How to get rid of dark circles depends on what causes them, and the cause differs from person to person. According to Cleveland Clinic, dark circles under the eyes can come from aging, genetics, allergies or lack of sleep, and they usually are not a sign of a medical problem. The good news is that there is a lot you can do at home to soften them, from getting enough sleep to cold compresses.
This article covers the causes of dark circles and eye bags, steps you can try yourself, treatment options at a clinic, and a real analysis from Kira.
What causes dark circles?
One of the most common causes is aging. With age, the skin below the eyes loosens and thins, so the blood vessels underneath become more visible. Hollows called tear troughs can also form and cast shadows.
Cleveland Clinic lists other causes too:
- Genetics. Dark circles can run in families.
- Dermatitis. Eczema and contact dermatitis can make the blood vessels under the eyes dilate and show through the skin.
- Rubbing your eyes. Rubbing and scratching can make the under-eye area swell.
- Lack of sleep. Poor sleep makes the skin under the eyes look pale, so blood vessels show more easily.
- Hyperpigmentation. Too much sun exposure makes the body produce more melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color.
On medium and tan skin, dark circles often look brownish because of pigment, not just bluish because of blood vessels. That is why sunscreen still matters, including around the eyes. See how to apply sunscreen correctly.
How to reduce dark circles at home
- Sleep at least 7 hours a night. Cleveland Clinic recommends this to prevent shadows around the eyes.
- Raise your head with an extra pillow. It keeps fluid from collecting under the eyes overnight, so they look less puffy in the morning.
- Use a cold compress. Cold spoons help shrink dilated blood vessels. Cold tea bags work too, since tea contains caffeine and antioxidants.
- Try cucumber slices. Cucumbers are full of water and vitamin C, which helps with puffiness.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes, especially when allergies flare up.
- Cover with concealer and a foundation that blends with your skin. Not sure which base to use? Read cushion vs foundation.
Dark circle treatments from a doctor
For faster or longer-lasting results, talk to a doctor. According to Cleveland Clinic, options include:
- Topical creams such as vitamin C, or lightening agents such as prescription hydroquinone.
- Chemical peels with alpha-hydroxy acids to reduce pigmentation.
- Laser therapy to resurface and tighten the skin.
- Hyaluronic acid fillers to smooth out under-eye hollows.
- Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) to remove excess fat and skin.
See a doctor if a dark circle or swelling appears under just one eye. Cleveland Clinic notes it can point to an underlying condition that needs care.
A real dark circle analysis from Kira
Here is Kira’s real answer to the question “how about my eye bags and dark circles?”. Kira reads the under-eye area from a selfie, then builds a routine with ingredients to look for and avoid.
Dark circles or dark spots?
Darkness that spreads across the cheeks or forehead is usually not dark circles but dark spots or hyperpigmentation. The approach is different, so also read how to fade dark spots.
Ask Kira about your dark circles
Send Kira a selfie in natural light on WhatsApp. Kira reads the under-eye area, suggests the likely cause, and builds a morning and night routine with ingredients to look for and avoid. See the eye bag example.
Frequently asked questions
What causes dark circles under the eyes?
The most common cause is aging, as the skin under the eyes thins and blood vessels become more visible. Other causes include genetics, lack of sleep, allergies or dermatitis, rubbing your eyes, and sun exposure that increases melanin. Dark circles are usually not a sign of a medical problem.
How can I get rid of dark circles naturally?
Sleep at least seven hours, raise your head with an extra pillow, and cool the under-eye area with chilled spoons or cold tea bags. Cucumber slices help with puffiness. Avoid rubbing your eyes and wear sunscreen daily so pigment does not get darker.
Can dark circles go away permanently?
It depends on the cause. Dark circles from lack of sleep usually improve with enough rest. Those caused by genetics, aging or under-eye hollows are harder, and treatments such as chemical peels, laser or fillers can help. A doctor can tell you which option suits you.
When should I see a doctor about dark circles?
See a doctor if a dark circle or swelling appears under only one eye, does not improve with enough sleep, or the swelling is excessive. According to Cleveland Clinic, these signs can point to another health condition that needs proper treatment.
Sources
Facts in this article refer to the sources below.
- Skincare
- Mata panda
- Kantung mata
- Kulit wajah
