Very dark circles under the eyes-one guys journey

[a-dog]

I did a search before starting this and while I didn't read every thread it seemed like most were pretty old so I decided to start a new one.

I have very deep set dark circles under my eyes, they actually extend down my checks in spots. A few years back I decided to start aggressively start trying to find a solution to them.

It's not an allergy thing and it's not a lack of sleep thing. They're always there no matter what I do.

According to the dermatologist I saw I have what is called a deep tear through. That means the fat pads under my eyes are either not there or are very, very thin so blood pools up in that area.

So, I'm going to tell you guys what I have tried, what works (which really isn't a whole lot) and what is snake oil-which is really almost everything over the counter.

In my experience the first thing a dermatologist will prescribe or recommend is a bleaching cream. This has some benefit BUT it will dry the skin out so if you are using anything to hide the circles (concealer) it's almost impossible to apply.

IMHO, the first thing you should do before you try any type of cream or treatment is get a very good moisturizer and use it as much as possible. You have to keep the skin hydrated wrinkles are a bitch to deal with.

That's it for today.

[mtpockets]

[LisaSkinnoble]

Yes, stay hydrated but be careful about your choice of eye cream. Avoid mineral oil, look for light formulations, and check the ingredients. Many brightening creams contain Bismuth Oxychloride to give a light reflective glow to the skin, but Bismuth Oxychloride is an allergen and will irritate.

When I cleanse, morning and night, I give myself a facial massage. Heaven! Give it a try and focus on lymph drainage which might somewhat improve the dark circles.

If you're using a concealer, use a colour corrector first. I'd visit the MAC counter for a perfect skin-match. With the use of a colour corrector, you will find you need less concealer and the effect will appear more natural.

[a-dog]

Pretty much.

It's pretty depressing actually cause there's really nothing you can do (unless you spend a decent amount of money but we'll get to that later).

[paolo59]

This getting older thing is not for the faint of heart. I realized the other day that there are only 2 teachers on campus older than I am. LOL I just slathered my face up with some Neutrogena and poured myself another gin and tonic. I'm investigating the benefits of pickling.

[a-dog]

It was suggested to me a few weeks back to try a coconut oil/almond oil combination-not really an almond oil, it was more like a paste as they wanted you to crush up some almonds and blend it with the coconut oil.
I tried almond oil years ago and it did nothing but I decided since I was having a bit of an issue with keeping the skin under the eye hydrated I'd try coconut oil and it's great for that.
Nothing earth shattering but it was one of the few bright spots I've come across as of late.

[ImBunky]

I always get the reverse of this from being out in the sun to much with shades on.

[Cass40]

I've had dark circles under my eyes all my life and I've never noticed any hydration or lotion helping the issue. The only thing that has any effect is the weather. I used to just put make up under my eyes but I can't anymore cuz of wrinkles. Make up is just the worst when you get older.
My solution: I wear glasses so nobody can tell.

[a-dog]

I've had dark circles under my eyes all my life and I've never noticed any hydration or lotion helping the issue. The only thing that has any effect is the weather. I used to just put make up under my eyes but I can't anymore cuz of wrinkles. Make up is just the worst when you get older.
My solution: I wear glasses so nobody can tell.

The hydration is what prevents the wrinkles and drying out of the skin. It doesn't do anything for the circles.

[Cass40]

The hydration is what prevents the wrinkles and drying out of the skin. It doesn't do anything for the circles.

Honestly, I've never noticed drinking water or lotions make any difference. The only difference is the weather. In England my skin was the nicest because of humid weather, in Finland I look like a corpse except in the fall when it gets rainy. Here in LA it's dry but for some reason the skin looks nice here. Maybe because we're always tanned?
But yes, now finally at 44 I have noticed that I need to use a moisturizer.

[LisaSkinnoble]

The hydration is what prevents the wrinkles and drying out of the skin. It doesn't do anything for the circles.

That's right. And it preps the skin for corrector and concealer.

[crupiea]

This would seriously not even by on my radar.

I dont have time to worry about this stuff.

Damn sure not bleaching my skin.

[LisaSkinnoble]

This getting older thing is not for the faint of heart. I realized the other day that there are only 2 teachers on campus older than I am. LOL I just slathered my face up with some Neutrogena and poured myself another gin and tonic. I'm investigating the benefits of pickling.

Best post! lol! /end thread

[CaptChip40]

I've had dark circles under my eyes all my life and I've never noticed any hydration or lotion helping the issue. The only thing that has any effect is the weather. I used to just put make up under my eyes but I can't anymore cuz of wrinkles. Make up is just the worst when you get older.
My solution: I wear glasses so nobody can tell.

More cleavage, no one will notice.

[a-dog]

This would seriously not even by on my radar.

I dont have time to worry about this stuff.

Damn sure not bleaching my skin.

That's cool. For some it's pretty bad. It's not like I enjoy it or anything. Trust me, it's a royal pain in the ass.