Bye-Bye Tired Eyes: Everything you Need to Know about Dark Circles

As we age, so does our skin – it becomes thinner, less elastic, and is prone to discoloration, especially in delicate areas like under the eyes. Few things are more frustrating than a persistent case of dark under-eye circles. So, what exactly are dark circles, what causes them, and most importantly, how can we say bye-bye to these stubborn shadows? We have the answers!

What exactly are dark circles?

Dark circles are areas of discoloration under the eyes, sometimes appearing bluish, purple, or gray in tone depending on your skin type and the underlying cause. According to research dermatologists, dark under-eye circles can occur in a number of ways, and for people with serious dark circles, it’s usually from a combination of factors.

Simply put, dark circles are a symptom of underlying factors such as thinning skin, visible blood vessels, and hollowness under the eyes due to aging. Although they don’t indicate a serious medical condition, it’s a good idea to see a medical professional if you’re experiencing any symptoms like swelling, serious changes to your skin, or if the dark circles are only on one side of your face. 

What causes dark circles?

There are multiple factors that can cause dark circles under the eyes. Some are within your control and some, like genes, are simply unavoidable. Understanding what may be the cause of your own dark circles will help you personalize your approach to fixing them. Here are some of the possible causes:

• Genetics: If you have family members who have dark circles, you may be more prone to having them as well. This inherited trait can start at a young age, but luckily there are steps you can take to lighten the hyperpigmentation.
• Fatigue and lack of sleep: We all know how important our beauty rest is, and a lack of good sleep can contribute to those pesky dark circles. Not getting enough sleep can make your skin appear more pale, which makes the blood vessels under your eyes more noticeable. Lack of sleep can also lead to fluid buildup under the eyes, causing them to look puffy and shadows to appear darker.
• Dehydration: In addition to beauty rest, our aging bodies require plenty of H20 for optimum health. When we don’t consume enough water, the area under the eyes can look dull, sunken, and discolored.
• Aging: As we age, our skin becomes thinner due to loss of collagen and fat, which in turn can cause a hollow or sunken appearance under the eyes. Thinning skin also makes the blood vessels under the skin more noticeable, which can result in the appearance of discoloration and shadowing.
• Sun exposure: The delicate skin under the eyes is particularly vulnerable to UV damage. Too much sun exposure, and not using a high-quality SPF, can lead to an increase in melanin production, which can darken the skin.
• Lifestyle habits: Unhealthy lifestyle habits can contribute to poor health and poor skin. Smoking, for example, can speed up the breakdown of collagen, leading to thinning skin and dark circles. Excessive alcohol use and a poor diet can also contribute by impacting proper hydration, circulation, and quality of sleep.

What can we do about it?

Now that we know a little bit about what might be the cause for your dark circles, how do we go about fixing the problem? There are more than a few ways to tackle stubborn dark circles. Making some adjustments to your daily habits can have a significant impact over time. Here are some lifestyle changes to consider:

• Getting adequate sleep: The benefits of a good night’s sleep go beyond the skin. Aiming for a solid 7-9 hours of quality sleep every night can do wonders for your physical and emotional well-being, too. If sleep is a struggle for you, try these tips to help. Specifically for dark circles, elevating your head with a thicker or an extra pillow can help reduce fluid buildup under your eyes.
• Staying hydrated: We know that dehydration can lead to drier, thinner skin. For your overall health and to reduce dark circles, make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Hydrated skin means more radiance and plumpness, lessening the appearance of shadows.
• Maintaining a healthy diet: Whole foods like leafy greens, which are rich in vitamin K, citrus fruits that are high in vitamin C, and foods high in iron like lentils or red meat can help support healthy skin and improve blood circulation.
• Staying protected from the sun: Using a daily facial sunscreen with an SPF 40 or higher will protect your skin from damage caused by UVA/UVB rays. Remember to reapply every 3-4 hours to ensure staying power. Wear hats or sunglasses to further protect your eye area from the sun.

In addition to some lifestyle changes, there are an array of skincare solutions specifically made to target dark under-eye circles. Not all eye creams are created equal, however, and in this case, results matter. Here are the key ingredients to look for when choosing a product for under eyes:

• Retinoids: Retinoids like Retinol encourage collagen production, which thickens the skin and reduces vascular visibility. However, retinol can be drying and may cause irritation or sensitivity. Be sure to use either a retinol designed specifically for the under-eye area, or a more gentle, hydrating retinoid that’s safe for sensitive skin. Need a suggestion? Consider our RetinAll Daily Serum.
• BUC: A blend of concentrated extracts of pfaffia, Ptychopetalum olacoides (marapuama), and Lilium candidum (white lily), BUC reduces the appearance of inflammation, swelling, and pigmentation in the under-eye area.
• Vitamin C: A powerful antioxidant, vitamin C doesn’t just work wonders for your immune system, it can also reduce oxidative stress and brighten your skin.
• Hyaluronic acid: Known for its super hydrating powers, hyaluronic acid visibly plumps and smooths the skin, making the skin under the eye less prone to showing dark circles. TriHydrate Concentrate contains 3% purified, multi-molecular hyaluronic acid if you’re looking for a clean, vegan serum to add to your routine!
• Peptides: These are the unsung heroes of eye care. They support the appearance of skin firmness and can improve the look of both pigment and puffiness over time. For a peptide-rich formula made specifically to improve the look of skin firmness, dark discoloration, and puffiness in the under-eye area, try Dark Circle Eraser.

In the end: Consistency is the key 

Skincare enthusiasts know, the best results come with consistency and patience. Although dark under-eye circles may never completely disappear, there is proof that they can be minimized with the right combination of lifestyle habits and effective skincare. With a strategic routine and key ingredients, brighter eyes are in your future!