How to Get Rid of Dark Circles

While dark circles are common and perfectly natural, they can make you look older and feel self-conscious. So, if you’re wondering how to get rid of dark circles, keep reading. We explain what causes dark circles and how to reduce their appearance for more youthful and radiant-looking eyes.

Dark circles are the purple, brown or black areas beneath the eyes that create a sunken and dull appearance (their colour is largely dependent on your skin tone). They appear because the skin under the eyes is a quarter of the thickness of the skin on the rest of the face, making dark veins beneath the skin more visible.

It’s a myth that dark circles are only caused by fatigue. In fact, there are many reasons why you could wake up with dark circles.

Dehydration

If the skin is dry or dehydrated, it often looks dull and lacklustre, causing the under-eye area to appear dark and sullen.

Ageing

As we age, our skin begins to thin and lose elasticity, as its natural fat and collagen levels deplete. The thinner the skin, the more the dark blood vessels and veins beneath become visible, resulting in darker under-eyes.

Sun Damage

When exposed to the sun, the body naturally produces a dark pigment called melanin to protect the skin. However, melanin can appear unevenly on the skin, resulting in hyperpigmentation and dark circles below the eyes.

Eye Strain

Spending the day staring at screens can strain the eyes and cause the surrounding blood vessels to become enlarged, resulting in dark under-eye circles.

Fatigue

It isn’t entirely a myth – fatigue can heighten the appearance of dark circles.

The skin naturally repairs itself overnight, but if you’re not getting enough sleep, that renewal system is compromised. Skin is left looking pale and dull with visible under-eye circles.

If your dark circles are due to external (non-genetic) factors, think about making easy lifestyle changes. There are lots of natural remedies you can try. For example, aim to get plenty of rest. Drink lots of water. Try elevating your head and applying a cold compress to your under-eye area. What this does is help to shrink dilated blood vessels, which in turn minimises the look of dark circles. An anti-aging eye cream can have a similar effect.

When it comes to finding the best eye cream for dark circles, look for radiance-enhancing ingredients like Vitamin C and antioxidants that help to brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of dark circles.

Our Kiwi Seed Gold Luminous Eye Cream boasts a luscious yet light formula that brightens and lightens the delicate eye area – perfect for getting rid of dark circles. While the Kiwi Seed Oil helps to moisturise and soften the appearance of fine lines, Vinanza® Grape adds radiance. Dot around the eyes morning and night, then gently tap and dab into the skin for refreshed, rested and brighter-looking eyes.

The skin under your eyes is super delicate, so be gentle when applying your eye cream. Warm the formulation between your fingertips after cleansing. Then, gently pat to the orbital bone – the bone that sits under your eye. Dab the cream rather than rubbing it. Rubbing can make dark circles worse by causing blood vessels to enlarge.

Follow with your daily moisturiser or night cream. If you use a water gel moisturiser, you may wish to apply this first, as it's a lighter formulation than a rich eye cream.