Overview
While dark circles under the eyes are primarily thought of as a symptom of fatigue—and they do have the effect of making a person look tired, ill or older—they are most often genetic in origin, as “The New York Times” reports. It cites excess pigmentation as the most common cause. The “Boston Globe” adds that naturally deep tear troughs or blood vessels near the skin’s surface are other hereditary factors involved. However, there are ways to minimize and even get rid of these genetic dark circles.
Step 1
Improve your health. Prevent aggravation of dark circles from lifestyle or environmental contributors. Get seven to eight hours of sleep each night, refrain from smoking, sleep with your head elevated to prevent blood from pooling beneath the eyes, protect the skin around your eyes with sunglasses and sunblock, and use nasal decongestants when needed to prevent dilation of the blood vessels above the nose.
Step 2
Apply concealer. Use an over-the-counter cosmetic concealer or camouflaging cream designed specifically for dark circles beneath the eyes. The Mayo Clinic specifies the use of creams containing vitamins C, E and K as well as retinol. Dr. John A. Persing, Yale University School of Medicine’s chief plastic surgeon, concurs with the benefits of vitamins C and K, and suggests creams with a skin-plumping agent as well. The Mayo Clinic cautions that scented products and those made with salicylic or glycolic acid can cause irritation and are best avoided around the eyes.
Step 3
Choose the right color concealer or camouflaging product. Dermatologist Sandy Tsao, of Massachusetts General Hospital, points out that green-tinted concealers work best on redder dark circles, while yellow products are generally best for dark complexions. Cosmetics with a peach hue are optimal for dark circles that are more blue, advises the Mayo Clinic.
Step 4
Dab on bleaching cream. Use this on dark circles once or twice a day. Plastic surgeon Dr. Frank Meronk recommends products made with hydroquinone, though he cautions they may cause skin irritation. Results can take several months, so be patient and diligent with applications. These products are available over the counter with lower hydroquinone concentrations, and stronger creams are available by prescription.
Step 5
Talk to your dermatologist or plastic surgeon about which cosmetic procedures are right for you and the particular reasons for your dark under-eye circles. There are a variety of options available today. Laser skin resurfacing and chemical peels treat dark circles resulting from genetic excess pigmentation. A lower eyelid blepharoplasty sculpts fat on the lower eyelid to get rid of some dark circles. Face-lifts and injectable fillers (including synthetic compounds and fat taken by liposuction) can eliminate dark circles caused by deep hollows beneath the eyes.
