What Causes Dark Circles Under Eyes?

Last updated on September 21st, 2022 at 08:58 am

Dark under eye circles making you look tired? If you’ve ever wondered what causes dark circles under eyes you’re not alone. Dark circles are the result of a myriad of issues: some are easy fixes, others not so much. However, I’m going to do my best to address some that are more common and have easy(ish) solutions that may help, then introduce you to a new under eye product that I am loving right now. 

What causes dark circles under eyes? (This list is nowhere near exhaustive.)

• Hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin)
• Allergies
• Lack of sleep (affects circulation around the eyes)
• Dehydration (can cause hollowing around the eyes, which can cast shadows around the eyes)
• Naturally darker skin tone (naturally prone to hyperpigmentation)

How to get rid of dark circles under eyes (again, definitely not exhaustive — but this is a start): 

• Sleep (yes, easier said than done)
• Antihistamines for allergies 
• Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Drink your water! 
• Be aware of how much alcohol and caffeine you consume — they are both dehydrating
• Treatment products that contain certain ingredients

What are some ingredients that can help treat under eye circles?:

Antioxidants (like vitamin c, niacinamide, vitamin k), kojic acid, and lactic acid are just some ingredients that can help fade dark spots and brighten the eye area when applied topically. Another ingredient that works very well to fade hyperpigmentation is hydroquinone, although it is a bit of a controversial ingredient.  

Retinoids can help address dark under eye circles that are caused by hyperpigmentation because they increase skin cell turnover, which helps to shed hyperpigmented skin. Retinoids also cause skin to become thicker — which means less translucency — making vasculature around the eyes less visible (veins are more visible through the thin skin under eyes). Peptides can also help with skin thickening. Another quick fix for under eye circles? Optical diffusers — particles that reflect light and give the illusion of brightness. Many under eye treatments and concealers contain optical diffusers for this reason. 

Products for treating dark under eye circles:

Eye creams are the first thing people reach for when they want to address dark circles under their eyes, but why not give masks a try? Right now I am loving hydrogel and sheet masks — they’re fun to wear and infuse the skin with a wide range of beneficial serums. If you didn’t know, serums are powerhouse treatments that can provide significant results for whatever skin issues you’re trying to treat. 

ToGoSpa Micro-Infused Collagen Gel Masks

What specific masks am I loving? All of the collagen under eye gel masks by ToGoSpa because they address dark circles and so many more issues. 

Under eye masks for dark circles? Try the Green Tea EYES (AKA the Dark Circle Warrior).

Under eye masks for puffy eyes? Ice Water EYES (AKA the De-Puffer) will take care of that for you.

Under eye masks that address puffy, dull skin? Bamboo Charcoal EYES (AKA Man Up, Puff Down) is the perfect detoxifying eye treatment.

ToGoSpa has several different types of under eye masks to choose from at a nice price point (three sets for $15) making these excellent, affordable holiday stocking stuffers or even just a gift for yourself — because with everything 2020 has thrown at us this year, I think that we all deserve some type of self care. 

Let’s take a look at each of the above mentioned ToGoSpa gel masks in detail:

All of these are micro-infused collagen gel masks that contain marine plant collagen, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and vitamins c & e.

Green Tea EYES

Antioxidant-rich green tea extract and energizing taurine combat dark circles. Green Tea EYES promotes circulation for an extra tingle that is highly effective against dark under eye circles and puffiness. This formula provides cool, soothing relief that is especially good for headaches, allergies, fatigue.

Ice Water EYES

Ice Water EYES provides cool, soothing relief that is especially good for headaches, allergies, hangovers, fatigue and bad attitudes. This formula is perfect for dry, sensitive skin, and for de-puffing and soothing tired under eyes. 

Bamboo Charcoal EYES

Purifying bamboo charcoal helps to absorb impurities and detoxify the skin. Bamboo Charcoal EYES provides cool, soothing relief that is especially good for hangovers and fatigue after a night of too much fun. This formula is perfect for puffy eyes and dull skin. 

Do I have your attention now? Don’t these sound wonderful? PRO TIP: keep your under eye masks in the refrigerator so they’re nice and cool when you’re ready to use them. Your tired eyes will thank you. 

If you’re interested in trying these masks yourself, they (and many others) are available to purchase from my online store here. As an added BONUS, the first 5 people to purchase will receive free shipping using the code: FreeShippingToGoSpa2020