GET RID OF DARK CIRCLES UNDER THE EYES

2022-11-23 - Article Source: Glamour UK.*

Large, saturn-like rings around the eyes are not unusual; some of us are just more prone to dark circles than others. Throw in lifestyle factors such as stress, lack of sleep and increased screen time, and it’s the perfect storm for puffy blue under-eye bags. So what can be done?

If you’re keen to figure out exactly how to get rid of dark circles, you’ll need to start by addressing the underlying cause. Is it lack of sleep or cold hard genetics (more on that later)? And while eye creams can certainly help, they’re too often held up as a fix-all solution when, in reality, their abilities can be somewhat limited where discolouration is concerned.

What causes dark circles?

“Dark circles can be caused by multiple different factors,” explains Dr Maryam Zamani, Oculoplastic Surgeon, Aesthetic Doctor and creator of MZ Skin.

One of the main reasons dark circles show up under our eyes is a loss of volume, which happens naturally as we age and results in more pronounced tear troughs. Another is a genetic disposition to excess pigment. “There is some genetic component to dark circles,” explains Dr Zamani. “Some ethnicities, such as Asian and south east Asians, can have hereditary hyperpigmentation and some individuals have a family history of puffy lower eyelids from fat prolapse,” she explains.

Alongside the cosmetic implications, dark circles can point to conditions regarding our health. They’re one of the first signs that we’re feeling run down or not getting enough of the essentials (sleep, water and nutrients, for example) as we need.

In our digital world, we’re also spending long days staring at a screen – whether laptop, phone or television – and that can exacerbate dark circles. The more screen time we rack up, the more likely we are to strain our eyes, says Dr Zamani. “Eyes tend to blink less when we’re in front of a computer screen,” she explains. “This causes dryness and the blood vessels in the skin to dilate, creating a dark shadow around the eyes.

What is the best way to get rid of dark circles?

1. Focus on getting good quality sleep

Start by working on your sleep routine where you can. This could include establishing an earlier and more regular bedtime and avoiding caffeine in the evenings. Sleeping on your back, with your head slightly elevated, will also help to prevent fluids from settling in your face and keeps the circulation moving freely around your body.

“Sleep and rest allows our body to detoxify and rejuvenate, and this is important for the periorbital area,” Dr Zamani adds. “Dark circles can be more prominent with lack of sleep because the skin has not had time to re-set and the blood vessels in the lower eyelid become more dilated.”

2. Restore moisture to the area

Not only will water flush out toxins like salt (which has been linked to causing eye bags), it also increases blood flow and plumps out dehydrated skin, which can appear more thin and fragile. “Hydrated skin is plump and therefore creates more volume, making dark circles less noticeable,” says Dr Zamani.

3. Invest in a retinol eye cream

We all know retinol for its impressive anti-ageing abilities, but according to clinical facialist Kate Kerr, the gold standard ingredient can also be a godsend when it comes to treating dark circles.

4. Introduce caffeine into your skincare

Caffeine doesn’t just help us to feel more awake, it can help us look more awake, too. When applied to skin, caffeine encourages vasoconstriction (the constricting of the blood vessels under our eyes), which can lead to a reduction in puffiness.