Dark Circles Under Your Eyes?

Step 1- Find out what's causing them: Either genetics, age, or allergies.

To determine why your circles happen, gently stretch the skin under your eyes. If that area becomes darker, the circles are probably due to genetics or aging. If the color doesn’t change, UV rays or allergies are probably the cause.

Genetics- The most common. If you have fair or thin skin under the eyes, it’s more obvious when blood pools there (often because of slower circulation from lack of sleep). This causes the capillaries to stretch and leak.

Suggested Treatments- Elevate your head when sleeping to prevent blood from pooling under your eyes. In the morning, apply a cold compress for about five minutes to constrict the blood vessels. You can use one of those frozen gel filled Zorro masks :). You can also use an eye cream that has caffeine which helps constrict vessels.

Allergies- They trigger the release of histamines in the body, which in turn inflame blood vessels and cause swelling.

Suggested Treatments - Consider taking an over-the-counter antihistamine before allergies begin to prevent shadows.

Age- Over time, skin loses collagen and thins, so veins show through more prominently. Sunbathing speeds up this process by breaking down collagen and mottling skin color.

Suggested Treatment- Use a collagen-building cream. A top go-to ingredient is Retinol. It helps increase collagen production. Vitamin C also encourages production and can help brighten skin tone . Always wear sunscreen daily, or you’ll cancel out the benefits from any of these treatments.


If you are looking for a way to conceal dark circles while also treating them, I suggest using Armani's Maestro Eraser Concealer. It brightens the eye, fades away dark circles, and moisturizes the eye. You will see results within 2 months of using this product. I suggest purchasing this from Nordstrom, where they will not hassle you, if you find you aren't satisfied and need to return it. It is about $40, but it will last you months because of the small amount you use.

I will also put a little Master Corrector underneath the Maestro Eraser. Master Corrector, which is $37, targets the pigmentation of your skin. What I like about these products compared to other concealers is that they are so very thin. They don't settle into fine lines and make you look older than you are. I hate when you have to choose between circles and wrinkles. You shouldn't have to settle for either one!



*medical info found from www.realsimple.com