How to Get Rid of Dark Under Eye Circles

Eleven Treatments for Under Eye Circles

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Are people always telling you that you look tired? Dark under eye circles may be to blame. Here are some ways to brighten your eyes so that you look more refreshed and able to take on the day.

Getting Rid of Eye Bags

Go the natural route and try placing cucumber slices on top of your eyes. The coldness of the cucumbers can make your blood vessels constrict and thus, temporarily reduce swelling under the eyes.

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Wear Sunscreen

The skin under your eyes is very thin — so much so that it is prone to hyperpigmentation. Use a sunscreen that comes in a stick rather than a lotion to minimize the risk of getting it in your eyes.

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Get Your Beauty Rest

Getting an adequate amount of sleep can reduce the fullness of bags under the eyes. Try sleeping on two pillows as the additional elevation of your head can help ward off fluid buildup under the eyes.

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Use a Retinoid

Retinoid, a vitamin A derivative, can help fade dark pigments and increase the production of collagen. This aids in making the skin less transparent to help mask the dark circles under your eyes. Be sure to use a Retinoid cream that is specially formulated to be used on the area around your eyes.

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Cool Waters

When washing your face, do not use hot water, which can accentuate dark under eye circles and makes puffiness even worse. Choose tepid water instead.

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Eye Mask

For a spa experience that benefits your eyes, try a cooling mask. Gel masks can be cooled in the refrigerator and worn on the eyes for about 15 minutes. Under eye swelling will be eased, at least temporarily.

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Eye Creams

Not all eye creams live up to their hype, but it certainly does not hurt to try. Some creams contain a bleaching ingredient — two percent hydroquinone — which can help eliminate the appearance of dark under eye circles.

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Take an Antihistamine

When you have allergies, your immune system sends out histamines, which can cause swelling and broken capillaries under the eyes. Also, the itchiness caused by allergies may make you want to rub your eyes, making the problem even worse. Take an antihistamine to control your allergy symptoms, and you may see a benefit for your eyes.

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Use a Creamy Concealer

Good makeup can fix just about any problem area on the face. A creamy, solid concealer can eliminate the look of dark under eye circles and make you look instantly refreshed and bright eyes.

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Laser Therapy

Laser therapy targets the dark circles under your eyes by sending a burst of light onto the skin. The darkly pigmented skin absorbs the light and starts to lighten in color. Because the laser resurfaces the skin and helps to eliminate wrinkles, the whole area surrounding the eye benefits from treatment.

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Surgery

If all else has failed, you may want to try surgical intervention. Most commonly the surgical route involves removing excess fat and skin and tightening the underlying muscle. This is best for people who have noticeable bags that cast dark shadows under the eyes.

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Nicol Witern