If you’re feeling tired and run down, you may also have noticed dark circles under your eyes. A classic sign of fatigue, dark under eye circles can look purple or blue to dark brown or black, depending on your skin colour. But did you know your lack of sleep isn’t the only thing that causes dark eye circles? There are a number of different reasons dark circles can appear and it’s helpful to figure out which one is causing yours. Dark under eye circles can make you look tired, older and unhealthy, so it’s important to keep them at bay. If you want to know how to get rid of dark circles under your eyes, you’re in luck, because we’re letting you know 8 ways to prevent and banish them!
What Causes Dark Circles Under Your Eyes?
Although fatigue is the main cause of dark under eye circles, there are numerous other reasons you could be experiencing them. You may have dark under eye circles due to anything from allergies to eczema, scratching or rubbing the area, dehydration, sun exposure or pigmentation irregularities.
Dark circles can also be part of the natural aging process. Since you lose fat and collagen when you age, your skin becomes thinner, which can make the reddish-blue blood vessels under your eyes more visible.
Typically, the causes of dark under eye circles fall into two categories- inherited and lifestyle related. Factors such as pigmentation discolouration, allergies and having deeply set eyes are genetic, while factors like sleep deprivation, sun exposure and dehydration are lifestyle-related.
How to Prevent Dark Circles Under Your Eyes [3 Tips]
1. Get a Good Night’s Rest
This one may seem obvious, but if your dark eye circles are due to fatigue, it’s important to get quality sleep every single night. Make sure you’re getting seven to nine hours of sleep each night to ensure you look and feel refreshed in the morning. Here are some tips for getting a good night’s rest:
- Don’t drink caffeine late in the day
- Reduce blue light (from screens) in the evening
- Go to bed and wake up at consistent times
- Relax – try meditation or yoga before bed
- Exercise regularly during the day
- Don’t drink liquids (especially alcohol) before bed
- Take a magnesium supplement
2. Reduce Sun Exposure
Since sun exposure can lead to dark under eye circles, it’s best to reduce your exposure as much as possible. If you are going to be out in the sun, make sure to wear sunscreen and a hat, or put up a beach umbrella if you’re laying out on a beach.
3. Stay Hydrated
When your body is dehydrated, it tries to retain as much water as possible, resulting in puffiness and under eye bags. Make sure to drink the recommended amount of water each day to keep your skin looking fresh, and keep dark circles at bay.
How to Get Rid of Dark Circles Under Your Eyes [5 Tips]
1. Sleep with Your Head Elevated
Along with getting quality sleep each night, if you have dark circles under your eyes, it also helps to sleep with your head elevated. Sleep with a few pillows under your head to prevent fluid from pooling under your eyes, which can make them look puffy and swollen, accentuating the dark circles.
2. Use Sweet Almond Oil
Sweet almond oil is rich in vitamins E and K, which both brighten your under eye area. The wonder oil also has anti-inflammatory properties, and improves circulation, making your eyes look bright and refreshed. Gently pat a drop of sweet almond oil under your eye every night until you notice the results.
3. Soak Your Eyes with Tea Bags
Applying cold tea bags to your eyes is one of the oldest tricks in the book- and it works! The caffeine and antioxidants in tea help stimulate blood circulation, shrinking your blood vessels and reducing liquid retention beneath your skin. Soak two black or green tea bags in hot water for 5 minutes. Chill them in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes (or until cold), then apply them to your closed eyes for 10 to 20 minutes. Rinse your eyes with cool water after you remove them.
4. Use an Eye Cream
Eye creams are great for a number of reasons. From moisturizing the skin around your eyes to reducing fine lines and wrinkles, an eye cream should be part of your daily skincare routine. If you’re experiencing dark under eye circles, look for an eye cream formulated with caffeine, vitamin E, aloe, and/or retinol. These ingredients will help your dark circles. Check out some great products below:
1. 100% Pure Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream
2. RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream
3. Besito Anti-Aging Eye Cream
5. Try Potatoes
It may sound weird, but potatoes are one of the most effective ways to reduce dark circles under your eyes. They contain vitamin A and C, which brighten and hydrate, as well as starch and other enzymes that help banish dark circles. Make potato juice by grating half a potato and straining the juice, and combine it with a teaspoon of honey (for easy application), leaving it on for 30 minutes. Wipe the mixture away with a damp cloth when you’re done.
Dealing with dark circles can be tricky, but they’re not the end of the world! We hope this post helped you figure out some great ways to prevent and banish under eye circles once and for all!
