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How to choose the best eye products for dark circles?

Dr. Mugi Anju

4 Min Read

Fast Check Fact Checked

Dark circles can be frustrating. They make you look tired, older, and can sap your overall confidence. The best products for dark circles require a combination of skincare products, including facewash, sunscreen, and serums. Look for products that contain active ingredients such as mandelic acid, kojic acid, vitamin C, Glutathione, Alpha arbutin, and peptides.

Understanding the Causes of Dark Circles

To effectively tackle dark circles, it’s essential to first understand what causes them:

Genetics: Some people are genetically predisposed to dark circles due to thinner skin under the eyes.
Age: As we age, skin naturally loses collagen and becomes thinner, revealing blood vessels contributing to darkness.

Read: How to spot signs of ageing and what you can do about it.

Lack of Sleep: Sleep deprivation causes blood vessels to dilate, making them more visible under the thin under-eye skin.
Allergies: Seasonal allergies or nasal congestion can trigger dark circles due to restricted blood flow around the eyes.
Dehydration: Dry skin emphasizes darkness and wrinkles, including those under your eyes.
Sun Exposure: Sun damage accelerates premature ageing, including thinning the delicate under-eye skin.

Read: Why should you use sunscreen SPF 50/PA+++?

Other less-frequently discussed factors that can contribute to dark circles include:

Iron Deficiency: Low iron levels can reduce oxygen transport to tissues, making blood vessels appear bluer under thin skin.
Medical Conditions: Certain underlying health conditions, like thyroid issues or anemia, can cause dark circles.
Hyperpigmentation: People with darker skin tones are more prone to hyperpigmentation (excess melanin) under their eyes.

Ingredients to Look for in Eye Products

Tackling dark circles requires a multi-faceted skincare approach. Here’s your targeted ingredient checklist:

Face Wash:

Look for a product that contain:

Mandelic Acid: As a gentle AHA, mandelic acid is excellent for sensitive skin. In your face wash, it works by subtly exfoliating the surface, sloughing off dull, pigmented skin cells. Over time, this reveals fresher, brighter skin beneath – essential for addressing hyperpigmentation around the eyes.

Read: How to remove pigmentation from face?

Serums:

Look for products that contain:

Kojic Acid: This naturally-derived acid inhibits an enzyme called tyrosinase, vital for melanin production. By hindering this enzyme, kojic acid helps prevent new dark spots and gradually fades existing hyperpigmentation.
Glutathione: A powerful antioxidant, glutathione combats free radicals that can exacerbate skin discoloration, including dark circles. Some studies suggest it can even interfere with melanin production, potentially offering additional brightening effects.
Vitamin C: This is known to disrupt melanin synthesis, helps fade hyperpigmentation, and protects against further sun-induced darkening. Its collagen-boosting properties plump the under-eye area, making shadows less noticeable.
Alpha Arbutin: Derived from bearberry plants, alpha arbutin suppresses melanin formation similar to kojic acid. It’s a good alternative for those with sensitive skin as it’s generally less irritating.
Peptides: These short chains of amino acids are building blocks of collagen and elastin. In serums, they signal your skin to produce more of these proteins for plumper, more resilient skin. Less ‘hollow’ skin means shadowing is less noticeable.

Read about the benefits of peptides for skin.

Sunscreen

Look for products that contain:

Vitamin E: An antioxidant that fights sun damage and helps protect against further hyperpigmentation. It pairs beautifully with vitamin C, too!
Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide: Physical (mineral) sunscreen ingredients are ideal for sensitive skin and provide broad-spectrum protection. Choose formulas specifically indicated for your eye area.

Read about the importance of sunscreen for anti-ageing regimen.

Our product recommendation

Check out our curated products at MFine specifically designed to tackle dark circles and brighten your complexion:

MFine Dark Circle Reduction Kit

This carefully formulated kit offers a multi-pronged approach to diminish under-eye discoloration and revitalize your eye area:

MFine AHA Brightening Face Wash (1% Mandelic Acid Exfoliating Cleanser)

Gently resurfaces with mandelic acid, a mild yet effective AHA suitable for most skin types.
Reveals a brighter, more even complexion for a more radiant overall appearance.
Preps your skin to better absorb other ingredients for maximum results.

Click here for product details and how to get the most out of your dark circle reduction kit.

MFine Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50/PA+++

Broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays is non-negotiable.
Prevents sun-induced hyperpigmentation, ensuring your skincare’s brightening effects aren’t negated.
Formula specifically for facial use means less risk of irritation around the delicate eye area.

Click here for product details and how to get the most out of your dark circle reduction kit.

MFine 2% Kojic Acid + 2% Glutathione Night Serum

Contains a powerful combination of melanin inhibitors to fade existing discoloration.
Glutathione’s potent antioxidant power protects from free radical damage caused by sun exposure, pollution, and stress— all contributors to under-eye darkness.
Used at night maximizes benefits as your skin enters its natural repair mode.

Click here for product details and how to get the most out of your dark circle reduction kit.

MFine 2% Peptides Serum

Addresses a root cause of shadowing under the eyes – loss of volume.
Peptides boost collagen and elastin production, helping to plump and firm the under-eye area.
A smoother under-eye area with fewer fine lines makes shadows less noticeable.

Click here for product details and how to get the most out of your dark circle reduction kit.

Additional Tips for Combating Dark Circles

Staying Hydrated:

Drinking plenty of water throughout the day keeps your skin plump and reduces overall dullness.

Getting Enough Sleep:

Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep to give your body the time it needs for cell repair and to reduce under-eye puffiness.

Cold Compress:

A cold compress or chilled eye mask temporarily shrinks blood vessels, offering a quick fix for puffiness and darkness.

Addressing Allergies:

If allergies are the culprit, over-the-counter antihistamines or consulting a doctor can help.

See a Dermatologist:

If dark circles persist despite at-home measures, a dermatologist can assess the cause and recommend professional treatments if needed.

Key Takeaways

Battling dark circles requires a dedicated skincare routine and healthy lifestyle habits. Look for products that target multiple factors leading to darkness, including hydration, collagen production, and sun protection. While results may not be immediate, with patience and consistency, the right products can make a significant difference in achieving a brighter, well-rested appearance.