The area around the eyes is more delicate than the rest of the face, meaning it can need a little more help when it comes to fine lines and wrinkles. But just why do we get dark circles and what can we do about them? Read on for our tips on how to tackle your eye bags.
What causes dark circles?
Skincare expert Dr Johanna Ward tells us: “Dark circles are a complex interplay of genetic factors and environmental factors. Lack of sleep, poor nutrition, low iron, excess eye rubbing and excess sun exposure can all affect the under eye area.
“These are the result of light being reflected back off of the blood vessels sitting just below the surface of that incredibly thin area of skin.”
Use an eye cream
If you haven’t already got one, you’ll need to begin a consistent skincare routine which includes daily sun protection and a good eye cream to help prevent early signs of ageing. Johanna recommends eye cream which contains peptides Vitamin B5 and sweet almond oil to deliver essential minerals to the skin and provide antioxidant support. Dab a small amount of cream around the eyes and upper eyelids every morning and evening after cleansing for plump, soft and rejuvenated skin.
Use sunscreen
Make sure you’re using SPF everyday. Try one with a combination of sunscreen and eye cream which contains a hefty dose of vitamin C for much needed antioxidant protection.
Protect eye skin with vitamins
Dr Sabrina Shah-Desai, consultant ophthalmologist and oculoplastic surgeon advises: “Protect the under eye skin by using an eye cream containing vitamins C and K to brighten the skin and help strengthen blood vessel walls, also a sunscreen will prevent further pigmentation.”
Don’t go down the surgical route
“Unfortunately there is no miracle cure for getting rid of dark under eye circles,” Dr Ross Perry says. “Lots of women are convinced to try fillers but in my opinion it only makes the under eye area look as though work has been done and not particularly effective.
“Lasers are also available but again costly and don’t really address the problem, and as much as creams advertise and promise to get rid of dark circles, unfortunately they really don’t work so ladies please save your money and just invest in a good concealer.”
Eat and sleep well
But ultimately a fully-rounded self-care routine is the best way to keep the skin under your eye healthy. “My best advice to combat dark circles is to eat well, sleep well and take good care of your skin with high performance skincare and sun protection,” cautions Johanna. “These measures will trump everything else you can do. A skin cream alone cannot do all of this!”
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