How to choose Serums and Eye creams for dark circles

You’ve been slacking on your sleep for a couple of nights to complete your assignments, or you’ve been stressed about meeting deadlines. As a result, you get one of the most dreaded of all skin conditions dark circles. This is why the market is flooded with creams and serums that are specifically marketed towards decreasing the appearance of under-eye dark circles.

Why do we develop dark circles?

These pesky fragments of darkness cream that you are either sleep-deprived, stressed, or have been following a very unhealthy diet. Additionally, dark circles can be a result of sun exposure, cigarette smoke, as well as genetics. Interestingly an increased tendency to develop dark circles has been reported in Asian and African people because of a very thin layer of skin beneath their eyes. Dark circles develop when veins beneath the skin in your under-eye area become dilated (which can be a result of decreased circulation to this area), becoming visible through the skin as a dark shadowy area. Additionally, as we age, we tend to lose most of the fat and collagen under the eye, making dark circles more prominent. Another reason for dark circles can be hyperpigmentation of the area around the eyes, which does not have much to do with dilated veins.

How should you treat dark circles?

Though many products claim to treat dark spots, under-eye serums and creams remain the easiest and the most hassle-free option to do so. However, while choosing the best eye cream or serum for you, you should not let yourself get fooled with fancy labels and expensive treatments. These ingredients should be on your radar while you search for your next eye cream:

Caffeine is probably one of the most popular ingredients out there that aim at reducing the appearance of dark circles. It improves microcirculation and constricts the majority of the blood vessels. Additionally, caffeine also reduces puffiness which will further improve how the under-eye area appears.

Vitamin C, ferulic acid, and vitamin E: Vitamin C is probably the most common brightening ingredient available in the market. It works as an antioxidant by scavenging the free radicals (that can cause widespread cellular damage on their own). Vitamin C, when used in a concentration between 10-20% and in a combination with ferulic acid and Vitamin E, works wonders to improve dark circles and give you even-toned skin.

Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and other natural moisturizing factors: Hyaluronic acid along with natural moisturizing factors like ceramides work by holding in moisture and hydration in the subcutaneous regions of your skin. These quickly hydrate and plump up the skin, leaving it glowing and youthful. Additionally, NMFs prevent dehydration and thus the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

Peptides, which are small forms of proteins help in building up collagen and elastin. Although these proteins are produced by the human body, their production decreases with age =. Serums containing peptides in a concentration of 7-10% aid in the skin’s repair process, reduce UV damage and reverse the signs of ageing.

Retinol, the most powerful ingredient for dark circles can reduce the appearance of dark circles and under-eye puffiness in a period of four weeks. However, because it is such a powerful ingredient, it should be cautiously applied to the frail skin beneath the eyes.

Apply your eye cream in your AM and PM skincare routine (however, a retinol-based eye cream should only be a part of your nighttime skincare routine). Apply it in gentle circular motions, preferably using your ring finger.