As frustrating skin issues go, dark under eye circles are up there with wrinkles, dark spots and saggy jowls. And with so much advice out there on how to help them, it's hard to know what's fact or fad?
It’s important to know that the skin around your eyes differs from elsewhere on your face. And this calls for some important steps in how you treat this delicate area to avoid making dark circles worse.
Read on for proven steps you can take to help minimise those pesky dark circles...
1: Apply A Cold Compress
From used tea bags to good old potato or cucumber slices, lying back with cool stuff over your eyes may sound like an old wives’ tale, but it actually works!
This is because cold temperatures help constrict the blood vessels under the skin around your eyes which makes them less visible at the surface. It’s that simple.
Potatoes, cucumbers and used tea bags also contain water which helps boost moisture under your eyes while soothing redness and irritation at the same time. Oh, and not forgetting the anti-puffing benefits caffeine offers if you happen to go down the cold, used tea bag route. Caffeine contains anti-inflammatory properties and further constricts the blood vessels to help reduce redness, swelling and fluid build-up.
2. Sleep Does Make A Difference
And in more ways than you might think. Firstly, sleeping with your head elevated stops blood and other fluids from pooling under your eyes - culprits for darkness and puffiness.
Secondly, a lack or sleep or poor quality sleep can make your skin tone look paler. This, in turn, makes darkness underneath your eyes more noticeable.
Finally, your body produces cortisol to keep you awake, making your capillaries expand. And expanded capillaries under this thin area of skin is a sure way to making dark circles even more visible.
Need to know: The skin around your eyes is extremely thin, which means it’s super fragile and more susceptible to environmental and lifestyle damage. Furthermore, it contains fewer sebaceous (oil-producing) glands, making it feel drier than the rest of your face. It also lacks fat and muscle which is a vital combination for stability, suppleness and support. It's no wonder the dark capillaries under this area of skin can become more visible, fast!
3. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
When you don’t drink enough water, the already very thin skin under your eyes becomes even thinner.
Most of us walk around mildly dehydrated and don’t even know it - especially if we drink coffee every morning.
Make sure you drink ten to twelve glasses of water minimum per day and even more if you drink coffee As for alcohol, it's a proven FAST way to dehydrate your skin. There's always a balance to be had .
5. The Science of Sunglasses
As you know, UV radiation is a major problem for your skin in general. But it’s even more damaging for the skin around your eyes due to its thin, delicate nature.
Why? Sun exposure causes an increase in melanin which can create blotchiness in your skin and increased pigmentation around your peepers.
The answer? Simple. Always protect your eyes with sunglasses whenever you’re driving or outside in the daytime. This will also help to fend off fines lines too!
Finally, please make sure your dark circles are nothing medical. If they've recently appeared, are present for a while and aren't usual for you then they may be a sign of something going on inside your body.
At HIGHBORN, we believe, (no, we KNOW) that the inside is as important as the outside and that the best way to cultivate outer beauty is to make sure your whole body is fit and healthy.
So, if your dark circles seem particularly unusual, pop to your GP and let them make sure it's nothing to be concerned about.
Tracey x
Your next useful step
Understand what everyday care can help with, and when a change around your eyes needs medical advice.
Read the realistic eye-care guide →Keep your two-minute routine handy
Open the free printable morning & evening routine →
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