The Worst Mistake You Can Make If You Have Dark Circles, According To Skin Experts
August 21, 2021 by Lisa Cupido
If concealer is the one cosmetic you’re most intimately acquainted with, there’s a good chance black circles are the bane of your existence. You’re far from being alone. Whether yours are the result of genetics, aging, or one too many nights spent lying awake in bed, you may be searching for ways to conceal or get rid of black under-eye circles. But what you may not be focusing on is one of the most common errors people make that can worsen black circles. This is the worst mistake you can make if you have dark circles, according to skin experts.
Rubbing Too HardTaking care of black circles isn’t just about buying products that can help lighten or conceal them — you could be making mistakes in your everyday skincare routine that worsen them. One of the worst things you can do is rub too hard at your eyes in an effort to boost circulation and lighter circles.
“The worst mistake you could make if you have dark circles is probably not being gentle on your skin, like rubbing too hard or applying too much pressure when putting cream and other skincare products,” says Kim Harris, a naturopathic medical doctor and owner of Prescott Medical Aesthetic and Wellness. “The skin around the eyes is thinner and more delicate, so to avoid worsening dark circles, best to use the pinky finger to apply an eye cream or gel as this has the lightest touch. Pat gently to allow the products soaked in, avoid tugging as this can further irritate your bags and could cause other problems like fine lines and wrinkles.”
What you DO is as important as what you aren’t doing when you care for your skin and black circles. When choosing eye creams or gels, Harris suggests looking for products that contain hydroquinone. “This lightening cream helps lessen the appearance of dark under the eyes,” Harris says.
Dr. Ailynne Marie Vergara-Wijangco MD, a dermatologist and writer at Thank Your Skin, also recommends a number of at-home treatments for making dark circles appear lighter, though she reminds us that treatment for dark eye circles depends on the underlying cause. Some of the more common methods she recommends include: