Dark Circles Under Your Eyes: Tips on How to Improve Them

Man working late at night

How to Get Rid of Dark Circles Under Eyes

If your family is anything like mine, the conversation during the holidays eventually will steer into the new ways each of us is trying to live a healthier lifestyle. And the last thing you want to hear from your loved ones is, “Are you getting enough sleep? It looks like you are starting to get dark circles under your eyes…”

Rather than spend your time Googling the endless possibilities of eye creams and remedies available at your pharmacy we’ve put together some quick information for you to better understand what’s causing your dark circles.

What Causes Dark Circles Under the Eyes?

The skin under your eyes is thinner than the other skin on your face, and so you need to take extra care of it.

Sleep deprivation is one of the most common causes of dark circles under the eyes. But as much as I would love to say getting enough sleep will make them go away, there is also often a genetic component to those dark circles.

Other things that can contribute to dark circles are stress, fatigue, seasonal allergies, sun exposure, rubbing of the eyes, hormone changes, and cigarette smoking.

Don’t lose hope though…Here are some tips that can minimize the appearance of your dark circles!

10 Tips to Help Improve Dark Circles

1. Get a Good Amount of Sleep!

I know…easier said than done. While all of us have had nights where we stayed up later than we should have watching Netflix, catching up on work emails, and/or looking on Instagram, constant sleep deprivation puts your body under a lot of stress. Our body heals itself when we sleep; so if we don’t sleep enough, we don’t give our bodies enough time to heal. The skin is one of the first organs to show sleep deprivation. And you guessed it…it can lead to dark circles under the eyes. So try to get restful and plentiful sleep each night!

If allergies are a problem for you, you might want to look for a hypoallergenic pillowcase that keeps out dust and dust mites.

2. Drink Lots of Water!

If your body is dehydrated, it will try to retain as much water as it can. And under the eyes is a great place to retain water, leading to under-eye bags and puffiness.

Alcohol is a big reason for dehydration because it causes the body to lose fluids and electrolytes. So drink alcohol in moderation, and rehydrate yourself after a night out.

3. Avoid Super Salty Foods

As you may know, salty foods can cause bloating. Well….you can have bloating under your eyes also, leading to puffiness and bags. Try to cut back on salt, and as I said in tip #2, drink plenty of water!

4. Eat a Healthy Diet

Vitamin deficiencies can lead to dark circles. Try to eat a balanced diet that is full of antioxidants and vitamins. Antioxidant containing foods can help combat the aging process of our skin, including the skin under our eyes.

5. Start a Retinoid Cream

Retinoid creams (also known as Retin-A) help to build collagen under the skin. It prevents the skin from becoming thin and makes the dark circles less prominent. It also helps prevent and reverse fine lines under the eyes. See your dermatologist to discuss a Retinoid Cream regimen!

Read More: Simple Skincare for Your 20s & 30s

6. Wear Sunscreen!

As I have mentioned in most of my other blogs, please wear sunscreen all year round! Sunscreen will help lighten the dark circles under your eyes and prevent any sun damage in the area.

Read More: Why is Sunscreen So Important

7. Invest in a Good Eye Cream

I recommend looking for an eye cream that contains antioxidants such as Vitamin E and/or C to protect your under-eyes from environmental pollutants. I also recommend getting one that has caffeine in it to reduce any puffiness or bags under your eyes. A good eye cream goes a long way in helping you look refreshed!

8. Consider an Antihistamine

If allergies are causing your dark circles, an antihistamine can help. Taking an antihistamine such as Zyrtec at night can prevent morning eye puffiness.

9. Buy Tea Bags and Cucumbers

Growing up, my grandmother always told me to put tea bags and cucumbers on my eyes. Turns out that she was right!

Caffeinated tea bags can reduce eye puffiness right away. First, soak the tea bags in warm water, and then put them in the refrigerator for a few minutes. Once they are chill, place one tea bag on each eyelid for about five minutes. Your under-eye skin will look brighter almost immediately.

Cucumbers slices, potato slices, and cooling gels left on the eyelids for about fifteen minutes will also give your under-eye skin an immediate smoother appearance.

10. Don’t Smoke Cigarettes — Please!

Cigarette smoking is known to worsen dark circles under the eyes and damage your skin and overall health.

It is important to remember that you are not the only one who dislikes the dark circles under their eyes. Seeking medical advice from a board-certified dermatologist is always a good bet to understand the cause and best treatment options for your dark circles.

Skilled Treatment from a Board-Certified Dermatologist

At NorCal Dermatology Group in Berkeley, we believe in the importance of simplicity in any skincare treatment or regimen. Our experience in skincare allowed us to custom tailor solutions for patients to help them maintain healthier, simpler skin.

At NorCal Dermatology Group, we provide:

  • Cutting-edge skincare treatments.
  • Weekend appointments.
  • Short wait times.
  • Personalized care and attention.
  • A wide range of accepted health plans.

To book an appointment or to learn more about NorCal Dermatology Group, call 510-646-8065 today!

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