The Truth About Eye Creams For Dark Circles
Dark circles are one of the most asked about skin concerns because it affects so many people. Do eye creams for dark circles really work? Read this post to find out the truth.
Table of Contents
The Different Causes of Dark Circles
It’s important to know that dark circles can happen for a few different reasons, which also means the treatments and solutions depend on the cause.
Shadowing can cause the appearance of dark circles
Shadowing is the appearance of dark circles due to bad lighting and the orbital bone (bone around the eye) casting a shadow. In this case, there is no hyperpigmentation causing dark circles. It’s simply a matter of where light and shadow falls, depending on each person’s bone structure.
Some people have deeper tear troughs (a deep crease between lower eyelid and cheek) under the eyes or more pronounced eyebags enhancing the appearance of dark circles.
Solution for shadowing, deep tear troughs, and eyebags
The problem is structural, not hyperpigmentation, so eye creams won’t work on dark circles. In this case, dermal fillers and Botox may be a solution to help reduce the appearance of dark circles.
Thin eyelid skin with prominent veins, vessels and muscles
Some people have thin eyelid skin, which means any prominent veins, vessels, and muscular structures show up underneath the skin, causing a blue / gray tint. This can cause the appearance of dark circles and puffiness under the eyes.
Eye creams with caffeine or retinol can help for thin eyelid skin that cause the appearance of dark circles
The solution here is to use eye creams with caffeine such as The Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream or Vichy89 Repairing Eye Fortifier because it helps to constrict blood vessels under the skin’s surface, which reduces the appearance of the blue dark circles. Caffeine also helps to reduce puffiness, which is caused by water retention, because it acts like a diuretic for the skin.
Another solution for thin eyelid skin that cause the appearance of dark circles is to use an eye cream with retinol such as the Olay Retinol 24 Night Eye Cream because it can thicken the skin with collagen, creating a barrier between the vessels and eyelid skin and reducing the appearance of dark circles.
Hyperpigmentation causes dark circles
Hyperpigmentation is the main cause for real dark circles i.e. real blue gray discoloration around the eyes. There are a few different reasons hyperpigmentation can happen. The most common reason hyperpigmentation around the eyes happens is due to genetics. Other reasons include allergic reactions, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) and sun exposure.
Solutions for dark circles caused by hyperpigmentation
Use skincare products with brightening ingredients such as vitamin c, niacinamide, tranexamic acid, azelaic acid, alpha arbutin to brighten the face overall.
Apply sunscreen around the eyes and wear sunglasses to protect the skin against sun exposure.
Related:
Hyperpigmentation: Everything You Need To Know About
Why You Need A Vitamin C Serum In Your Morning Skincare Routine — And Beginner Tips To Get Started
I Found The Perfect Mineral Face Sunscreen For Medium To Dark Skin — And It Has No White Cast!
Lack of sleep, smoking, dry and irritated skin are a few more causes of dark circles
Lack of sleep and smoking will make the skin in general look dehydrated and darker, which can make the eyes look dark and gaunt.
If your skin is dry or irritated, then fine lines, wrinkles and eye bags appear. All of these can make the eyes look like they have dark circles.
Solution for dehydrated, dry and dark skin
An eye cream with hydrating and nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, peptides, and ceramides will hydrate and plump up the eye area, reducing the appearance of fine lines and dryness.
So, do you really need an eye cream?
Yes, because even though eye creams don’t really help with dark circles, eye creams help with hydration and nourishing the eye area to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. They are specifically designed with gentle, lightweight formulas suited for the delicate skin around the eyes. Here are a few affordable options that work on all skin types including sensitive skin.
La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 For Eyes
Olay Ultimate Eye Cream
And, what about dark circles?
The simple solution for dark circles is being consistent with good habits such as sun protection, sleeping well, and a regular skin care routine. Following these simple strategies will go a long way to keep those panda eyes at bay.
