Let’s be clear: no one likes to deal with under-eye circles and bags. But the problem can be especially hard to deal with for those who have dark skin tones because treatments that dermatologists might normally suggest like lasers or chemical peels aren’t always suitable. Luckily, there is hope. That’s why we reached out to the experts to get some advice.
To start, it’s important to figure out the cause of your under-eye circles. Los Angeles dermatologist, Gene Rubinstein, MD, says there are three components to consider. First, if there’s a groove under the eyes, he suggests using a hyaluronic acid filler like Restylane to smooth the area. “A prominent groove can give shadowing and make it look like there are dark circles,” he says.
Next, if you have dark pigmentation around your eyes, especially in the lower eyelids, then your best bet is to use an at-home cream, or a combination of ingredients. “I use a combination of hydroquinone, sometimes with a vitamin C or an antioxidant, which can lighten the skin,” says Beverly Hills, CA, dermatologist Rhonda Rand, MD. “Niacinamide can help, Retin-A and also a light bleach like kojic acid. I use different components depending on the patient.”
Last, if you have a loss of skin tissue and sagging under the eyes, it can cause blood vessels to show through and look like pigmentation. In that case, Dr. Rubinstein suggests using products that contain caffeine to constrict blood vessels and vitamin K to reduce redness. Or you can opt for an in-office laser treatment like Fraxel to promote collagen growth in the skin. Just make sure to visit a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon to properly assess your skin before performing any laser treatment.
Of course, a little makeup can also go a long way. Celebrity makeup artist Raychel Wade says, to “avoid light concealers that tend to come in a wand or twist applicator and opt for thicker ones that are usually in pans or compacts.” As for the application process, she says to pat concealer on, after applying foundation, using your finger or a brush. And she stresses not to forget the inner corner of your eye and the inside bridge of your nose. “That area tends to have darkness that we forget about and it’s important to cover it as well!”
