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Dark circles under your eyes can make you look tired or unwell. You might feel less confident, especially when they're visibly noticeable. These under-eye bags can be signs of an unhealthy lifestyle, ranging from poor nutrition and dehydration to sleep deprivation and frequent allergies. Fortunately, there are many ways to reduce dark circles using natural remedies, makeup, eye creams, and skin treatment techniques.
Steps
Using Makeup Techniques
Choose the Right Concealer. Look for a concealer that is one or two shades lighter than your skin tone. Most cosmetic brands offer concealers specifically designed to hide dark circles. Opt for a product that provides enough moisture and won't settle into fine lines around your eyes.
Choose the right color. Dark circles typically have a bluish or purple hue, so you should balance them with a yellow tone to neutralize the color.
Apply concealer under the eyes. Focus on the dark circle area, which usually forms a half-circle shape extending from the inner corner of the eye to the cheekbone. Gently use your fingertip or a soft brush to apply the concealer, then blend with your finger or a damp sponge.
- The best method for concealing dark areas is to create small inverted triangles starting at the temples and extending to the inner corners of the eyes. Blend the triangles into the skin for a natural finish.
Set the concealer with translucent powder. Translucent setting powder helps lock the concealer in place, along with foundation and other makeup layers. Use a triangular makeup sponge to pick up the powder and gently apply it under the eyes, blending it evenly.
Use a dark eyeliner. A bold eyeliner can distract from dark circles by making your eyes look brighter and more defined. Apply a brown eyeliner to the upper and lower lash lines, and then add a bit of dark green eyeliner to the outer third of your upper eyelid.
Apply waterproof mascara. Use waterproof mascara to ensure that it doesn’t smudge under your eyes, which would only make dark circles more noticeable. Apply two layers of dark mascara to your upper lashes for a fuller, more defined look.
Use a contour pencil. A contour pencil adds radiance to your skin, giving you a fresh, vibrant look. It can also help conceal dark circles under the eyes. Gently apply the contour pencil to your skin and blend with your fingertips to integrate it into your makeup.
Try natural remedies
Apply a cold compress. The cold temperature helps constrict the blood vessels under your eyes, which can reduce puffiness and dark circles. You can use a washcloth soaked in ice water or a spoon kept in the freezer. Lie down, close your eyes, and place the cold item on your eyes for about 15 minutes. Repeat 3-4 times a day to reduce dark circles.
Try cucumber slices. Cucumbers have healing properties, including skin-repairing benefits. Chill a cucumber in the fridge until it’s cold, then slice it into pieces about 1 cm thick. Lie down, tilt your head back, and place a slice of cucumber on each eye. Leave them on for 10-15 minutes.
- Alternatively, you can use cucumber juice. Soak cotton pads in cucumber juice and place them on your eyes.
Apply mint leaves. Crush mint leaves into a paste and add juice from half a lemon. Apply this mixture to the skin under your eyes. Leave it on for 15 minutes, then rinse with cold water. Repeat twice daily for best results.
Use green tea bags. Green tea is rich in antioxidants, which can help compensate for the lack of antioxidants in the body that contribute to dark circles. Soak two tea bags in hot water for 5 minutes. Remove the tea bags and place them in the freezer. Once they’re cold, lie down and place the tea bags over your eyes. Leave them on for 15 minutes. Rinse with cold water and gently pat dry.
Use a nasal rinse bottle. A nasal rinse bottle is a small device similar to a teapot, used for washing the sinuses with saline solution. Add distilled water and either table salt or sea salt (avoid iodized salt) to the bottle. Use ½ to 1 teaspoon of salt for every 480 ml of water. Tilt your head to one side and pour the water into one nostril, allowing it to flow out the other nostril.
- Follow the instructions provided on the packaging.
Try natural remedies. There are several remedies and formulas that utilize natural ingredients. You can search online for treatments to reduce dark circles. Some ingredients include:
- Chamomile flowers
- Almond oil
- Gotu kola
- Rose water
- Avocado
Massage the area gently. A light, circular massage moving upward can help eliminate fluid buildup in the tear ducts, a major cause of dark circles. This simple technique can reduce both the darkness and puffiness under the eyes.
Make lifestyle changes
Get enough sleep. One of the main causes of dark circles is sleep deprivation. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night to reduce dark circles and improve overall health.
- Try sleeping in different positions. Sleeping on your side or stomach can cause fluid to accumulate under your eyes, contributing to dark circles. Try sleeping on your back instead. If you tend to roll over while sleeping, try using a pillow to help maintain that position.
- Consider adding an extra pillow to raise your head while sleeping to prevent fluid buildup under your eyes.
Monitor your allergies. Seasonal allergies (e.g., pollen), dust, pet dander, and other irritants can cause swelling and darkening under the eyes. Take antihistamines to control allergic reactions, or limit exposure to potential allergens.
- Dark circles are often a symptom of food allergies or sensitivities. Common allergens include wheat, soy, egg whites, peanuts, sugar, and other foods. Eliminate any suspected allergens from your diet to see if your condition improves.
Eat nutrient-rich and vitamin-packed foods. A common cause of dark circles is a deficiency in essential vitamins, such as calcium, iron, vitamins A, E, B12, and antioxidants. Include more leafy greens and foods rich in these vitamins in your diet. Also, reduce your salt intake.
Avoid alcoholic beverages. Alcohol causes skin to become dry and thin, making dark circles more noticeable. Reducing your alcohol intake can help improve eye puffiness and dark circles.
Avoid smoking. Smoking weakens the collagen structure, causing the skin to age and thin prematurely, which in turn accentuates dark circles under the eyes. It's best to avoid smoking and places with second-hand smoke.
Apply sunscreen. Sunscreen can help prevent the development of new dark circles and stop existing ones from becoming darker. Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before heading outdoors and reapply every two hours while outside.
- Consider wearing sunglasses when outdoors to prevent squinting and further protect your eyes.
Use skincare creams.
Apply retinol to your skin. Retinol promotes collagen production, firming the skin under the eyes and helping to fade dark circles. Retinol creams are available at pharmacies starting around 200,000 VND, with premium options costing over 1 million VND. Apply the cream daily in the morning and evening. Dab the cream on the upper and lower eye areas, then gently massage it into the skin.
- Retinol is not an instant solution. Experts suggest it may take up to 12 weeks for noticeable results.
Consult a dermatologist about prescription creams. Prescription creams containing vitamin A and retinoic acid can temporarily reduce blood circulation and thicken the skin under the eyes, helping to lighten dark circles.
Use brightening creams. Look for creams with brightening ingredients like soy or citrus fruits. With regular use, these lotions can lighten dark circles and also treat brown spots on the skin.
- Avoid creams with hydroquinone as it is too strong for the sensitive skin around the eyes.
- Brightening creams require time to show results, usually taking up to 6 weeks.
Try skin treatment techniques.
Consider laser therapy. Laser therapy targets the fat layer beneath the eyes, breaking it down and smoothing the skin. The dark color on the skin is also reduced. Typically, this treatment is performed by a dermatologist.
Try gentle chemical peels. Chemical peels are typically carried out by a dermatologist, where chemicals are applied to the skin for treatment. The peel removes the outermost layer of skin, revealing a healthier layer beneath. Light glycolic or AHA chemical peels are recommended since the skin under the eyes is delicate and sensitive.
Consult a doctor about Intense Pulse Light (IPL) therapy. This therapy uses high-energy light pulses to treat the skin under the eyes, breaking down accumulated fat and smoothing the skin.
- Although effective, this therapy is costly and time-consuming. You may need to schedule multiple treatments to achieve the desired results.
Inquire about surgical options. Surgery is the last resort and certainly not a quick fix. Performed by a surgeon, this procedure removes the fat beneath the eyes, resulting in smoother skin and lighter skin tone.
- Swelling and bruising may occur after surgery and can last for up to a week.
Advice
- Age and genetics are the primary culprits behind dark circles under the eyes. If you've tried several methods without success, it may be difficult to completely eliminate them. However, you can still try to minimize puffiness and darkening around your eyes.
Warning
- The skin directly under the eyes is highly sensitive. Be sure to test any eye products on the skin of your wrist before applying them to the delicate eye area.
