Getting Rid of Dark Brown Circles Under the Eyes
Getting Rid of Dark Brown Circles Under the Eyes
Aging, lack of sleep, and bone structure all contribute to dark under eye circles; brown under eye circles are often caused by sun exposure and are treatable
There are two different types of dark under eye circles. Brown discolorations under the eyes are caused by the skin pigment called melanin; these dark circles are prevalent among sun worshipers, and many cosmetic products have been developed to reverse or minimize their appearance. Blue or purple discolorations under the eyes are even more common. They are caused by a network of blood vessels showing through the skin. Individuals with deep-set eyes, darker skin tones, and those who suffer with allergies, sinus troubles, or sleep deprivation usually have the most prominent dark circles.
The older a person is, the thinner the under eye skin gets; and the darker the circles appear. Skin care and cosmetic remedies are usually adequate, although persistent cases will probably require dermatological solutions such as laser surgery or peels.
Preventing and Getting Rid of Brown Circles Under the Eye
Preventing brown discoloration under the eyes requires diligent application of SPF 15 or higher sunscreen whenever the skin will be exposed to the sun. Make sure the sunscreen is formulated for use around the eyes. Wearing sunglasses as often as possible will also stop overproduction of melanin in this delicate area.
Once the brown circles have developed, a specially formulated under eye cream or lotion becomes necessarily to fade them. There are several effective skin-lightening agents:
- 2% hydroquinone
- Kojic acid
- Niacinamide
- Vitamin C
- Arbutin
The Pros and Cons of Hydroquinone
Hydroquinone is the strongest melanin-inhibiting agent on this list, but may cause allergic reactions. Chemically, it is a phenol, a member of a class of aromatic chemical compounds that have been shown to cause mutations in lab testing. Because of these drawbacks, it is generally recommended only for short-term use; and many consumers prefer to avoid it altogether. The European Union has banned hydroquinone as a skin lightener.
However, the negative lab results are based on industrial use of hydroquinone rather than cosmetic preparations; thus many dermatologists still recommend it. Try to buy it only in tubes, as exposure to air and light via jar packaging will inactivate it rather quickly. If hydroquinone doesn’t work within a few months, it is unlikely to ever work. The October 2010 issue of Allure recommends Murad Lighten and Brighten Eye Treatment, which contains 1.5% hydroquinone. Discontinue use and see a physician if redness or other irritation results.
Kojic Acid to Get Rid of Dark Under eye Circles
Kojic acid is derived from a fungus; but may also be produced as a byproduct during the manufacture of saki, which perhaps explains its popularity as a skin care ingredient in Japan. Kojic acid is known to lighten skin by slowing the production of brown pigment cells. It, too, should come in an air-and-light-safe container; and is very effective when used along with retinol or retinoic acid. Like all skin lighteners, it may cause irritation when used by those with sensitive skin.
Niacin-amide to Lighten Dark Under eye Circles
Niacinamide may help lighten minor skin discolorations. Also called Vitamin B3 or niacin, this ingredient is included in many cosmetics, but the Olay Regenerist line is one of the most inexpensive and readily available options. The Olay Regenerist Daily Regenerating Serums contain about 2-3% niacinamide, and may help lighten some types of under eye discolorations (though some lab studies suggest that 5% niacinamide is the appropriate concentration). Mary Kay Time Wise Even Complexion Essence blends the vitamin with a derivative of Vitamin C for even better lightening potential.
Vitamin C to Lighten Dark Under eye Circles
Vitamin C is another dark circle lightening option; in general, products should contain magnesium ascorbyl phosphate or other stable forms of Vitamin C instead of ascorbic acid, which may prove too irritating for the skin under the eyes. Beauty control Cell Block-C Intensive Brightening Elixir may help fade lighter brown discolorations, while Dermatological Chroma White TR Extreme C is more expensive product that should yield change for the better even with darker ones.
Arbutin to Lighten Brown Circles Under the Eyes
Arbutin is extracted either from pears, mushrooms, or the leaves of certain berry-producing plants. Although some users swear by it, the exact concentration of arbutin necessary for effective prevention of pigment development is still uncertain. Philosophy a pigment of your imagination SPF 18 and MD Skincare by Dr. Dennis Gross Hydra-Pure Radiance Renewal Serum both contain arbutin.
