How does one get rid of those pesky dark under eye circles?
Dark circles under our eyes can make us look tired, skeletal, unhealthy, and haggard. They don't have to be a bother. There are procedures & cosmetics to treat them or lessen the problem. Let's go over the causes and treatment options!
Dark Circle Causes & Treatments
• Lack of sleep or too much sleep: You can usually tell which one is your problem. Either increase or decrease your sleep time as needed. Yes, you may already be stressed out and have no time, but if you are regularly not getting enough sleep (or too much), under eye circles will be the least of your problems.
• Iron or other vitamin deficiencies: See your general practitioner for a check-up or consider taking a good quality vitamin and mineral supplement. Individuals with anemia may notice dark shadows under their eyes, but not all anemia is due to not getting enough iron. You may need to get a check-up.
• Smoking: Quit smoking.
• Sickness: Usually, under eye circles and shadows will subside after you get well. Be sure to get plenty of rest and eat a well-balanced diet. If your illness caused you to lose some weight, gaining it back may help alleviate the circles.
• Hyperpigmentation: Dark circles under the eyes are often seen in people with darker skin. The skin under the eyes is healthy, but is a darker shade than the rest of the face. Topical hydroquinone or Kojic Acid is a good option as it can lighten the skin, if that is the problem. Hyperpigmentation can also be alleviated by using various laser treatments or intense pulsed light. Chemical peels may help as well.
• Excessive superficial vascularization under the eye: This can be caused by some medications such as Retin A. When this is the case, superficial vessels can be removed or zapped using various laser treatments or intense pulsed light. This must be done carefully, since you do not want to destroy all the vessels in the eye area.
• Visible blood vessels: This can be due to fat loss or thin or older skin. The facial fat loss we experience with aging can significantly reveal the blood vessels around the eye and give the eye a darker look. Fat grafting works very well for this type of under eye circle.
• Fat loss in general: Fat loss around the eye can cause a sunken or hollow look. The facial fat loss we experience due to aging can make your eyes look sunken and shadowed and also show the highly vascular area of the eye. This can also be remedied with fat grafting or with some injectable fillers.
Concealers and Other Cosmetics
It may end up that the best treatment, and even the only treatment, for circles under your eyes is makeup. Concealers come in liquid, stick, and pancake type creams and can be applied and reapplied throughout the day. Some concealing products use a two-step process that calls for applying a setting powder over the product to help to keep the concealer on all day.
My personal favorites are: Cover Girl Fresh Concealer, & Dior Skinflash Radiance Booster Pen.
