Worried about dark under-eye circles? Here’s our recommendation
Stop worrying.
Contrary to whatever you’re hearing from cosmetics and skincare companies, there’s no quick-fix, easy solution to dark circles under the eyes. Scientists now believe that genetics, allergies and age play as much a part in perioptical hyperpigmentation as behavioral components such as fatigue and dehydration. Dark circles are an internal matter (sometimes as deeply internal as your DNA), and there’s no way to make them disappear topically.
There are, however, habits we can form and decisions we can make to mitigate dark circles as well as puffiness around the eyes. A full night's sleep (the experts recommend nine hours, but we'll take a restful seven) plays a big role in skin health and performance. Exhausted skin shows: dark circles, puffy skin under eyes, and a dull, muddy complexion are all visible signs of a sleepless night.
Here are some tips to get a better night’s sleep:
- Avoid drinking caffeine at least 4 hours before your intended bedtime. Alcohol can affect your sleep, too.
- Establish a regular bedtime routine and try to get in bed at the same time every night. This sort of conditioning helps the mind relax and expect sleep.
- De-stress with a nightly bath.
- Check the electronics at the door. We know it's hard, but do not scroll through your smartphone or iPad in bed. Instead, opt for a real book instead of stimulating (or depressing) news feeds.
- If counting sheep can’t lull you to sleep, let essential oils get the job done. Essential oil of lavender, for example, is very effective in calming the senses to induce sleep.
- Try daily meditation in the evening, close to your bedtime. This will help you relax so you can quickly be off to dreamland when your head hits the pillow.
Good sleep isn’t the only factor of "beauty sleep." During your slumber, your skin is hard at work repairing and renewing itself. New skin cells are formed to replace older and damaged cells, and your body undergoes important hormonal and metabolic changes. You can aid in this rejuvenation by creating an effective nighttime product ritual that helps clean skin and restore natural balance.
Our recommended nighttime routine:
- Cleanse your face with a gentle, non-toxic cleanser to remove makeup and dirt.
- Follow up with a toner made with natural alpha hydroxy acids to clean deep within pores.
- Pat our Intensive Eye Repair under each eye (skin is delicate in this area so be gentle!) to help reduce inflammation and puffiness.
- Mix a scoop of our reparative Antioxidant Skin Boost with your night cream or moisturizer (we love mixing it with our collagen-boosting Peptide Booster Serum) to neutralize free-radicals and feed your skin important vitamin nutrients.
- Analyze your sleeping environment. Since you are most likely using AC or heat, consider adding a moisture-replacing humidifier near your bed or our B Quenched Facial Oil to your skin care routine.
A good night’s sleep will not only make you feel better, but it will make you look better, too. Stop worrying about dark circles and feel confident that you’re taking steps towards healthier skin and a healthier you.
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