How to Get Rid of Raccoon Eyes: Tips and Tricks for Brighter Under-Eyes
Raccoon eyes refer to the dark circles or bruises that appear around your eyes. They are not the same as the dark circles that appear when you are tired, but rather they are a sign of an underlying condition or trauma.
Understanding the causes and health implications of raccoon eyes can help you take appropriate measures to get rid of them.
Causes of Raccoon Eyes
Raccoon eyes are most commonly caused by a basal skull fracture or facial fracture. According to Medical News Today, when a fracture occurs, blood leaks into the periorbital tissue, causing the characteristic dark circles.
Other possible causes of raccoon eyes include:
- Allergies
- Sinus infection
- Lack of sleep
- Aging
- Genetics
Health Implications
While raccoon eyes may seem like a cosmetic issue, they can also indicate a serious underlying health condition. For example, if they are caused by a basal skull fracture, it can indicate a head injury that requires immediate medical attention.
In addition, according to Cleveland Clinic, raccoon eyes can be a sign of a facial fracture, which can cause nerve damage, vision problems, and other complications.
It is important to consult a doctor if you experience raccoon eyes, especially if they are accompanied by other symptoms such as headache, nausea, or vision problems.
Your doctor can help determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment options.
Preventive Measures
If you want to prevent raccoon eyes, you need to take care of your skin and your overall health. Here are some preventive measures you can take:
Proper Sleep
Getting enough sleep is essential to prevent raccoon eyes. Lack of sleep can cause dark circles under your eyes, making you look tired and older than you are.
To prevent this, make sure you get at least 7-8 hours of sleep every night. You can also try sleeping on your back to avoid wrinkles and puffiness.
Skin Care Routine
Having a good skin care routine can also help prevent raccoon eyes. Make sure you remove your makeup before going to bed and cleanse your face thoroughly.
You can also use eye creams or serums that contain Vitamin K, which has been shown to be effective in combatting raccoon eyes.
Additionally, use sunscreen daily (be sure it is safe for use near the eyes) and hydrate the skin with eye creams that target under-eye circles.
Healthy Diet
Eating a healthy diet can also help prevent raccoon eyes. Make sure you include foods that are rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and improve skin health.
Additionally, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can dehydrate your skin and make dark circles more noticeable.
Treatment Options
If you’re dealing with raccoon eyes, there are several treatment options available to help reduce the appearance of dark circles and swelling.
Home Remedies
There are several home remedies you can try to reduce the appearance of raccoon eyes. Applying a cold compress to the affected area can help reduce swelling and inflammation.
You can use a bag of frozen peas, a cold spoon, or a chilled teabag to help soothe the area. You can also try using cucumber slices or potato slices, which contain enzymes that can help reduce puffiness and dark circles.
Getting enough rest and staying hydrated can also help reduce the appearance of raccoon eyes. Lack of sleep and dehydration can make dark circles more noticeable, so make sure you’re getting enough sleep and drinking plenty of water.
Over-the-Counter Solutions
There are several over-the-counter solutions available to help reduce the appearance of raccoon eyes. Look for eye creams or serums that contain ingredients like vitamin C, vitamin K, caffeine, or retinol.
These ingredients can help brighten the under-eye area and reduce puffiness.
You can also use color correctors or concealers to help cover up dark circles. Choose a color corrector that’s opposite your skin tone on the color wheel (e.g. green for redness, peach for blue/purple) and apply it before your concealer.
Professional Treatments
If home remedies and over-the-counter solutions aren’t working for you, there are several professional treatments available to help reduce the appearance of raccoon eyes.
One option is to get a chemical peel or laser treatment. These treatments can help reduce pigmentation and improve the overall texture of the skin.
Another option is to get injectable fillers, which can help plump up the under-eye area and reduce the appearance of dark circles.
It’s important to talk to a dermatologist or aesthetician before trying any professional treatments to make sure they’re safe and effective for your skin type and concerns.
Makeup Techniques
If you want to get rid of raccoon eyes using makeup, there are a few techniques you can try. These techniques can help you cover up dark circles and make your eyes look brighter and more awake.
Use a Color Corrector
One of the most effective ways to cover up dark circles is to use a color corrector. A color corrector is a type of makeup that is used to neutralize the color of your skin.
To get rid of raccoon eyes, you should use a peach or orange color corrector. Apply this product under your eyes, and use your finger or a brush to blend it in. Once you have applied the color corrector, you can apply your regular concealer on top.
Apply Concealer Correctly
When you are applying concealer to cover up dark circles, it is important to apply it correctly.
Start by using a small amount of concealer, and apply it in a triangular shape under your eyes. This will help to brighten up your eyes and make them look more awake.
Use a makeup sponge or your finger to blend the concealer in. Make sure that you blend it outwards, towards your temples, so that there are no harsh lines.
Use a Highlighter
Using a highlighter can help to brighten up your eyes and make them look more awake.
Apply a small amount of highlighter to the inner corners of your eyes, and blend it outwards. You can also apply a small amount of highlighter to your brow bone, which will help to lift your eyes and make them look more open.
Avoid Heavy Eyeliner
If you have raccoon eyes, it is best to avoid using heavy eyeliner. This can make your eyes look even darker and more tired.
Instead, use a lighter shade of eyeliner, such as brown or grey. Apply the eyeliner to your upper lash line, and smudge it outwards with a brush or your finger. This will help to define your eyes without making them look too heavy.
When to See a Doctor
If you have raccoon eyes caused by an injury or trauma, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Raccoon eyes can be a sign of a serious injury such as a basal skull fracture or facial fracture. These injuries require prompt medical attention to prevent further complications.
In addition, if you have persistent raccoon eyes that do not improve with home remedies or over-the-counter treatments, it is important to see a doctor. This could be a sign of an underlying medical condition that requires medical intervention.
If you experience any of the following symptoms along with raccoon eyes, seek medical attention right away:
- Severe headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of consciousness
- Difficulty breathing
These symptoms may indicate a more serious injury or condition that requires immediate medical attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are natural remedies for reducing dark circles under the eyes?
There are several natural remedies that can help reduce dark circles under your eyes.
Applying a cold compress, such as a chilled cucumber slice or a cold spoon, can help reduce puffiness and inflammation. You can also try using tea bags, which contain caffeine and tannins that can help stimulate blood circulation and reduce dark circles.
Other natural remedies include using aloe vera gel, rose water, and almond oil.
Can dark circles under the eyes be removed quickly, and if so, how?
While it is possible to reduce the appearance of dark circles quickly, it is unlikely that they can be completely removed in a short amount of time.
One option is to use a concealer that matches your skin tone to help cover up the dark circles. Another option is to use a color corrector, such as a peach or orange tinted concealer, to neutralize the blue or purple tones of the dark circles before applying a concealer.
Is there a permanent solution to eliminate dark circles under the eyes?
There is no permanent solution to eliminate dark circles under your eyes. However, making lifestyle changes such as getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, and reducing stress can help prevent dark circles from forming.
Additionally, using a good eye cream that contains ingredients such as caffeine, vitamin C, and retinol can help reduce the appearance of dark circles over time.
What are the overnight treatments for dark circles under the eyes?
There are several overnight treatments that can help reduce the appearance of dark circles under your eyes.
One option is to apply a thin layer of almond oil or coconut oil under your eyes before going to bed. Another option is to use an eye cream that contains ingredients such as vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide.
Additionally, getting enough sleep and elevating your head while sleeping can help reduce puffiness and dark circles.
How can one address dark circles under the eyes with home remedies?
Home remedies such as applying a cold compress, using tea bags, and applying aloe vera gel or rose water can help reduce the appearance of dark circles under your eyes.
You can also try using a potato slice, which contains enzymes that can help lighten the skin and reduce inflammation. Another option is to mix turmeric powder with pineapple juice to create a paste that can help reduce dark circles.
What steps can be taken to prevent dark circles caused by mascara?
To prevent dark circles caused by mascara, make sure to remove all of your makeup before going to bed. Use a gentle makeup remover and avoid rubbing or pulling on your skin.
Additionally, avoid using waterproof mascara. Waterproof mascara can be difficult to remove and can cause irritation and inflammation around your eyes.