Top 3 Ways to Get Rid of Dark Under Eye Circles

Dark under eye circles are a frequent annoyance.  For some of us they appear after a night of too much fun or stress, and for others they are chronic.  But why?  There are as many causes for dark circles as there are solutions so let me help to navigate the noise. Dermatologists say that dark circles are the result of dilated blood vessels and capillaries that sit close the skin.  When they constrict they retain blood, and this causes the skin to appear blue.  The condition affects our under-eye area because this is where our skin is thinnest and most delicate.  Non-chronic causes of constriction include dehydration, a lack of vitamin K or iron, or fatigue, all of which can be cured by simple lifestyle changes.

However, in a recent New York Times article, Dr. Diane Berson, an assistant professor of dermatology at Cornell University, said the most common causes of dark circles have nothing to do with lifestyle, but are usually a combination of heredity and genetics.  And, since they are a result of excess pigmentation in the skin, they will continue to appear no matter how healthy we are.

So does this mean that if we’re genetically pre-disposed to dark circles, we have to suffer through them for the rest of our lives?  Not at all.  Three different therapies have worked for thousands of people, and choosing the right one for you will depend entirely on your situation.

Juvederm  & Restylane

The best medicinal option to bring your eyes out of the shadows is injections of Juvederm or Restylane.  These two skin-filling agents are widely used by cosmetic doctors to fill in areas around the lips, eyes and cheeks.  Both products contain hyaluronic acid (a naturally occurring substance in our bodies) and when injected under the eye area, they help plump up hollow areas under the eyes.  One round of injections lasts approximately six months.

Skin Creams

The first line of defense against under eye circles is skin creams.  Doctors who lead the research and development teams at Clinique and Oil of Olay advise that if you are going to buy a product, make sure it contains either plumping agents or alphahydroxy acids.  These active ingredients can thicken or inflame the skin, and add volume.  Other ingredients to look for are vitamins C and K, hydroquine (a bleaching agent) and Retinol as they help skin maintain texture and elasticity.

Skin Peels

Mild peels that can lighten under eye pigmentation.  A key ingredient to look for in an effective peel is glycolic acid.

Juvederm  & Restylane

If skin creams and peels aren’t doing the job, the best medicinal option to bring your eyes out of the shadows is injections of Juvederm or Restylane.  These two skin-filling agents are widely used by cosmetic doctors to fill in areas around the lips, eyes and cheeks.  Both products contain hyaluronic acid (a naturally occurring substance in our bodies) and when injected under the eye area, they help plump up hollow areas under the eyes.  One round of injections lasts approximately six months.