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How to Reduce The Appearance
of Dark Circles Under the Eyes

Uncover tips on how to reduce the appearance of dark circles under eyes with NIVEA.

Read time

4 min

What's in this article:

Understanding Dark Circles
What Causes Dark Circles Under The Eyes
Types of Dark Circles
7 daily habits to reduce the appearance of dark circles
Facts Overview
Common Misconceptions About Dark Circles
Skincare Routine for Dark Circles
Summary
Frequently Asked Questions about Dark Circles

Understanding dark
circles under eyes

Dark circles are areas of darker skin under the lower eyelids that can affect individuals of all ages and skin types. They are a common cosmetic concern associated with making a person look tired or fatigued, and, while not a medical concern, can affect self-esteem and quality of life.

What Causes Dark
Circles Under The Eyes?

Dark circles under the eyes can be caused by a variety of factors, such as genetics, lack of sleep, and other causes including:

1
Aging:
As you age, your skin naturally becomes thinner, making dark blood vessels beneath your skin more prominent. This combined with age spots can contribute to the appearance of dark circles.

2
Allergies:
Allergies can trigger the release of histamine which causes blood vessels to dilate and become more visible. Frequent rubbing or scratching of the eyes due to allergies can also lead to under-eye swelling and broken blood vessels, which can contribute to the appearance of dark circles.

3
Dehydration:
When your body is not well hydrated, the skin under your eyes can look dull and sunken.

4
Sun Exposure:
Excessive sun exposure can cause symptoms of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles and dark spots which may appear under the eyes.

5
Eye Strain:
Prolonged periods of looking at screens can cause blood vessels around the eyes to enlarge and become more visible.

6
Lifestyle Factors:
Smoking, alcohol consumption, and a poor diet can all contribute to the appearance of dark circles.

7
Medical Conditions:
As mentioned, dark circles are generally only a cosmetic concern and not an indication of a more serious problem. However, certain medical conditions may contribute to the development of dark circles. If you are concerned your dark circles may have a medical cause, or if you experience these symptoms under only one eye, contact a doctor for further guidance.

IDENTIFYING YOUR TYPE OF DARK CIRCLES

Types of
dark circles

These dark circles may take on a blue, pink or purple color due to underlying veins being more visible.

a young girl laying her head on a pile of towels

Vascular under-eye circles:
These dark circles may take on a blue, pink or purple color due to underlying veins being more visible.
Pigmented under-eye circles:
These dark circles take on a brown color and they are often the result of dark spots on the skin caused by sun exposure, genetics, and imperfections.
Under-eye shadowing:
The appearance of dark circles under the eyes can also be due to shadows cast by the tear trough, the area beneath the lower eyelid and upper cheek. In this instance, the skin itself is not a darker color; the dark circles are caused by a shadowing effect.

7 daily habits to reduce
the appearance of dark circles

1. Quality Sleep

Importance of a Regular Sleep Schedule: Establishing and maintaining a consistent sleep routine is important for overall health, including your skin. Prioritize quality sleep to help discourage puffiness that can be caused by fatigue.

2. Hydration

Hydration is a key component of maintaining healthy-looking skin. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help keep your skin looking visibly plumped and hydrated.

3. Sun Protection

Wearing Sunscreen: Protecting your skin from the sun's harmful UV rays is important for skin health. Apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to your face every day, even on cloudy days, to help protect your skin from sun-related damage like sun spots.

Wearing Sunglasses: Sunglasses with UV protection can shield your delicate under-eye area from sun damage. Look for sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays for the best protection.

4. Managing allergies

Seek proper treatment for allergies to alleviate eye puffiness. Avoid rubbing the eyes as much as possible as this can contribute to under eye swelling and broken blood vessels.

5. Avoiding Smoking and Excessive Alcohol

Since smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are associated with the development of bags and dark circles under the eyes, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol use can help when eye bags are caused by these lifestyle choices.

6. Using a cold compress:

A cold compress has a cooling effect that can help constrict blood vessels and reduce the appearance of dark circles and puffiness.

7. Skincare

Incorporating Eye Cream into Your Skincare Routine: Using a dedicated eye cream like NIVEA LUMINOUS630® Dark Spot Solution Anti-Dark Circles Eye Cream can be highly effective. With caffeine to depuff the eye bags, Hyaluronic Acid to hydrate the skin, and the patented LUMINOUS630® ingredient, this under-eye cream visibly reduces the look of dark circles.

Warning: Apply face products containing LUMINOUS630® max. 4 times per day. Avoid direct eye contact.

Firming Eye Cream

Facts Overview
Dark Circles Under Eyes

Overview: Dark circles under the eyes are common and can make the skin look tired and older. Various lifestyle choices and skincare products can help improve their appearance.

Causes: Dark circles under the eyes can be caused by fatigue, genetics, sun exposure, aging, allergies, and lifestyle choices like smoking.

Remedies: Certain eye creams formulated to address dark circles can help hydrate and reduce the appearance of dark circles. Concealers provide instant coverage for an even skin tone. Lifestyle adjustments like prioritizing quality sleep, staying hydrated, and avoiding smoking can also help to reduce the appearance of dark circles.

Common Misconceptions
About Dark Circles

Only Lack of Sleep Causes Dark Circles:

While lack of sleep can contribute to the appearance of dark circles due to fatigue or dehydration, other factors like genetics, allergies, sun damage and aging also play a significant role.

Dark Circles are a Sign of Poor Health:

Dark circles are a natural facial feature and can occur even in healthy individuals due to genetic predisposition or skin characteristics. However, if you’re concerned your dark circles may be caused by a medical condition, do not hesitate to consult a doctor.

You can always get rid of dark circles:

Many treatments and lifestyle changes can help reduce the appearance of dark circles, depending on the cause, but may not always be possible to get rid of dark circles completely.

Skincare routine
for dark circles

Addressing dark circles requires a consistent and targeted skincare routine. Here's a simple yet effective regimen:

1
Cleanse Gently:
Use a mild cleanser to remove dirt and impurities without irritating the delicate skin around your eyes.

MICELLAR WATER

3
Moisturize and apply skincare:
Use an eye cream specially formulated to address dark circles such as NIVEA LUMINOUS630® Dark Spot Solution Anti-Dark Circles Eye Cream. Thanks to the innovative blend of LUMINOUS630®, Caffeine and Hyaluronic Acid, dark circles intensity is visibly reduced in 4 weeks*, and the under-eye area looks more radiant with each use.

*Dark circles intensity is visibly reduced with regular use

EYE CREAM

5
Protect:
Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily to protect the skin from UV damage, which can worsen dark circles. Avoid direct contact with the eyes, and preferably use a cream that has been tested for eye compatibility. Don't forget your sunglasses to protect your eyes and the skin around your eyes.

FACIAL SUNSCREENS

Summary

Dark circles under the eyes are common and can often be managed with simple treatments like using an eye cream. They can be caused by various factors such as lack of sleep and dehydration. Implementing good skincare practices, maintaining hydration, getting enough sleep, and protecting the skin from sun exposure are effective ways to reduce the appearance of dark circles.