If you’re like most people, you probably don’t love the look of dark circles under your eyes. Not only can they be a sign of fatigue, but they can also make you look much older than you actually are.
Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to get rid of dark circles – or at least reduce their appearance. We will discuss how to get rid of them in this article and provide some tips on how to avoid them in the future.
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Why do I have dark circles?
You might be wondering what causes dark circles in the first place. There are a number of factors that can contribute, including lack of sleep, genetics, dehydration, and allergies.
What causes dark circles under the eyes?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of getting rid of dark circles, it’s important to understand what causes them in the first place.
Dark circles are usually the result of one or more of the following:
- Fatigue. One of the first places that fatigue manifests itself is under the eyes, in the form of dark circles.
- Age. As you age, the skin under your eyes becomes thinner. It can cause the blood vessels under your skin to become more visible, resulting in the appearance of dark circles.
- Eyestrain. Sometimes, dark circles can be the result of eyestrain. If you spend a lot of time staring at a computer screen or reading, your eyes can become strained and tired.
- Dehydration. Dehydration can also cause dark circles under your eyes. When your body is dehydrated, the skin becomes dry and loses its elasticity.
- Genetics. If dark circles run in your family, you may be more prone to them.
- Allergies. When you have allergies, your body produces histamines, which can cause the blood vessels in your skin to dilate. This dilation causes the appearance of dark circles under your eyes.
- Sun overexposure. Too much sun exposure can cause darkening of the skin, including the area under your eyes. This is because the skin under the eyes is thinner than elsewhere on the body.
- Anemia. Anemia can also cause dark circles under your eyes. This is because anemia can cause the blood vessels in your skin to dilate.
- Lifestyle behaviors. Certain lifestyle behaviors can also contribute to the formation of dark circles under your eyes. These include smoking, drinking alcohol, and using drugs.
How to Treat Dark Circles Under Eyes
Now that we know what causes dark circles under the eyes, let’s take a look at how to get rid of them.
1. Get more sleep
To avoid dark circles, make sure you are getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night. If you have trouble sleeping, there are a number of things you can do to help yourself fall asleep, such as reading or taking a bath before bed.
2. Try a wedge pillow
To help combat dark circles, try sleeping with a wedge pillow under your head. This will help to keep the fluid from pooling in your under-eye area overnight.
3. Apply cucumber slices
Cucumbers contain a compound called ascorbic acid, which can help to reduce puffiness and swelling. To use this remedy, simply place slices of cucumber on your eyes for about 15 minutes.
4. Treat your allergies
You can treat allergies by taking over-the-counter antihistamines or by avoiding triggers, such as dust or pollen. If you’re not sure what’s causing your allergies, you can see an allergist for testing.
5. Cold press
Applying a cold compress to your eyes can help to constrict the blood vessels and reduce swelling. You can also use a frozen bag of peas or corn.
6. Vitamin E oil
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that can help to protect the skin from damage. To use this remedy, simply apply a few drops of vitamin E oil to the area under your eyes before going to bed.
7. Apply cold tea bags
Tea contains tannins, which can help to reduce swelling and inflammation. To use this remedy, simply place used tea bags on your eyes for 15 minutes.
8. Lemon juice
Lemon juice contains citric acid, which can help to lighten dark circles. To use this remedy, simply apply lemon juice to the area under your eyes with a cotton ball and leave it on for 10 minutes.
9. Almond oil
Almond oil can also help to reduce dark circles. To use this remedy, simply apply almond oil to the area under your eyes before going to bed.
10. Potatoes
Potatoes contain an enzyme called catecholase, which can help to lighten dark circles. To use this remedy, grate a raw potato and apply the juice to the area under your eyes. Leave it on for 10 minutes and then rinse it off with cold water.
11. Rose water
Rose water is proven to be one of the most effective remedies for this problem. To use this remedy, simply soak a cotton ball in rose water and apply it to the area under your eyes.
12. Moisturizers
Look for a moisturizer that contains hyaluronic acid or glycerin, which can help to draw moisture into the skin. Apply the moisturizer to the area under your eyes and massage it in gently.
13. Reduce stress
To reduce stress, you can try yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises. You can also try to get more sleep and avoid caffeine.
Medical Treatments
Aside from home remedies, there are also a few medical treatments that can help to reduce dark circles.
- Chemical peels. One type of chemical peel that’s effective for dark circles is the glycolic acid peel. This treatment can help to exfoliate the skin and stimulate collagen production.
- Laser surgery. Laser surgery can help to reduce the appearance of dark circles by breaking up the melanin in the skin. This treatment is most effective for people with darker skin tones.
- Medical tattoos. This treatment involves injecting pigment into the skin under your eyes. The pigment will absorb the light and help to camouflage the darkness.
- Tissue fillers. This treatment involves injecting a filler into the skin under your eyes. The filler will help to fill in the hollows and reduce the darkness.
- Microneedling. Microneedling is a treatment that involves using fine needles to create tiny punctures in the skin. This helps to stimulate collagen production and can reduce the appearance of dark circles.
- Fat removal. Fat removal surgery is most effective for people with severe dark circles.
- Surgical implants. This treatment involves placing implants under the skin under your eyes. The implants will help to fill in the hollows and reduce the darkness.
- Carboxytherapy. Carboxytherapy is a treatment that involves injecting carbon dioxide into the skin under your eyes. This helps to increase blood flow and can reduce the appearance of dark circles.
Get rid of your dark circles today!
Dark circles can be a nuisance, but there are a number of ways to get rid of them. Try some of the home remedies or medical treatments above and you’ll be sure to see a difference.
Team Dermatology is pleased to offer a variety of services to help you achieve your aesthetic goals. We offer laser surgery, medical tattoos, tissue fillers, and more. Schedule a consultation today to learn more about our services and how we can help you get rid of your dark circles.
