Can You Get Rid of Dark Circles?

The pesky dark areas under your eyes have many possible causes, including your lifestyle, allergies, aging, or just genetics. Unfortunately, you may never know. And there’s no quick fix to get rid of them. But there are ways to diminish the look of dark under-eye circles, if you so choose. There are natural remedies, makeup products, and even plastic surgery tricks that can help.

What Causes Dark Circles Under Eyes?

One of the most common causes of dark areas under your eyes is fatigue. Lack of sleep can make the skin appear paler, which can allow bluish blood vessels to show though.

Under-eye circles can also just be a matter of genetics and/or the natural aging process, neither of which we can control. Just as it can anywhere on your body, the skin under your eyes can loosen and thin with age. The thinning can cause blood vessels to show through the skin that weren’t visible before. If you suffer from allergies or skin conditions like dermatitis, that also can exacerbate the dilation of the blood vessels.

This may not be a risk to anyone with a Stanley cup, but dehydration can contribute to a dull look under your eyes, too. In more serious cases, dark circles under your eyes can be indicative of a thyroid condition or anemia, so it's best to get checked out by your doctor if they suddenly show up or get worse. But under-eye circles aren’t usually anything to be concerned about unless you’re not happy with the way they look. In that case, there are a few things you can do.

How To Cover Dark Circles With Makeup

If you slap on just any concealer, you probably won’t be able to completely hide the bluish tones under your eyes. Color correction can help, though. Pink or peach-toned color correctors are especially great for those with fair skin because the shades balance out blue tones. Those with darker skin should reach for a red or orange concealer shade to counteract the purple or blue under-eye area.

We love Stila’s Correct & Perfect All-In-One Color Correcting Palette because it has five buildable color-correcting creams and two finishing powders that work across all skin tones. Once you apply the color corrector, makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury, recommends concealer two shades lighter than your skin tone. Apply it by patting it into the inner corners of your eyes and under your eyes, and then blend it out into the edges or your foundation. For an especially natural look, makeup artist Vincent Ford suggests mixing color corrector with your regular concealer for a more natural finish. Swirl them together with your brush as you pat both products into your under-eye area.

If you have mature skin or lines and wrinkles under your eyes, make sure your concealer is a hydrating formula. Adding a finishing powder after coverage will also help to avoid creasing.

How To Reduce the Look of Dark Circles 

You’ve probably seen people in movies and on TV with cucumbers or other cold compresses on the eyes. It’s not just a funny trick; it can actually help shrink blood vessels and reduce swelling, reducing the look of dark circles and under-eye bags. Cold black or green tea bags are a great option, too, as they’re packed with caffeine and antioxidants. 

The right skin care can help, too. Topical vitamin C serums, such as InnBeauty Project’s Bright & Tight Dark Circle Firming Eye Cream With Vitamin C & Peptides, can help brighten the under-eye area when used regularly. Even hydrating eye creams without vitamin C can help moisturize the area and minimize the look of tired eyes. 

If your dark circles are especially bothersome, a dermatologist can help with some more invasive treatments. Some chemical peels containing alpha-hydroxy acids can actually lighten pigmentation, and there are injectable hyaluronic acid–based fillers that can rebuild volume loss under the eyes and conceal darker blood vessels and excess melanin. 

How To Avoid Getting Dark Circles

This can be easier said than done, but getting at least seven hours of sleep each night can help prevent darkening under your eyes. And if you can keep your head elevated while sleeping, that will also aid in reducing any puffiness caused by fatigue.

You already know you have to wear sunscreen every day, but it’s especially important if you want to keep dark circles at bay. And a pair of large sunglasses will up your glamour quotient while also providing extra protection from damaging rays.

Making changes to reduce stress — again, easier said than done — will benefit you in countless ways, and some of those ways show on your face. You may want to reduce the amount of drinks you have at the bar, too. Alcohol can reduce circulation and break down skin’s collagen, so reducing how much you drink can also cut down on your dark circles. Additionally, drinking can contribute to poor-quality sleep and stress. Finally, you’re probably already aware of the many reasons you shouldn’t smoke, but one of them is that doing so ages your skin, including around your eyes.