The Ultimate Guide to Treating Dark Circles

Dark circles are one of the most frustrating beauty struggles, and it’s time we talk about them. These unwelcome guests show up uninvited and take up residence in the most visible part of our face, giving off major "colonizer energy." Fortunately, experts have been working to find effective treatment options for centuries. We spoke with top dermatologists and makeup artists to get the scoop on treating dark undereye circles, especially for deeper skin tones.

Meet the Experts

Our team of experts includes:

• Rawn Bosley, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained dermatologic surgeon based in Texas.
• Dara Spearman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
• Alexandra Butler, a makeup artist based in Atlanta, Georgia.
• Keita Moore, a makeup artist based in New York, New York.

What Causes Dark Circles?

According to Dr. Rawn Bosley, there are four main categories that can cause dark circles: inflammation, environmental or extrinsic factors, genetics, and natural aging. Determining the best treatment depends on the cause and severity. Dr. Bosley notes that darker skin tones are more prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which is theoretically good news because treating the underlying condition can help minimize the appearance of dark circles.

However, it’s not always easy to identify the cause. Dr. Bosley explains that there is often overlap between the different categories, making it challenging to find a straightforward solution. "Dark circles from extrinsic factors or underlying inflammation should be the most straightforward to manage with topical treatments," he says. "However, intrinsic factors such as genetics and natural aging often complicate the process."

To increase your chances of seeing improvement, Dr. Bosley recommends combining topical treatments and in-office procedures. A doctor can help identify the cause and develop a personalized treatment plan. "For an ideal correction of dark circles, we typically aim to not only correct pigment but also improve skin quality and restore areas lacking volume to reduce shadowing," Dr. Bosley explains.

Treating Dark Circles with Dermatologist Support

Dr. Dara Spearman recommends in-office procedures like microneedling, chemical peels, and laser therapy to improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of dark circles. These procedures are especially helpful when dark circles are caused by eczema or other conditions that lead to chronic eye rubbing, resulting in thickened skin under the eyes. Your dermatologist can recommend a personalized treatment plan, which may include at-home skin care.

Treating Dark Circles with Skin Care

When it comes to skin care, Dr. Spearman suggests using products containing retinol, vitamin C, niacinamide, and caffeine. These ingredients can help lighten pigmentation, boost collagen production, and reduce irritation and inflammation. You don’t need to find a product with all four ingredients; look for products that contain at least one of them.

Conclusion

Dark circles can be frustrating, but there are effective treatment options available. By understanding the causes and working with a dermatologist, you can develop a personalized plan to reduce the appearance of dark circles. Remember to combine topical treatments with in-office procedures and at-home skin care to achieve the best results.

FAQs

• Q: What causes dark circles?
  A: Dark circles can be caused by inflammation, environmental or extrinsic factors, genetics, and natural aging.
• Q: How can I treat dark circles at home?
  A: Use skin care products containing retinol, vitamin C, niacinamide, and caffeine to help lighten pigmentation and reduce irritation.
• Q: What in-office procedures can help treat dark circles?
  A: Microneedling, chemical peels, and laser therapy can help improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of dark circles.
• Q: Can dark circles be completely eliminated?
  A: While it’s challenging to completely eliminate dark circles, a combination of topical treatments, in-office procedures, and at-home skin care can help reduce their appearance.