I’ve Had Dark Circles All My Life, and These Are the Only Products That Work – Yahoo Eurosport UK

The topic of dark circles within the beauty industry is one that has frustrated me for as long as I can remember. You see, I came into this world sporting an impressive pair of purple rings underneath my eyes. I have spent most of my life batting off concerns from people that I look tired, drained and unwell. Honestly, Im fine. Its just my dark circles.

For many, dark circles dont come about because of lifestyle choices. Sure, things like dehydration, lack of sleep and a poor skincare routine can worsen the situation, but for people like me, dark circles are permanent fixtures. Elizabeth Hawkes, consultant ophthalmic and oculoplastic surgeon at the Cadogan Clinic, explains, The term dark circles is used to describe increased pigmentation of the under-eye and is a very common concern. The skin around the eye is unique. There is no subcutaneous fat underneath the skin, meaning it is prone to appearing darker than the rest of the face.

I find myself frustrated by the use of the term dark circles in the industry because so much of the messaging implies that dark circles are our fault and can be totally reversed with one magical product. (RIP Becca's Under-Eye Brightening Corrector.) The truth is that no eye cream will eradicate dark circles. Trust me. Ive tried them all. There is no magic product that can fix our genes. The causes of dark circles are multifactorial but include genetics (increased melanin deposition), allergies, location of blood vessels and age-related changes, says Hawkes.

Having said that, despite the fact that there are injectable and surgical options available (Hawkes informs me that there are procedures called lower eyelid blepharoplasty and orbital fat repositioning that can be done and that filler is another option), Id rather try my hand at as many at-home treatments as possible until Ive exhausted all of my options. I have found a number of things that help the situation, and its not all down to certain eye creams. Keep scrolling to discover the best at-home treatments for dark circles that I have tried.

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Lets start with the obvious, shall we? Of course, there are brightening eye creams out there that can help reduce pigmentation and generally make the eye area look more radiant. Poor skin quality can worsen the appearance of dark circles, so its important to keep it hydrated, explains Hawkes. Out of all of the brightening eye creams I have tried, these are the ones that have proved most effective.

Ren Clean Skincare Brightening Dark Circle Eye Cream (42)

A lot of eye creams irritate my sensitive eyes, but this stuff keeps things looking plumped and hydrated with no signs of redness. I use it morning and night and saw a noticeable difference after a few weeks of use.

Ole Henriksen Wrinkle Blur Bakuchiol Eye Gel Crme (36)

Not only does this gel-like cream look pretty on the shelf, but its also so wonderfully lightweight, refreshing and cooling to use. On top of that, it contains bakuchiol and peptides to boost firmness and make you look more alive.

Oskia Skincare Eye Wonder (54)

Not only does this lightweight serum contain the super-brightening antioxidant vitamin C (which also fends off further skin damage), but it also contains milk peptides to increase collagen synthesis and plump the surrounding skin. I have a bottle of this in my stash at all times.

Sunday Riley Autocorrect Brightening and Depuffing Eye Contour Cream (60)

For when my eye area is particularly dry, this rich cream really does the job. It has an illuminating finish that helps to diffuse the look of dark circles and that generally makes the skin around my eyes look brighter and healthier.

You might not realise it, but sun damage can really affect the state of your dark circles. You should never avoid the eye area when applying sun cream. Its so important, particularly on the upper and lower lids. It will help to delay the signs of skin ageing (including dark circles) as well as protect against the development of small skin cancers, warns Hawkes.

The Body Shop Skin Defence Multi-Protection Lotion SPF 50+ Pa++++ (22)

If you ask me, a great SPF is one that doesnt sting when it gets near your eyes. For me, this stuff feels just like a normal lightweight face cream and leaves skin looking glowing and radiant. Plus, Ive never had any issues with it causing irritation around my eyes!

Murad City Skin Age Defence Broad Spectrum SPF50 (60)

On top of the fact that this SPF feels like a second skin and is one of the best Ive ever used, it contains vitamin C to boost glow and a colour-correcting tint to even out discolouration like dark circles.

The skin around the eyes is incredibly delicate, and being too aggressive with your skincare application can cause damage. Applying products should involve gently dabbing around the bony rim of the orbit with your ring finger, advises Hawkes. While that might be something youre already aware of, its important to note that the same rules apply for makeup removal. So if youre someone who goes in heavy-handed with micellar water, you might want to think again. Hawkes reveals, Be careful when removing eye makeup. Dont rub the eyes excessively, Personally, I opt for hydrating products that have slip, like a cleansing balm. Using a balm or an oil for your first cleanse to remove eye makeup means you dont drag or damage the skin with abrasion.

Versed Day Dissolve Cleansing Balm (17)

This stuff is responsible for getting me through the great spa hiatus of 2020/2021. Its affordable but feels super luxurious and gets rid of stubborn makeup with ease.

E.L.F. Cosmetics Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm (10)

When Im feeling exceptionally tired and when my face looks particularly drab, I reach for this plumping balm come evening. It contains a bunch of skin-loving ingredients, including hydrating hyaluronic acid as well as plumping and restoring ceramides and peptides.

The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter (11)

This is possibly one of my favourite beauty products of all time. Im yet to find a waterproof mascara that this buttery balm cant beat.

Elemis Pro-Collagen Naked Cleansing Balm (44)

If youre a fan of Elemiss cult Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm, you might have noticed that the essential oil content means it gets particularly eye-watering. However, this new naked version is fragrance- and essential oilfree, meaning its perfect for removing eye makeup.

Using retinol around the eye area might seem odd at first, but believe me when I say it can make all of the difference. The myth that retinol thins the skin is a very abundant one, but it couldnt be further from the truth. A vitamin A derivative like retinol helps in several ways. Over time, it will improve skin smoothness and reduce pigmentation, says Hawkes. The trick is to avoid any irritation where possible. Look for gentle formulas and start off using them only once or twice a week. With consistent application, skin will build up a tolerance, and you can up the usage.

Verso Super Eye Serum (70)

This clever product harnesses the power of Retinol 8, which is a powerful ingredient that is much less likely to cause irritation. Expect soothed skin while the Retinol 8 helps to boost collagen production over time.

Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum (65)

If youre dubious about using retinol creams around your eyes because youre prone to sensitivity, this one might also be for you. This formula uses slow-release retinol that delivers its dosage in gradual increments to minimise irritation and damage.

I know that facial rollers seem like a gimmick, but Im sure that my dark circles have diminished since I started using them more religiously. While stone rollers (such as jade and rose quartz) heat up a little too quickly to make a difference on my skin, I have found some products that deliver instantly brighter results.

Fracheur Ice Globes in Coral Glitter (95)

You might have seen these on Instagram. Any sort of ice globe that can be rolled over and around the eyes to help reduce puffiness is a total winner for me. The trick is to make sure you have some sort of cream or serum applied first to allow slip.

The Body Shop Revitalising Precision Eye Roller (12)

I love how small this roller is. Unlike so many others, the size allows you to really get into the inner corners and help awaken the whole eye area.

Susanne Kaufmann Eye Rescue Stick (80)

Possibly one of my favourite eye products out there, this eye serum contains a whole bunch of ingredients to deliver hydration and radiance and minimise dark circles. Plus, it has a built-in metal roller that makes it a dream to apply.

Inc.redible Cosmetics Need a Wake Up Call Jade Under-Eye Roller (12)

This is a more affordable option compared to the above product. Granted, the formula of the serum isnt quite as juicy and efficacious, but the built-in jade roller is almost impossibly soothing and depuffing.

Next up, 10 Cleansers That Actually Work on Dry Skin

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I've Had Dark Circles All My Life, and These Are the Only Products That Work - Yahoo Eurosport UK