What causes dark circles under the eyes?
The skin around the eye contour is very delicate and thin. It contains fewer skin lipids and collagen than other parts of the face and is therefore more prone to getting damaged because of factors such as UV, pollution, stress and smoke. When we leave our skin open to damages like this, signs of skin aging can start to appear.
”A common sign of skin aging is the appearance of dark circles. It happens to many people, regardless of age and gender. Dark circles can have several causes, for example ageing, genetics, allergy, hormonal changes, lack of sleep and stress. It shows differently depending on skin tone and structure. However, the most predominant factors are linked to blood vessel fragility, poor blood microcirculation, accumulation of melanin in the skin, and glycation”, Zeynep Gudum explains.
Can you get rid of dark circles for good?
”Although genetics plays a significant role in having dark circles under the eyes, and some people have naturally darker eye contours, they can be intensified by internal and external factors like ageing, sun exposure and lifestyle. Considering all these factors, they can become more visible over time, making them even more difficult to attenuate. But, the good news is that the visibility of dark circles can be reduced if you make some changes to your lifestyle – and get your hands on high quality skin care products.”
What are the best ways to target dark circles?
A great way to start is to set a new routine, both when it comes to your lifestyle but also your skin care. Zeynep Gudum suggests the following:
1. Prioritise your sleep and make sure you get enough of it! Fatigue and lack of sleep can make our skin tone look pale, making dark circles more noticeable.
2. Avoid excessive sun exposure to prevent hyperpigmentation in the under-eye area.
3. Hydration is very important in order to minimise dark circles. When your skin is dehydrated, the skin beneath your eyes begins to look dull. Staying hydrated and using moisturisers daily can help you decrease the bluish appearance under the eye.
4. Using eye products specifically designed to lighten dark circles is recommended. Choosing products that aim to enhance eye contour microcirculation, and that help to combat excessive pigmentation, will diminish the appearance of dark circles over time.
What ingredients should you look for in an eye cream for dark circles?
• Caffeine
The first ingredient that comes to mind when talking about reducing the look of dark circles is caffeine, which is often used in skin care products. Caffeine helps to stimulate blood circulation underneath the eye. It makes the skin around the eye appear fresh and revitalised. Caffeine also has antioxidant properties that may help protect the skin against free radical damage.
• Antioxidants (Vitamin C and polyphenols)
Using products with skin-lightening ingredients like arbutin, Vitamin C, and polyphenols can help limit melanin over-production in the skin and reduce hyperpigmentation. Also, pairing these ingredients with other well-known antioxidants like Vitamin E and K can improve skin discolouration by preventing oxidative stress caused by environmental factors.
• Peptides
Some peptides can also help to improve dark circles. As you age, the rate of collagen your skin produces slows down, and some peptides have been shown to boost collagen levels in the skin. Peptide-containing eye creams can offer an alternative to help combat the appearance of dark circles, by keeping the skin texture firm and smooth.
• Blurring powder
Eye creams containing blurring powders can work amazingly to help blur the visibility of dark circles and give a youthful appearance.
What are the best products for dark circles?
We recommend the NovAge Ultimate Lift Contour Define Eye Cream. This is a replenishing eye cream that helps boost the skin’s natural production of collagen and elastin. Created with hydrating Hyaluronic Acid and stimulating caffeine that reduces the appearance of puffiness and dark circles.
Secondly, we would like to highlight the Optimals Hydra Radiance Eye Cream. A hydrating eye cream that helps reduce the look of dark circles by using antioxidants from Swedish Plant Extracts, including polyphenols and phenolic compounds from the arctic roseroot.
