Sun exposure, age, a pooling of blood and prominent vessels can all make dark circles form under your eyes. These are typically a cosmetic concern and not evidence of a more serious condition, according to MayoClinic.com. Certain skin creams exist that can help reduce the look of your dark circles, though no product will make them vanish. Apply an eye cream twice a day to lessen the severity of your skin discolorations.
Function
Skin creams for dark circles are designed to address areas of dark pigmentation. For circles that are caused by blood pooling under your eyes or a proliferation of blood vessels, the creams contain ingredients designed to strengthen the vessels and temporarily tighten your skin to reduce discolorations. Dark circles caused by sun exposure or hereditary pigmentation problems will contain skin-lightening agents that will even out areas of darkness.
Ingredients
Applied over time, vitamin K can promote healing and reduce the appearance of circles caused by dark blood vessels, according to Smart Skin Care. Certain botanical and plant extracts like grape seed and butcher's broom help the capillaries under your eyes to become stronger and thereby can lessen the look of discolorations. Creams that contain hydroquinone or kojic acid regulate pigmentation issues caused by genetics or sun exposure, but these bleaching ingredients can irritate certain skin types and should only be used when approved by a physician.
Application
Wash your face in the morning and dry off. Place a small drop of the eye cream you choose on your finger, and dot it lightly under and around your eyes. Blend it in gently, and allow the cream to absorb for two minutes before you apply any makeup or sunscreen. Reapply the cream before bed and after washing your face.
Additional Tips
Sun exposure can lead to dark circles, as well as intensify the ones you have. Wear sunglasses whenever you are outdoors, and apply a skin cream that contains sunscreen and is safe to use around your eyes. Dermatologist Ranella Hirsch recommends first smoothing on an eye cream with an antioxidant like lycopene and then following it up with a broad-spectrum sunscreen for additional protection.
Considerations
Your dark circles can also be the result of allergies or nasal congestion, which irritates the vessels that drain from your eyes to your nose and causes them to darken. Ophthalmologist Robert Mirsky recommends that you take an antihistamine to reduce irritation. A soothing eye cream with minerals or botanicals can lessen both the swelling and darkness under your eyes that nasal problems induce. Speak with a health care provider if you are concerned about allergies or an illness.
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