Blue or purplish undereye circles are the most common type of undereye skin discoloration. There are several theories about their origins, but all agree that the blue stain is caused by blood vessels under the skin. With age, skin becomes thinner and more translucent; making the appearance of these vessels considerably more prominent.
Allergies and sinusitis often exacerbate the problem, too; lack of sleep slows down circulation and the undereye capillaries dilate, making matters worse. Sometimes blood leaks out of the tiny capillaries; as it is broken down by enzymes, a temporary bluish-black skin shade results. Skin-lightening agents such as Vitamin C have absolutely no effect on blue undereye circles; but a few cosmetic and natural remedies are said to improve their appearance.
Natural Remedies for Dark Undereye Circles
Frequent exercise improves blood circulation, and thus may minimize the appearance of dark undereye circles. Eliminating possible food allergens such as wheat or diary might help some cases, so a thorough medical check-up would be an excellent place to start. Simple healthy solutions such as getting enough sleep, minimizing or eliminating intake of caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco, and following proper nutritional guidelines are sometimes all that is needed to fade dark circles and make the complexion look well-rested and fresh.
Sources recommend slices of raw potato or moistened green teabags placed over the eyes, although these treatments probably provide only temporary improvement at best.
Retin-A and Retinol for Dark Undereye Circles
Although retinoic acid cannot banish dark circles completely, it can thicken the skin under the eyes, thereby making them a good deal less noticeable. Retin-A requires a physician’s prescription; if used incorrectly, it can cause more harm than good, so purchasing it on-line and slathering it on is a definite no-no. Retinol is an over-the-counter form of Vitamin A (which is not exactly the same thing as retinoic acid) that has been shown to share some of the same properties as its stronger prescription-only cousin.
Retinol may help diminish dark circles under the eyes over time, although it may prove too irritating for some consumers to apply around the eye area. Alpha Hydrox Retinol Night ResQ, Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Cream, Olay Pro-X Deep Wrinkle Treatment, Peter Thomas Roth Retinol Fusion PM, or Paula’s Choice RESIST Barrier Repair Moisturizer, Skin Remodeling Complex all contain plenty of retinol in easily absorbed cream or lotion bases.
Vitamin K for Dark Blue Circles
Vitamin K is a substance necessary to the body’s blood clotting capabilities. It is often marketed by cosmetics companies as preventing or improving the appearance of broken capillaries, so it is not surprising that it is included in products meant to clear up undereye discolorations. Some doctors even recommend Vitamin K skincare products to speed healing of bruising after cosmetic procedures.
However, to date there has never been an actual scientific study that showed topically-applied Vitamin K to minimize or cure the appearance of blood vessels on the skin’s surface. Consequently, it might be best to only try it in products that also include other beneficial ingredients: Quintessence Under Eye Serum Capsules contain both retinol and Vitamin K, so they may help lessen undereye circles even if the Vitamin K turns out to be a complete washout. Naturopathica's Vitamin K Brightening Eye Serum contains shiny mica to lessen the appearance of dark blue circles by reflecting light away from the skin under the eyes.
Miscellaneous Remedies for Dark Undereye Circles
Hylexin by Bremenn Research Labs is a popular product that contains hesperidin methyl chalcone; this chemical lessens the amount of blood passing through capillaries and theoretically might make dark circles look better. Unfortunately, no lab testing proves this theory; at least not when the substance is applied to the skin. It is a good, fragrance-free moisturizer, however.
Talika Eye Detox Contour Gel is supposed to correct dark circles by 85% in 28 days. It contains horse chestnut extract, which is used by herbalists to treat venous problems. This gel is a decent moisturizer, which may simply make dark circles look better by improving the condition of the skin under the eyes.
Original Visine and hemorrhoid ointments that contain 0.25% phenylephrine both constrict blood vessels, and offer temporary “quick fix” improvement after a few too many late nights. Visine will eventually dry out the skin, so it should not be used every day. Preparation H and generic versions thereof have some associated side effects, including possible increases in blood pressure; they are really best left for their originally intended use! In fact, long term use may make dark circles worse as the blood vessels dilate in an attempt to counteract the constant vasoconstriction.
If no over-the-counter remedy seems to help at all, consult a dermatologist or plastic surgeon. Some types of laser resurfacing or chemical peels will reduce or eliminate dark undereye circles for good.
Readers of this article may also enjoy “Getting Rid of Dark Brown Circles Under the Eyes” in Suite 101’s Home & Style section.
Sources
- Bark, Dr. Joseph P., Your Skin…An Owner’s Guide, Paramus, NJ: Prentice Hall, 1995.
- Begoun, Paula, with Barron, Bryan, Don’t Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me, 7th and 8th editions, Renton, WA: Beginning Press, 2008 and 2010.
- Davis, Julie, Young Skin for Life, Emmaus, PA: Rodale Press, 1995.
- Donahue, Kayleigh, “Basic Training,” Allure, Oct. 2010.
- Gabriel, Julie, The Green Beauty Guide, Deerfield Beach, FL, Health Communications, Inc., 2008.
- James, Kat, "The Inner Life of Under-Eye Circles," informedbeauty.com.
- Preparation H May Raise Blood Pressure,” peoplespharmacy.com, March 2008.
- "The 5 Best Anti-aging Vitamins," New Beauty, Spring 2010, p. 108.
Amy Sillup - I have a B.S. in Chemistry from Delaware Valley College and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania. I have worked as a ...
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