Everyone deals with dark circles from time to time. With a constant barrage of day-to-day stress, you may be experiencing those “raccoon eyes” more often than not.

The good news? There are simple ways to treat those dark circles so you can face the world without looking exhausted. 

The Basics: What’s Actually Happening When You Get Dark Circles? 

Though they’re often attributed to exhaustion or stress, dark circles can appear for a variety of reasons, including: 

• Fatigue: If you’re missing too many much needed zzz’s, it can make your skin appear sallow and pale. This, in turn, can make darker blood vessels and tissue more apparent underneath the skin's surface.

• Dehydration: Dehydration and lack of fluid can cause a droopy, sinking effect that exacerbates the appearance of under-eye discoloration. 

• Genetics: Some people are predisposed to dark circles. If you’re one of them, you’ve probably had this issue since you were a kid. And they may be a little tougher to get rid of as a result.

• Eye Strain: Spending a lot of time looking at your phone or in front of the computer? This can cause your blood vessels to enlarge, thereby making your dark circles more prominent.

• Allergies: Allergic reactions cause blood vessels to dilate - which can worsen the appearance of dark circles. This common reason for dark circles is often ignored.

Ingredients and Products Lessen Dark Circles 

In most instances you can lessen the appearance of dark circles with the right anti-aging products - specifically those with ingredients that hydrate, plump, and brighten the under-eye skin. 

Hydrators: Hyaluronic Acid, Squalane, and Jojoba 

Hyaluronic acid, squalane, and jojoba are the ultimate skin hydrators. For one, hyaluronic acid is a powerful humectant that draws moisture in from its surrounding environment. Just one gram of hyaluronic acid can hold up to six liters of water!

This helps a ton when your under-eye area is dehydrated or feeling a little dull. 

Similarly, squalane and jojoba are natural oils that are super hydrating and non-comedogenic. Plus, both are biomimetic (similar in composition to human sebum), so they soak in easily and hydrate deeply without clogging pores or irritating the skin. Perfect for the under-eye area! 

That's why our Restoring Eye Serum Treatment is made with hyaluronic acid, protein peptides, and vitamin C. Use it daily to treat wrinkles, bags, and dark circles with gentle, natural ingredients.

Brighteners: Vitamin C and Vitamin E 

Dark circles are made worse by hyperpigmentation issues or environmental stressors. Fortunately, antioxidants help with both.

By reducing the signs of aging, repairing damaged skin, correcting hyperpigmentation, and accelerating collagen synthesis, antioxidants like vitamin C and vitamin E can correct and protect the skin for a noticeably brighter, more youthful complexion.

Get the benefits of these ingredients with our Restoring Eye Cream. Its gentle formula smooths away wrinkles and restores brightness in the sensitive skin under your eyes.

Plumper: Peptides 

Focus on ingredients that fill in fine lines and plump the skin. Hyaluronic acid, squalane, jojoba, vitamin C, and vitamin E all fall into this category. 

So do peptides. These are proteins found naturally in the skin that communicate with cells to trigger collagen production - which is critical for plump, elastic, youthful-looking skin.

Make peptides part of your daily routine with our Reviving Day Serum. Use it after washing your face but before applying moisturizer each morning. It leverages vitamin C and peptides to mitigate dark circles and other common signs of aging.

Consider The Rest Of Your Routine

Remember - you could be using the best skincare products out there, but if the rest of your routine encourages dark circles, they simply won’t go away. Make sure, then, that you’re also taking into account: 

• Your sleep: If you’re not getting enough zzz’s, you're more prone to dark circles no matter what. Make sure you have a regular sleep routine - at least seven hours of shut-eye a night. 

• Your allergies: Environmental allergies might be contributing to your dark circles. If you've tried to step up your skincare game and you're still dealing with stubborn dark circles, this could be your issue.

• Your hydration levels: If you’re dehydrated, your skin isn't going to look great - no matter how much squalane or jojoba you apply. A good rule of thumb for healthy hydration is to drink half your weight in ounces of water each day.

• Your stress: If you’re in “fight or flight mode” or constantly releasing cortisol, your skin is going to be dull. And your dark circles are going to be noticeable. Add that to the long list of reasons why you should get your stress under control.