The Secrets Behind Dark Undereye Circles: Causes, Impacts, and Solutions

Written by: Brilliant Staff

Fact checked by: Heather Snead, Licensed Esthetician

The Secrets Behind Dark Undereye Circles: Causes, Impacts, and Solutions

Causes of Dark Circles

Dark circles under the eyes appear due to various factors. These include genetics, age, and lifestyle habits.

Impacts of Dark Circles

Dark circles are often harmless but can impact self-esteem and produce unhappiness regarding appearance.

Home Remedies

Luckily, there are numerous natural remedies that can help minimize undereye circles. Regular application of the following has the potential to visibly reduce swelling and darker hues.

  • Cold Compresses: Apply for five to 10 minutes each session, once or twice daily. Avoid pressing too hard to prevent damaging surrounding tissues.
  • Tea Bags: Both green and black teas can be beneficial due to their caffeine content. Soak a tea bag in hot water, let it cool, and place it over each eye for about 10 minutes. Do this once daily.
  • Cucumber Slices: Place chilled slices over your eyes for 10 minutes daily. The natural antioxidants and flavonoids can reduce puffiness and lighten skin.

Being consistent with these remedies can show results within a few weeks. Remember that results may vary based on factors such as skin type and severity of dark circles.

Eye Cream Ingredients

Eye creams often contain ingredients like vitamin C, retinol, hyaluronic acid, peptides, and caffeine.

Optimal percentages in eye creams can be:

  • Vitamin C: 10-20%
  • Retinol: 0.5%-1%

Avoid using products with alcohol, parabens, perfumes, or sulfates, which can be irritating, especially if combined with strong actives like retinol.

Eye creams should be applied in small, pea-sized amounts using your ring finger to avoid applying excessive pressure. Apply once or twice daily, ideally before bed and in the morning. Regular use for a few weeks should yield results.

Consult a medical professional or dermatologist before deciding on a course of action. They can provide guidance based on your individual needs and ensure your safety.

Results vary by individual, and patience is vital when addressing undereye circles.

Citations

  1. Cleveland Clinic. Cleveland Clinic, 25 May 2022, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/23128-dark-circles-under-eyes. Accessed 28 December 2023.
  2. Cleveland Clinic. Cleveland Clinic, 25 May 2022, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/23128-dark-circles-under-eyes. Accessed 28 December 2023.
  3. Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic, 2023, https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/dark-circles-under-eyes/in-depth/sym-20050624?p=1. Accessed 28 December 2023.
  4. Michels, Alexander. Linus Pauling Institute, 2011, https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/health-disease/skin-health/vitamin-C. Accessed 28 December 2023.
  5. Mukherjee, Pulok K et al. Fitoterapia vol. 84 (2013): 227-36. doi:10.1016/j.fitote.2012.10.003
  6. Mukherjee, Siddharth et al. Clinical interventions in agingvol. 1,4 (2006): 327-48. doi:10.2147/ciia.2006.1.4.327