We’ve all had those moments when we looked in the mirror and felt like someone punched us right below the peepers.
Especially with those pesky dark circles that can make you look like you haven’t slept in a week, even when you’ve slept like a baby.
So what are they really? What are these dark circles, and why do they appear on our faces?
These are some of the questions we will answer in this article.
Dark circles, also known as periorbital hyperpigmentation, are darkened areas under your eyes. They can be blueish, purple, brownish, or even black, like a bruise that just won’t budge.
While dark circles might make you look funny, they’re usually quite harmless. But, of course, nobody wants to walk around looking perpetually tired, right?
So, now that we know what dark circles are, let’s find out what causes them.
Why do you have Dark Circles
Lack of sleep
Having a good sleep routine is vital for everything, including keeping your face bright. When you’re sleep-deprived, the blood vessels under your eyes can dilate, showing through the thin skin and creating a darkening effect.
You might have an allergy
Allergies can make the eyes puffy and irritated, which can cause you to rub your eyes continuously. All that rubbing can lead to pigmentation and eventually dark circles, so you may want to take note of that if you have an allergy.
Sun Exposure
Continuous exposure to the sun can be a major bummer for your under-eye area. And just like it tans the rest of your skin, the sun can also increase melanin production in your under-eye area, which can cause those dark shadows to form. This is why you need sunscreen.
Genetics
Yes, I know this may not be a common cause, but it’s also a factor to consider. With genetics, you lose some, and you win some.
Some people are just genetically predisposed to having dark circles. It might run in their families, and there’s not much you can do about it—although that doesn’t mean you can’t try to minimize them!
Age
Let’s face it! Aging comes with a lot of body changes, and we may not like most of them. As we age, the skin under our eyes naturally gets thinner. This means those blood vessels we discussed earlier become more visible, creating a darkened appearance.
It’s even worse when you have tear troughs, I mean those little hollows that form under your eyes. These can worsen the appearance of dark circles by casting shadows.
You don’t drink enough water
The importance of staying hydrated cannot be overemphasized. Not only does it keep your skin looking radiant, it also helps with your overall metabolism.
When you’re dehydrated, the skin under your eyes can look dull and sunken, making dark circles more noticeable.
Also, in some rare cases, dark circles can indicate an underlying medical condition, like iron deficiency anemia or thyroid problems.
So if you’ve ruled out every other cause on this list, and you still can’t get rid of the dark circles, it’s best to see a doctor.
Getting Rid of Dark Circles
Now that we’ve cracked the case of what’s causing dark circles let’s focus on how to get rid of those pesky shadows.
But before we delve into that, let me say there are two ways to eliminate dark circles. You can either conceal them temporarily with makeup or find a permanent solution (well, maybe not so permanent) with skincare or homemade remedies.
So we will look into both methods in the remaining parts of this article.
Let’s dive in!
How to Conceal Dark Circles (With Makeup)
Priming is essential
Primers are like magic shields for your under eyes, so it’s important to apply a small amount even before your concealer.
This creates a smooth canvas and helps your concealer stay put all day, thereby preventing it from creasing and settling into fine lines, which can make your dark circles look worse.
Try Color Correction
Dark circles are not the same. In fact, they vary significantly, as do the methods used to conceal them.
For bluish or purplish circles, a peach or orange color corrector is your best pick, as these colors counter the cool tones of the circles, neutralizing them and creating a more even base for concealer.
To conceal, apply a tiny amount of color corrector in a “V” shape under your eye, starting from the inner corner and going out towards your temple. Next, blend it out with a damp makeup sponge or a small brush to avoid streaks of orange.
For brownish circles, a yellow or salmon corrector can help. Apply it in the same way as the peach or orange corrector and blend it out properly.
Go in with a Concealer
The next thing you want to do is to use your concealer. But here’s where things get tricky.
You want a concealer one shade lighter than your foundation, but not so light that it looks chalky. It’s best you use a creamy formula, as it blends more easily and won’t look cakey under your eyes.
Apply the concealer by placing a few dots under your eye, focusing on the darkest areas. Don’t rub; instead, pat the concealer gently with your fingertip or a damp makeup sponge to blend it out.
Here’s a pro tip: if you want your concealer to be perfect, apply it in a triangular shape under your eye, with the pointed end towards your cheekbone. This will help to brighten the whole area and lift the appearance of your eyes.
Also, try not to go overboard with the concealer – a little product will go a long way. The aim here is to conceal the dark circles under your eyes, and not create a new layer there.
Set the area
You need to set it with a powder to prevent your concealer from creasing throughout the day. But here’s the thing: you don’t want to pile on a ton of powder because that can make your under-eyes look dry and cakey.
So, all you need is a translucent powder and a fluffy brush to lightly dust a very thin layer under your eyes. You might also want to apply a highlighting concealer for an extra boost of brightness.
To do this, choose a highlighting concealer that’s a shade or two lighter than your regular concealer and apply it to the inner corners of your eyes and just below your brow bone. This will help to reflect light and make your eyes look even more awake.
How to Get Rid of Dark Circles Naturally
Alright, so we talked about how to conceal dark circles with makeup, now let’s explore how you can get rid of them naturally. So here are a few tricks to brighten up your peepers;
Sleep Well
This one’s a no-brainer! Every night, aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep. When you’re well-rested, the blood vessels under your eyes are relaxed, making the area look brighter. It’s just like hitting the reset button for your whole face.
Stay hydrated
Dehydration can worsen your under-eye circles, so drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin plump and hydrated. You can also try cold compress.
Puffiness under your eyes can worsen the appearance of dark circles, so you may want to try a cold compress once in a while.
It’s simple. Dip a washcloth in cold water or get a bag of frozen peas and wrap it in a thin towel. Place either of these on your eyes for 10-15 minutes.
The coolness will help constrict blood vessels and reduce puffiness, making your eyes look refreshed.
Skincare to the rescue
Skincare can be a very efficient remedy for dark circles but you need the right products. For instance, you may need an eye cream that contains ingredients like vitamin C, which can help brighten the skin, or hyaluronic acid, which plumps and hydrates the delicate under-eye area.
However, the major thing here is consistency. You won’t see results overnight, so be patient and use your chosen product regularly.
Try Cucumbers
Cucumbers can do great magic if you know how to use them. Now, this is a classic trick for a reason! Chilled cucumber slices are naturally hydrating and have a mild astringent effect, meaning they can reduce puffiness and brighten the under-eye area.
So occasionally, place a slice of chilled cucumbers over each of your eyes for 10-15 minutes to reduce puffiness and add a touch of coolness.
Conclusion
Like I mentioned earlier on in this article, dark circles are not harmful. All you need is a little work and some natural TLC, to help prevent any funny appearance on your skin and get your eyes looking bright and beautiful again.
While your dark circles would disappear overnight, consistently will give you the result you want. So keep trying until the dark circles are gone.
And remember to stay beautiful!
