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Dark Circles under your eyes can be one of the most common concern which is prevalent in people of all age groups. Both men and women of all age groups are struggling with this common beauty concern which is often accompanied by the formation of under-eye bags. Most of us feel that dark circles under our eyes are due to lack of sleep and good sleep can help you to combat this problem. But actually, lack of sleep is not the only reason for the dark circles. There are other factors such as genetics, lack of moisture, allergies, the bone structure which contribute towards the appearance of those persistent rings beneath your eyes.
You have to deal with those pesky and stubborn dark circles at some point in your life. You might have tried various home remedies and must have left no stone unturned to get rid of those dreaded panda eyes but they somehow find their way back. But don’t worry, here in this article we will be providing you with complete information about dark circles, their causes and how to deal with them effectively. Keep reading till the end.
What Are Dark Circles?
Periorbital hyperpigmentation which is commonly known as a dark circle is a major skin concern which arises when the blood vessels under your eyes begin to show up through the delicate skin around your eyes. Dark circles are not harmful but yes a cause of concern because they can make you look dull and unhealthy. But the good news is that dark circles are not permanent and it is possible to get rid of them. Identifying the underlying cause and treating it effectively will surely help to eliminate dark circles and puffy eyes.
Causes Of Dark Circles
Apart from the lack of sleep, there are many other factors that contribute to the appearance of those persistent rings under your eyes. Let us have a look at some of the common causes:
1. Fatigue
Stress and tiredness can have an adverse effect on your skin making the area under your eyes look darker. Lack of sleep can also lead to the appearance of dark circles and puffiness under your eyes due to fluid retention beneath your eyes.
Also Read : 10 Essential Oils for Reducing Fatigue and Tiredness
2. Age
Ageing can be another factor that can cause dark circles. As you age the skin loses its elasticity because of the decrease in the production of collagen. This leads to wrinkles and causes the blood vessels beneath your skin to dilate causing the area below your eyes to become dark.
3. Anaemia
Anemia which is caused by the deficiency of iron can also be one of the prominent reasons for dark circles. Lack of iron in your diet can make you anaemic, which shows up as dark circles. Pregnancy and menstruation in women can lead to loss of iron in the body due to which the underlying veins under the eyes become more prominent.
4. Allergies
Allergic reactions or skin irritation can also trigger dark circles. Allergic reactions in our body can trigger the release of histamines which cause allergic symptoms such as itchiness, redness and puffy eyes. It also causes the blood vessels to dilate and become visible under your eyes. Skin irritation and itchiness due to allergic reaction can increase your urge to rub your eyes constantly which can also lead to rupture of blood vessels under your eyes causing the appearance of dark circles.
5. Eye Strain
Continuous exposure to screen devices such as computers, laptops, mobiles can cause a lot of strain on your eyes. This eventually causes the blood vessels under your eyes to enlarge, making the area under your eyes darker.
6. Dehydration
Dehydration can be another important cause for dark circles. When your body is dehydrated, it shows on your skin, especially the skin below your eyes being thin is more prone to wrinkles and pigmentation. Your eyes look dull, tired and sunken.
7. Long Exposure To Sun
The harmful UV rays can cause a lot of damage to your skin and trigger the production of melanin making the area under your eyes look darker.
8. Periorbital Hyperpigmentation
This is a skin condition in which melanin- a pigment that gives colour to your skin is produced in excess under your eyes, giving a dark colour to your under eyes.
9. Cigarette Smoking & Alcohol Consumption
Cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption can release free radicals into your body which can cause damage to the tissues of your skin. The skin around your eyes gets affected the most because it is very thin and delicate.
10. Genetics
You may be amazed by the fact that dark circles may be inherited. Genetically, some people have an excess of melanin production under your eyes and the collagen production is less due to which there are wrinkles and dark circles under your eyes.
11. Medications
If you are taking medicines that cause the blood vessels to dilate, then it shows up under your eyes. The skin under your eyes is very thin and delicate and it shows the increased flow of blood, making your under eyes look darker.
How To Treat Dark Circles?
The area around the eyes is very thin, delicate and sensitive and should be handled with extra care. Here we will be discussing at-home treatments as well as medical treatments to eradicate dark circles. Let’s get started.
At-Home Treatments
Before you begin the treatment, you should identify the underlying cause of dark circles and then treat it accordingly. However, you can treat dark circles at home through any of these home remedies.
1. Applying A Cold Compress
Applying a cold compress is very helpful in reducing the swelling under your eyes as it shrinks the dilated blood vessels. This helps to reduce the puffiness and dark circles around your eyes. Wrap the ice cube in a wash cloth and gently massage it all around your eyes for about 5-10 minutes.
2. Multi-Vitamins
Vitamins such as A, C, E and K are considered to be loaded with powerful antioxidant properties which help to keep your skin healthy and glowing by fighting free radicals that damage the skin cells and tissues. The anti-ageing properties of these Vitamins help to reduce wrinkles and fine lines under your eyes. Having a diet rich in Vitamin A, C, E and K are very beneficial for problem-free skin.
Also Read : Can Vitamin C Lighten Dark Circles?
3. Hydrating & Nourishing Under Eye Gels/Creams
Many under-eye creams and lotions are available in the market but choose wisely. Before purchasing any under-eye gels/creams check the label and look for hydrating and nourishing ingredients such as
Hyaluronic Acid- Keeps your skin well-nourished and hydrated.
Kakadu Plum- Considered to be the richest source of Vitamin C which helps to boost collagen production, improves skin elasticity, reduces the discoloration of under-eye skin.
Kelp Seaweed- It is rich in amino acids, minerals and vitamins which help to nourish the skin under the eyes, thus effectively reducing dark circles.
4. Get Extra Sleep
Good, sound sleep is very essential to keep your body, especially your skin healthy and beautiful. It helps to reduce dark circles as sleep deprivation can make your skin look dull and lifeless, making your dark circles more visible and prominent. On an average a person should get at least 8 hours of sleep daily to get rid of dark circles.
5. Elevate Your Head
Your sleeping position also plays a significant role in eliminating dark circles and puffy eyes. Elevating your head with a few pillows helps reduce the fluid retention under your eyes which is helpful in getting rid of puffy eyes and dark circles.
6. Using Green Or Black Tea Bags
Green/ Black Tea is considered to be a rich source of caffeine and antioxidants which helps to stimulate blood circulation, shrink the expanded blood vessels, reduces the fluid retention under your eyes, thereby helping in eliminating dark circles and puffy eyes.
Soak 2 tea bags (Black/Green) in a cup of hot water for 5 minutes. Then place this tea bag in a refrigerator for 30 minutes. Take them out and place these tea bags over your eyes, letting it rest for 15 minutes. Then rinse your eyes with cold water. Repeat this process daily to get rid of those dreaded panda eyes.
7. Cucumber
Cucumber is known for its cooling and healing properties. Cut 2 slices of cucumber and place them on your eyes. Do this regularly to reduce dark circles.
8. Almond Oil
Almond Oil is rich in Vitamin E which is a powerful antioxidant and a gentle massage with Almond Oil for a few minutes before going to bed is quite beneficial in reducing dark circles. Keep it overnight and wash it off in the morning with cold water. We recommend adding Anveya Sweet Almond Oil to reduce dark circles.
Also Read : Almond Oil for Dark Circles - Ways to Use and Precautions
ANVEYA SWEET ALMOND OIL, COLD PRESSED ORGANIC, 100ML
- Antioxidant properties fight WRINKLES & SAGGING SKIN
- One of the best oils for MASSAGE
- Rejuvenates dead cells, moisturizes CHAPPED LIPS
These are some of the simple and useful remedies to fight dark circles and puffy eyes. But do not expect the miracle to happen overnight. You should do it regularly and over a period of time, you will definitely see a noticeable change in the appearance of the skin under your eyes.
Medical Treatments
Some medical treatments are available for treating your under-eye problems. People opt for medical treatments for a quick, effective and long-term solution to this problem. Below mentioned are some medical treatments to combat your under-eye problems.
Chemical Peels- Helps to reduce pigmentation and the use of acids such as glycolic acid helps to gently exfoliate the skin, revealing a fresh and healthy skin.
Laser Surgery- Helps to resurface the skin and boost collagen production, thereby improving the texture and tightens the skin under your eyes.
Tissue Fillers- Hyaluronic Acid-based tissue fillers are injected under your eyes to promote hydration that plumps up the skin under your skin, thereby reducing discoloration under the eyes.
Blepharoplasty- In this process, the fat under your eyes is removed surgically to reveal the smooth and even surfaced skin.
These medical treatments should be carried out by professionally trained people. These medical treatments can be painful, expensive and might take a long time to heal. Take the advice of a dermatologist before going for any medical treatment.
Take Away
Dark circles may be temporary for some people. Before treating dark circles, you should try to understand the reason behind it and then treat it accordingly. Dark circle formation is not a disease and will not cause any harm, but yes it’s a matter of concern because it makes your face look dull and lifeless. Always remember that the area under your eyes is thin and delicate so you should be extra cautious and take extra care of your under-eye area. Visit a doctor if the discoloration and swelling persist over a period of time.
Disclaimer: All the content on anveya.com/blogs is solely for information. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified health care provider. The information, suggestion or remedies mentioned on this site are provided without warranty of any kind, whether express or implied.
