The many changes of menopause

The declining production of the hormone estrogen during menopause triggers a variety of changes in a woman’s body, including the skin. Since our skin is particularly sensitive to estrogen levels, a deficiency of this hormone can lead to thinning skin – and the already delicate skin under the eyes is the most susceptible. Unfortunately, as the skin becomes thinner, the veins beneath become more visible, giving the unwanted appearance of shadowy dark circles. 

Simple steps to perk up dark circles:

1. Make small lifestyle changes

Don’t underestimate the positive impact that a few simple changes to your diet, sleep schedule and sun protection routine can have on your menopausal complexion.

• Diet. Without a balanced diet of essential vitamins and nutrients, under-eye skin can become pale and discolored, especially during menopause. During this time it’s important to eat a well-balanced diet, and if necessary, consider taking vitamins or a nutritional supplement. Make sure to hydrate properly

• Sleep. Fatigue can cause pale skin and disrupts the blood flow around the eyes, thus creating dark circles, so it’s important to get at around 8 hours of beauty sleep each night. But be careful: too much shut-eye can also lead to dark circles since lying down for long periods of time can cause the blood to pool under the eyes, creating a darker hue.
• Sun protection. Be diligent about wearing sun protection around your eyes (and everywhere else for that matter). Not only does sun exposure deepen the skin tone around the eyes and accentuate dark circles, but it also leads to fine lines and wrinkles. It’s never too late to defend your skin against the sun. Try Ole Henriksen Total Truth Eye Creme SPF 15 to moisturize and protect your under-eyes.

2. Invigorate your skincare routine

Using under-eye creams and masks regularly can keep your eyes looking bright.

• Under-eye creams. Choose eye creams with antioxidants and caffeine, which will nutritionally replenish the area and stimulate blood flow. Try SkinCeuticals Eye Balm, which contains an advanced combination of phytochemicals to stimulate collagen production, an element that decreases during menopause along with estrogen levels.
• Masks. Use facial masks regularly to awaken your appearance. Try Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Eye Mask, which is blended with oxygen, vitamin C and cucumber extract to give your eyes a brighter and smoother look.

3. Use illuminating makeup products

With the right makeup additions to your repertoire, you can effectively diminish the appearance of dark circles and look more awake throughout the day.

• Concealer. Concealer is the best makeup weapon against dark circles. Choose a corrective product like B. Kamins Booster Blue Corrective Concealer, which contains extra vitamins and extracts to strengthen the eye area. On WebMD, makeup artist Michael Maron cautions, “Don't use a beige or white concealer. It's only going to make the darkness look gray.” Instead, he suggests choosing a salmon or peach colored concealer. To apply, gently dab the concealer in small dots under your eye until the entire area is evenly blended, and set it with a translucent powder.
• Highlighter pencil. Use a highlighting pencil, like Jane Iredale Eye Highlighter Pencil, to instantly lighten up dark skin to make eyes brighter. Lightly trace a “v” shape that follows the inner corner of your eye from top to bottom to cover up any darkness.
• Eye shadow. To distract from dark circles, use eye shadow that best suits your eye color.
• Blue eyes: try pink, purple or brown shadow
• Green eyes: try purple or light lavender shadow
• Brown eyes: try a deep green shadow

Don’t apply eye liner or mascara to your lower lashes since this attracts attention and makes the area seem darker.

4. Helpful home remedies

To keep dark circles at bay, treat yourself to some soothing home remedies.

• Chilled veggies. Cucumbers and potatoes are natural astringents, so a chilled slice of either one will instantly rejuvenate tired eyes.

• Tea bags. Natural tannins found in tea can improve circulation in the eye area. Place a cool or warmed tea bag over your closed eyes for 10 minutes, and you’ll start to feel relaxed and look replenished.

Bottom line: Brighter eyes

Unfortunately, dark under-eye circles are one of many symptoms of menopause, but thankfully, this is one side effect that has a sure-fire solution. With a healthy diet, plenty of sleep and the right skincare products – including SPF, eye cream and a concealer – you can maintain a bright, ageless appearance during menopause and beyond.

See also:

The Fall Switch-Up: 7 Tips for Office Skincare This Fall

Dermablend: The Leader in Corrective Cosmetics
Escape From the Office: Eight Lunchtime Treatments

5 Surprising Ways to Safeguard Your Skin