How to Get Rid of Dark Circles Under Your Eye

How to get rid of dark circles under your eyes? Dark circles or periorbital hyperpigmentation (POH) might appear when the skin around your eyes looks darker than the rest. While usually not harmful, they can impact your appearance, leading you to find remedies to eliminate them. 

Common Causes

Periorbital hyperpigmentation (POH) commonly happens due to the following:

• Genetics: Some people naturally have thinner skin around their eyes, making dark circles more noticeable.
• Lack of sleep: Not getting enough good-quality sleep can make your skin look pale and reveal blood vessels, causing POH.
• Aging: As you age, your skin loses collagen, becoming thinner and showing more blood vessels, leading to dark circles.
• Dehydration: Not drinking enough water can make your skin look dull and hollow, making it more apparent.
• Sun exposure: Too much exposure can increase melanin production, causing POH.
• Allergies: Conditions like hay fever can make you rub your eyes, leading to inflammation and dark circles. 
• Nutritional deficiencies: Missing key nutrients like iron and vitamin K can contribute to it. 
• Smoking and alcohol: Smoking and excessive drinking can harm circulation and damage the skin, making dark circles worse.

Lifestyle Changes

Making positive lifestyle changes is crucial for addressing your periorbital hyperpigmentation. Getting enough sleep is very important. 

Lack of sleep can make your skin appear paler, emphasizing blood vessels and contributing to POH. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night to promote skin health and reduce the prominence of dark circles.

Maintaining a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals is essential for skin health. Ensure you get enough nutrients, especially iron and vitamin K, which prevent and reduce dark circles. Staying hydrated is equally important, as dehydration can make your skin look dull and enhance the visibility of your dark under eyes.

Chronic stress can adversely affect your skin and contribute to the development of POH. Incorporate stress-management techniques into your routine, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises or activities you enjoy. Managing stress can positively impact your overall well-being and help reduce the appearance of dark circles.

Skincare Routine

Establishing an effective skincare routine can help on how to get rid of periorbital hyperpigmentation. Consider the following:  

• Gentle cleansing and moisturizing: Start with a mild cleanser to remove impurities without irritating the delicate skin around your eyes. Follow up with a quality moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated and prevent it from appearing dry or dull.
• Use of sunscreen: Shielding your skin from the sun is crucial. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF to protect the delicate eye area from harmful UV rays. Sun damage can contribute to pigmentation issues and worsen the appearance of dark circles.
• Incorporating eye creams with relevant ingredients: Choose eye creams that contain ingredients known for their benefits such as vitamin C for brightening, hyaluronic acid for hydration and caffeine to reduce puffiness. These targeted ingredients can help address specific concerns related to POH and improve the skin’s overall condition around your eyes.

Our Pick: CeraVe Skin Renewing Eye Cream: $14.30 on Amazon

Home Remedies

When dealing with dark under eyes, simple home remedies can be effective. Consistency is key when using home remedies. 

Regular application, combined with other healthy habits can contribute to a gradual improvement. Consider the following:

Cold Compress and Cucumber Slices

Applying a cold compress or placing cucumber slices on your closed eyes can help reduce puffiness and soothe the skin. Cucumbers have a cooling effect and contain antioxidants that may contribute to a refreshed appearance, diminishing the prominence of dark under eyes. 

Tea Bags and Their Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Used tea bags, especially those containing chamomile or green tea can be beneficial. The anti-inflammatory properties of these teas may help reduce swelling and dark discoloration around the eyes. Ensure the tea bags are cool but not freezing and gently place them on your closed eyes for a soothing effect.

Potato Slices for Skin-Lightening

Potatoes contain natural bleaching agents that can contribute to skin lightening. Place thin slices of chilled potato on your eyes for around 20 minutes. The potato’s enzymes may help lighten dark circles and reduce puffiness, offering a simple yet effective home remedy.

Medical Treatments

If you’re looking for advanced solutions for dark circles, medical treatments can help. Start by talking to a dermatologist to determine why you have periorbital hyperpigmentation.

They’ll assess your situation and recommend the best approach whether it’s lifestyle changes, special creams or other treatments. Always make sure qualified professionals do these procedures for safety and the best results:

• Topical treatments and prescription creams: Dermatologists might suggest creams with ingredients like retinoids or vitamin C to fix pigmentation issues and renew your skin. They could also prescribe stronger creams for better results. These treatments aim to improve your skin and reduce the appearance of dark under eyes over time. 
• Chemical peels or laser therapy: Your dermatologist might recommend chemical peels or laser therapy procedures if you need more powerful solutions. Chemical peels remove damaged skin layers, promoting new skin growth. Laser therapy targets pigmentation and boosts collagen production, dealing with the root causes of POH. 

Makeup Techniques

How to get rid of dark circles? Using makeup to improve the look under your eyes is a great way to deal with periorbital hyperpigmentation. Here’s how:

Concealers and Color Correction

Pick a concealer that matches your skin or is a bit lighter. If your POH have a bluish tint, go for a concealer with peach or orange tones to balance it out. 

Applying a color corrector before concealer helps even the tones for a natural look. Yellow-toned concealers are good for those with purple or red undertones.

Our Pick: e.l.f. Camo Color Corrector: $4.00 on Amazon

Our Pick: Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser: $8.62 on Amazon

Proper Application for a Natural Look

Apply concealer in a triangular shape under your eyes, extending towards your cheeks. This covers dark circles and brightens and lifts your whole eye area. 

Blend the concealer gently using a makeup sponge or your fingertip to avoid a heavy look. Use a translucent powder to set it, preventing creases and ensuring a long-lasting, natural finish.

Choose makeup that suits your skin type and tones. Try different techniques to find what works best for you and don’t hesitate to get advice from makeup pros for personalized tips.

How to Get Rid of Dark Circles Under Your Eye

So, how to get rid of dark circles under your eye? It involves a mix of lifestyle changes, skincare routines and if needed, professional help. 

Stick to healthy habits and a regular skincare routine to keep your skin in good shape. While completely eliminating periorbital hyperpigmentation might only happen for some, these approaches can help manage and reduce their impact, giving you a brighter and fresher look.