Dark circles under the eyes: causes & tips for removing shadows under the eyes

Even though dark circles under the eyes rarely require medical treatment, those affected suffer from them. In this article, you will find out what can cause dark circles under the eyes, what home remedies can help and what options you have to get rid of dark circles and bags under the eyes in the long term.

What are dark circles under the eyes?

Almost everyone is familiar with this: after a long, stressful or even fun night, dark shadows form under the eyes. Dark circles are dark discolorations that manifest themselves in the skin under the eye. From a light shadow to deep, dark, conspicuous furrows, dark circles can vary in severity. Dark circles under the eyes are caused by various factors, most of which are related to pigmentation of the skin and fine blood vessels under the eyes.

Causes of dark circles at a glance

Dark circles under the eyes are caused by various factors, which often act in combination and cause dark shadows to form under the eyes. Particularly common causes of dark circles under the eyes are

Genetic predisposition to dark shadows under the eyes

The presence of dark circles can be favored by genetic dispositions. If parents or grandparents have already struggled with dark circles, it is much more likely that their offspring will also develop them. The skin under the eyes is then usually thinner and more sensitive. More transparent skin means that blood vessels under the eyes and darker areas underneath can become more visible. With increasing age, the skin becomes less elastic as the fatty tissue loses its elasticity. Thin skin and the veins around the eyes are typical factors that can be seen with genetic dark circles.

Lack of sleep, stress and an unhealthy lifestyle

Just as often, the cause lies in environmental factors or lifestyle. Lack of sleep in particular causes the skin to become paler, which makes the bluish or purplish color of the blood vessels more prominent. Too little sleep also encourages water retention, which leads to puffiness under the eyes and dark circles. Blood vessels under the skin tend to show through when there is less oxygen. Dark circles under the eyes occur in many cases as a result.

Stress and exhaustion put a strain on the body, which can also have an impact on the skin around the eyes. It is not without reason that the first thing that comes to mind when you think of dark circles is chronic stress in combination with fatigue. The circulation of the blood is impaired.

Excessive alcohol consumption, a poor diet and an unhealthy lifestyle in general also promote the appearance of dark circles under the eyes. The body then lacks nutrients and vitamins such as iron, vitamin K or vitamin C, for example.

Dark circles under the eyes as a side effect of other diseases

If dark circles under the eyes occur over the long term and do not appear to be related to your lifestyle, it may be worth consulting a doctor to find out the cause. Dark shadows under the eyes can be symptoms of various diseases:

• Allergies: Especially for those with eye irritation
• Sinusitis
• Anemia (anemia)
• Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
• Kidney problems and water retention
• Skin diseases such as eczema or dermatitis
• Collagenoses such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
• Lack of fluids

Circles under the eyes are not always an immediate sign of a serious illness. Nevertheless, it is worth seeking medical clarification if dark circles persist or appear suddenly. If it is due to one of the diseases mentioned above, the dark circles will disappear if the cause is successfully treated. In rare cases, dark circles can appear suddenly and can then be reduced with the right treatment.

Home remedies: What helps against dark circles?

It doesn’t always have to be medicine. Depending on the person, intensity and cause of dark circles, even simple home remedies can help to get rid of dark circles. These are particularly common and popular:

Tea bags and cold compresses

Tea can have anti-inflammatory properties. It is therefore often used to counteract swelling and dark discoloration of the skin.

1. Choose a tea without artificial flavors. Tip: chamomile or green tea.
2. Leave the tea bag to infuse in hot water for a maximum of 5 minutes.
3. Then leave the tea bag to cool. Tip: Place in the fridge.
4. Squeeze out the tea bag and then place it on the closed eyes or on the skin under the eyes.
5. Relax for 10-15 minutes and leave on. Then remove and cleanse the skin.

Chilled compresses or cotton pads soaked in water work in a similar way. Place the cold compresses on the affected areas and leave them on for ten to 15 minutes. The cold constricts the blood vessels, reduces swelling and soothes the skin.

Natural cosmetics (oils and creams)

Natural cosmetics can also be an effective remedy for dark shadows under the eyes. There are numerous skincare products with different natural ingredients that are designed to create a fresh look.

• Moisturizing for firm, hydrated skin
• Anti-inflammatory creams e.g. aloe vera
• Brightening effect of vitamin C, rosehip oil or citrus extracts
• Antioxidants against free radicals
• Caffeine for better blood flow

When choosing cosmetics, make sure that they are suitable for your skin. Potentially skin-irritating chemicals, fragrances or synthetic dyes are not the first choice.

Make-up tips to cover dark circles under the eyes

One of the most popular and quickest “effective” remedies for dark circles is make-up. Various products can be used to retouch brown circles under the eyes with make-up:

1. Skin care for moisture
2. Primer for smoothing the skin under the eye and improving the durability of the rest of the make-up
3. Apply concealer (preferably 1-2 shades lighter than the skin tone)
   1. It is best to use a sponge for light dabbing movements
   2. Shape of an inverted triangle under the eyes
4. Apply foundation and blend with the concealer
5. If necessary, apply powder to set the make-up and reduce shine
6. Eye shadow, eyeliner and mascara to focus on the radiant eyes if necessary

Healthy diet and sufficient water

A healthy diet can do wonders for the skin in general. Some superfoods for dark circles are:

• Iron-rich foods: spinach, pulses, wholegrains, linseed
• Vitamin K: spinach, kale, chard, broccoli, cabbage
• Vitamin C: orange, strawberries, peppers, kiwi, broccoli
• Omega-3 fatty acids: fish, chia seeds, linseed, walnuts
• Antioxidants: berries, grapes, tomatoes, green tea, dark chocolate

In addition to your diet, you should make sure that you drink enough fluids. This should be at least 2 liters per day. Moderate coffee consumption can also be helpful to increase the oxygen content in the blood vessels.

Medical treatment options for dark circles under the eyes

If the level of suffering is high and the tried and tested remedies for dark circles do not help, then medical treatment for dark circles under the eyes may be considered. From a visit to the beautician to laser therapy and surgery – there are various ways to permanently get rid of dark circles under the eyes.

What the beautician can do against dark circles

A beautician relies on non-surgical treatment approaches. Depending on the skin and severity, special eye creams are used and blood circulation can be stimulated with massages. Cold applications can also help. A lymphatic drainage massage is promising for water retention. Other options include LED light therapy and gentle chemical peels .

The beautician can also give you practical tips on which products and techniques can be used to “remove make-up” from dark circles. Make-up products that even out the pigment under the eyes are particularly cosmetic.

Laser therapy for dark circles

Laser therapy for dark circles is a non-invasive or minimally invasive procedure designed to tighten the skin under the eyes and minimize dark discoloration. A laser is used to reduce pigmentation and stimulate collagen stimulation. Collagen promotes the elasticity and firmness of the skin.

The laser can also improve the texture of the skin. Several sessions are usually required for effective treatment. Short-term swelling and redness subside on their own within a few days.

Invasive interventions: Fillers and surgery

If nothing helps and your dark circles under the eyes bother you so much that you would like to undergo a more or less invasive procedure yourself, there are various methods available. Your doctor will find the perfect treatment method for you:

• Lower eyelid lift (blepharoplasty): This surgery focuses on correcting excess skin, fat deposits or sagging in the lower eyelid area. By removing excess skin and fatty tissue, a lower eyelid lift can help to improve the appearance of bags and dark circles under the eyes.
• Fat grafting: In this method, the patient’s own fatty tissue is taken from another part of the body and transplanted under the eye area. This can help to fill in sunken areas of skin and achieve a fresher appearance.
• Filler injections: Hyaluronic acid or collagen fillers can be used to create volume under the eyes and fill in sunken areas. This method can temporarily improve the appearance of dark circles.

Chemical peel: A chemical peel can help to brighten the skin under the eyes and smooth out skin irregularities. It is achieved by applying a chemical solution that removes the outer layer of skin.