Dark circles under the eyes are an extremely common problem. Here are seven proven ways to keep them at bay or get rid of them so that your eyes look bright and beautiful.
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1. Wear sunscreen
Here’s yet another reason you should wear sunscreen daily! The skin under the eyes is prone to hyperpigmentation, as it’s much thinner than the skin on the rest of the body. Make sure you pick a sunscreen that has been designed for the face and is fragrance-free, so it doesn’t irritate this sensitive area.
2. Use products containing retinoids
When choosing an eye cream, opt for one that contains retinol, as this vitamin-A derivative helps to lighten any dark pigments and encourages collagen production. More collagen in the area will make your skin become less transparent and give you a rejuvenated appearance.
Related: 4 ways to get rid of undereye dark circles naturally
3. Choose an effective makeup remover
If you find that when you are removing your makeup you are having to rub the eye area quite vigorously to get every trace of mascara and eye shadow off, you might need to switch things up. Too much rubbing in this delicate area can make eyes look worse and can even speed up the development of fine lines.
4. Keep it cool
Even though washing your face with hot water might feel better in chilly weather, this can make your face puffier and make dark circles more obvious. It might take some getting used to, but try splashing your face with cold or tepid water instead. This is also a great way to wake yourself up in the mornings!
5. Take antihistamines
People who suffer from allergies and seasonal hay fever can develop dark circles and experience puffiness under the eyes. Itchiness from allergies can also make you rub the area more, which can lead to irritation and make pigmentation and swelling worse. An effective way to keep this under control is to ask your GP about taking an antihistamine.
6. Get laser treatment
It might seem drastic, but this method will take existing dark circles and pigmentation away for good so you won’t have to worry about concealing them at all. Vascular lasers are the most popular choice, as they constrict visible blood vessels to make your eye area look fresher and brighter.
7. Use a thick, cream-based concealer
Okay, so this isn’t a permanent solution, but it’s definitely an effective quick fix. Creamy formulas provide much better and longer-lasting coverage than their liquid counterparts. Apply your concealer after washing your face and before applying your foundation, and set with setting powder to keep it in place.
PHOTO: iStock/robertprzybysz
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