Aw pandas. They are so cute, no? Their eyes are so soft and innocent – a look, however that does not suit humans… . I’m talking about dark eye circles. Dark eye circles and I are best friends. Or rather, she’s one of those friends that won’t go away even after several attempts to ditch her. Well, I’ve decided she and I should stop our toxic relationship, because she makes me look horrid; which lead me to this post.
OK seriously though – I have eye circles from hell. After realizing that concealer isn’t really doing anything anymore, I decided to dig deep as to what dark eye circles are and how to banish them for good. Unfortunately it’s not so good news.
What are the causes?
Even doctors agree that dark eye circles are difficult to treat. Most of the causes come from discoloration, poor blood circulation … and get this – your parents! Yup, dark eye circles is a combination of heredity and genetics.
Brownish colors are pigmentation common in dark skinned ladies, while purple and blues are a sign of bad circulation and poor sleeping patterns. Fragile and damanged blood vessels underneath the skin can also be a cause, as well as allergies.
How do we get rid of them?
Like I said – not too good news for us who suffer with dark eye circles. Fortunately, there are a few options out there:
- Sleep. It’s more effective than any cream or laser procedure. Unfortunately for us, 12 hours of sleep everynight is just not going to happen. A good 8 hours minimum should decrease some of the color in your eye circles. My post, 10 ways to get better sleep may be of interest too.
- Eye creams. Although they rarely do much work, its worth a try. I have some friends who swear by them, but me … well, I don’t think they work for me. (I’ve been using Clinique’s All About Eyes, though I think it’s great for prevention, it’s not really helping my dark eye circles). Either way, look for ingredients such as glycolic acid, which gently exfoliates. Vitamin C, Vitamin K and kojic acid are good for lightening, and green-tea is great for anti-inflammatory.
- Concealer. Yup, when all else fails, use makeup. I haven’t used many concealers but I highly recommend Benefit’s Boi-ing and Clinique’s Derma White Concealer. So far, they are the only ones that seems to banish my hideous eye circles.
- Read. As in, read this article, Skin Deep – Treating Dark Eye Circles, because it’s very informative. Also, I found a blog full of the quest to remove dark eye circles, My Dark Circles Blog. Really helpful stuff!
Sigh. This post is as dissapointing as my post about getting rid of cellulite! There are laser and plastic surgery options for dark eye circles as well, but if you are going to go down that road, I suggest you do your research very carefully and choose a doctor that has been recommended to you.
Do you suffer from dark eye circles? What products do you use? It’ll be great if my fellow dark eye circle sisters can give us all some recommendations or extra tips! Thanks in advance. 
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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
I have some serious undereye circles omg, I think they’re genetic so they’re here to stay! D:
ilyana´s last blog … The Marmalade Pantry
So are mine. We can mourn together
Oh darn. I’ve been battling under eye area problems for years! I have dark circles, puffiness and — horrors! — fine lines. I am so pissed. I’m still waiting for stuff from Anatomicals. If they don’t work I’m going with Kose Sekkisei Eye Cream. I’ve been so in love with the toner I might just go for it.
Kaye´s last blog … Updates: Reviews Soon + My Vitacreme B12 is Here!
Oh, please update us on your eye cream reviews! Would love to hear your thoughts and possibly find something to help me, as well! I’ve been using All About Eyes, but like I said it’s more prevention rather than cure, which is great, but now that I’m 21 I think maybe I need some serious help!
I guess I’m among those lucky girls that don’t have dark circles (even after a sleepless night) but I can’t say that if I’m going night after night without sleep (well only 3-4 h a night) it won’t be any difference. Fortunately for me I’ve discovered (better said was a gift) last year La Prairie anti-aging (for all ages actually) eye cream SPF 15 which works wonders really in no time. Diminishes puffiness, moisturizes and reduces the fine lines. I’ve been using it for almost a year now and I couldn’t live without it. I’ve tried many eye creams before (I’m kind of obsessed with creams that can keep me look younger) but this one is by far the best one.
Tavia´s last blog … NEW: Lancome O My Rose Collection – Spring 2010
LUCKY! I’m very jealous, I have permanant ones so I think they’re pigmentation, although I remember once I had a realllly good night’s sleep and I was in shock because they disappeared for a day. But no one can sleep so well everynight due to life!
Thanks for the recommendation, I’ll have to research it… I don’t think we have the brand here!
Did you review this product on your blog? I’d love to read! 