In most cases, dark circles under your eyes are more of a cosmetic concern than a health issue.
Some men may think dark circles under their eyes make them look older, less youthful and energetic, or in need of more sleep.
Many men aren’t comfortable wearing makeup to conceal dark circles. So, what are the alternatives for men who want to get rid of the dark circles under their eyes?
There are several things you can try to get rid of your dark circles without the use of makeup:
Get more sleep
A lack of sleep typically won’t cause undereye dark circles, but it might make you pale which can make any dark circles or shadows appear more obvious.
Change your diet
Along with drinking enough water to stay hydrated, eat foods that support collagen. According to a
Foods rich in vitamin C and amino acids that can increase collagen and hyaluronic acid include:
Treat your allergies
Hay fever and other allergies can cause puffiness and swelling of the skin under your eyes. This can result in a darkening of the skin. Your doctor might recommend antihistamines like cetirizine and loratadine.
Stop smoking
Tobacco smoke damages the skin on your face. Among other things, it can break down collagen.
Add an extra pillow
When you lie flat, fluid can pool in your lower eyelids and cause your eyes to be puffy. Consider elevating your head with an extra pillow or two.
Calm your eczema
Eczema can thin your skin. Talk to your doctor about what triggers your eczema — household cleaners, fragrances, wool — and if you need prescription topical medications such as:
- corticosteroids
- PDE4 inhibitors
- calcineurin inhibitors
Get more exercise
Exercising more often and for a longer period of time will boost circulation, leading to benefits for your complexion.
Stop rubbing your eyes
Rubbing your eyes can damage the small blood vessels in your eyelids and the skin under your eyes. Those broken blood vessels can appear as dark circles.
Wear sunscreen
UVA rays can penetrate deeply into your skin and cause damage to the elastin and collagen that keep your skin youthful.
Shrink your blood vessels
Consider using a cold compress on your eyes for about 20 minutes. The cold may reduce puffiness and help shrink blood vessels. This can result in a diminishment in the appearance of dark circles.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties and moisturizing and antiaging effects on skin. Before going to bed, consider massaging aloe vera gel under your eyes and leaving it on for about 10 minutes before cleaning with a clean cloth or cotton pad. Advocates of natural healing suggest that this might help reduce the appearance of dark circles under your eyes.
Coconut oil
The moisturizing properties of coconut oil promote skin health. Natural healers suggest treating dark circles under your eyes by massaging a few drops of virgin coconut oil under your eyes before going to bed and then leaving it there overnight.
Tomato juice
According to a
Proponents of natural healing suggest mixing equal parts tomato juice and lemon juice and then applying this mixture under your eyes for around 10 minutes before washing it off with cold water. You can apply the mixture twice a day for two to three weeks.
Heredity
You might be genetically predisposed to dark circles under your eyes since your genes influence your skin’s level of pigmentation.
Aging
As you age, your skin tends to get thinner and lose collagen and fat. When that happens under your eyes, the blood vessels are more obvious and may cause your skin to appear darker.
Unless the dark circles under your eyes are hereditary or the result of advanced age, you have a number of different options to reduce — or even get rid of — their appearance.
If you’re still concerned or home remedies haven’t worked, talk with your doctor about medical treatments available to reduce pigmentation.