Remedies for Under Eye Dark Circles

January 9, 2020 7:54 pm Published by Admin

Dark under eye circles, sometimes referred to as sunken eyes, presents itself as tired-looking crescent-shape. As we age, we lose the fat around the eye and the skin becomes thinner, thus creating that hollow sunken look with more visible darkness under the eyes. The skin around the eye is thin.

Many people ask me for the best remedies to address dark circles.

Factors that can cause under eye circles vary. It can be a buildup of pigment under the eye, lack of sleep, excessive starring at computer screens, diet, hormones, genetics, or just the normal aging process.

How sleep affects dark circles

Fatigue can lead to fluid retention and swollen blood vessels around the eyes making the under-eye look baggy and dark. Applying a cold compress on the eyes for 15 minutes, and good night’s sleep will usually remedy the puffiness and dark circles.

How diet can help

Eating anti-inflammatory foods such as fruits and vegetables, rich in antioxidants will help fight the free radicals in your body that can damage cells. You should also reduce or eliminate all together processed foods, and replace it with nutrients such as sweet potatoes, broccoli, tomatoes, strawberries, and oranges that can add a healthy glow to skin. Also reduce salt and alcohol intake in order to reduce water retention under the eyes.

Remedies for Dark Circles

At home DIY remedies can be helpful in some cases. For example, by cooling the area with cool cucumber slices or a cold compress on top of closed lids. Cucumber contains lots of water to moisturize the skin and is high in vitamin C for reducing inflammation and promoting healthy skin. The cold compress will help constrict blood vessels and make dark circles less noticeable.

Over-the-counter Creams

Over-the-counter creams can be effective to reduce dark circles. Look for eye creams containing key ingredients:

Caffeine – Stimulates the flow of fluid, reduces water retention, bags, and darkness.
Glycolic acid –Promotes collagen production and gently exfoliates the skin to reduce excessive pigmentation.
Hyaluronic acid – Hydrates the skin to five it a more youthful appearance.
Hydroquinone, arbutin, and licorice extract – Lighten pigment. Use sparingly and don’t get the cream into your eyes.
Retinoic acids – Increases collagen production, increases skin turn-over, and helps exfoliation.

In-Office Treatments

You may also opt for medical office procedures. I use filler to replace the lost volume under the eyes. The procedure takes only 30 minutes and can safely and dramatically improve the hollowness and darkness under the eyes (see picture below). I may use chemical peels and laser therapy to lighten darkness if it is related to excess pigmentation.

Schedule a consultation to learn which treatment options are right for you.