps with blood clotting and can reduce the visibility of blood vessels beneath thin, under-eye skin.

Vitamin C: A potent antioxidant that brightens skin and minimizes pigmentation.

Retinol: Helps in skin rejuvenation and collagen production, which can improve skin's elasticity and thickness.

Hyaluronic Acid: Offers hydration to the skin, making it look plump and minimizing shadows.

Caffeine: Reduces puffiness and constricts blood vessels, reducing the appearance of dark circles.

Kojic Acid: A natural skin lightener derived from mushrooms, known for its ability to reduce melanin production, making it effective in diminishing dark circles.

Understanding Dark Circles: Causes, Solutions, and Pro Tips

Dark circles are a common skin concern that many people face. These discolored rings or shadows can make individuals look tired, older, and less radiant than they actually are. To find effective solutions, it's essential to understand what causes them and how to treat them effectively.

What are Dark circles?

Dark circles are the dark discoloration of the skin under the eyes. They can be blue, brown, or even black, depending on your skin tone and the underlying causes. Dark circles can be either hereditary or a result of various factors that affect the skin and blood vessels beneath the eyes.

Why Do Dark Circles Appear?

1. Aging: As we age, our skin becomes thinner, and the fat pads under the eyes can descend, creating a sunken look, which makes dark circles more pronounced.

2. Genetics: If your parents or grandparents had dark circles, you might be predisposed to them too.

3. Fatigue & Lack of Sleep: Sleep deprivation can cause your skin to become pale, which makes the underlying blood vessels more visible.

4. Allergies: Allergic reactions can lead to increased blood flow in the area, causing darkening.

5. Excessive Sun Exposure: Overexposure can prompt the body to produce more melanin, the pigment that provides your skin with color, making the area beneath the eyes darker.

When are Dark Circles Most Visible?

Dark circles are typically most noticeable:

• After a restless night or prolonged fatigue.
• During periods of stress.
• After consuming high salt or caffeine content, it leads to water retention and blood vessel dilation.

Best Under-Eye Treatments That Really Work

1. Topical Eye Creams: Formulated with the ingredients mentioned above can offer significant relief.

2. Chemical Peels: These can reduce pigmentation and improve skin's overall appearance.

3. Fillers: Injectable fillers can fill the hollows and reduce the appearance of shadows.

4. Laser Therapy: Targets melanin and can reduce pigmentation.

5. Medical-Grade Facials: Improve skin texture and can reduce the visibility of dark circles.

Instantly Cover Up Dark Circles

A creamy, peach-toned concealer can neutralize the blue or brown hues of dark circles. Here's how:

1. Prep the area: Ensure the under-eye area is moisturized.
2. Apply a color corrector: A peach or orange-toned corrector neutralizes dark tones.
3. Blend well: Use a damp makeup sponge or finger.
4. Apply concealer: One that matches your skin tone.
5. Set with powder: This ensures the concealer doesn't crease throughout the day.

Benefits of Getting Rid of Dark Circles

• Refreshed Appearance: Eyes look brighter, making one appear more rested.
• Youthful Look: Dark circles often add years to one's age.
• Improved Confidence: No need to rely on heavy makeup.
• Healthy Skin Indication: Signals good health and proper skincare.
• Enhanced Facial Features: Bright eyes can enhance overall facial aesthetics.

Homemade Mask Recipe for Reducing Under-eye Dark Circles Naturally

Make a homemade mask to improve the look of under-eye discolorations.

• 1 Teaspoon of tomato puree (tomato paste has a high concentration of lycopene, a beneficial antioxidant)
• 1/4 Teaspoon of Vitamin E
• 1/4 Teaspoon lemon juice (a natural skin lightener)
• 1/4 Teaspoon of cucumber

Mix all ingredients well in a Vita Mix or with a hand blender.

Apply to the under-eye area for 5 to 15 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry.

Solutions to Minimize the Look of Dark Circles

Getting plenty of rest can help minimize the appearance of dark circles. It is recommended to get between 8 and 9 hours of sleep nightly. Sleep allows the body time to regenerate.

A common reason for the appearance is congestion in the nasal passages, sometimes due to allergies. Poor drainage of blood in the veins can also be a cause. If you have seasonal allergies, taking medication can help reduce congestion.

If you are genetically predetermined to have prominent dark circles, significant improvement or removal may only be possible with surgery. But you can use concealer to brighten the area instantly.

Aging skin becomes thin and looks darker. Use eye-specific products that target thin lids with collagen-boosting peptides, skin-lightening peptides, and skin renewal.

Pro Tips to Reduce the Appearance of Dark Circles

1. Stay Hydrated: Drinking ample water helps reduce puffiness and discoloration.

2. Cold Compress: Reduces swelling and shrinks dilated blood vessels.

3. Elevate Your Head While Sleeping: Prevents fluid buildup under the eyes.

4. Limit Sun Exposure: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen and wear sunglasses.

5. Healthy Diet: Consume foods rich in vitamins, especially vitamins C and E, to improve skin health.

References:

1. Sarkar, R., Ranjan, R., Garg, S., Garg, V. K., Sonthalia, S., & Bansal, S. (2016). Periorbital hyperpigmentation: A comprehensive review. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 9(1), 49–55.
2. Wollina, U., & Goldman, A. (2015). Fillers for the improvement in acne scars. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 8, 493–499.
3. Palma, L. (2013). Hyaluronic acid for biophysical skin parameters: A review. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 6, 297–303.