Causes and Remedies for Dark Circles under Eyes
By Devanshi Thakkar
Dark circles under the eyes are a common complaint of both men and women, although they can occasionally be seen in children. As people age, the skin becomes thinner and collagen is lost, sometimes enhancing the appearance of blood vessels beneath the eyes and making the area appear darker.
Dark circles under the eyes may look purple or blue to dark brown or black, depending on skin color.
These circles are rarely a cause for concern, but people may wish to reduce their appearance for cosmetic reasons.
In some cases, dark circles under the eyes can indicate a need for lifestyle changes, such as improvements to sleep habits or diet.
People often think dark circles are due to tiredness and a lack of sleep. Although this can be one cause, there are other reasons for dark under eye circles, such as allergies or the natural aging process.
All causes of dark circles under the eyes include:
- Lack of sleep or poor sleeping habits
- Allergies, including hay fever
- Hyperpigmentation, which happens when the body produces more melanin
- Reduced levels of fatty tissue around the eyes
- Thinning skin under the eyes
- Anemia from iron deficiency
- Sun exposure
- Rubbing of the eyes frequently
- Aging
- Smoking
- Inherited genes
- Thyroid conditions
- Dehydration
- Trauma
People may be able to reduce the appearance of dark circles under the eyes with simple home remedies.
Although some of these remedies are not scientifically proven, they may be worth trying as many are inexpensive and produce no side effects :-
1. Sleep on your back and use an extra pillow
If dark, puffy bags seem to be the morning problem, consider sleeping on your back with an extra pillow so that fluid doesn’t pool overnight. Keeping your pillow protected from allergens (dust and dust mites) with a protective encasement can also help when allergies are the culprit.
2. More sleep
The cheapest way to reduce the appearance of undereye bags is to get on a regular sleep routine of seven to eight hours per day. And don’t drink alcohol a few hours before bedtime.
3. Cucumber
Applying cucumber slices to the eyes may soothe tired eyes and reduce swelling. The high water and vitamin C content of cucumber may help to nourish and moisturize the skin. Cucumber also contains silica, which is essential for healthy tissue.
4. Cold compress
Applying a cold compress to the eyes can constrict blood vessels and reduce the appearance of dark circles.
5. Tea bags
Tea bags may help lessen dark circles and puffiness under the eyes. Caffeine has antioxidant properties and stimulates blood circulation around the eyes.
Have a cup of tea, and then pop the moist tea bags into your fridge. Let them cool off. Lie down, close your eyes, and put the tea bags on your eyelids for a few minutes.
6. Antioxidant skincare products
Face creams and under-the-eye products that contain antioxidants may help to reduce the appearance of dark circles. Vitamins E and C are antioxidants that may help treat dark circles.
7. Makeup
Although makeup will not alter dark circles, people may want to use an under-the-eye concealer for cosmetic purposes.While you’re working on improving your under-eye bags and dark circles, you’ve got concealer, foundation, and even primer to fall back on in the fight against under-eye darkness and puffiness.
8. Chemical peels
Chemical peels, using alpha hydroxy acids, such as glycolic acid, can help to lighten hyperpigmentation under the eyes.
People may also use chemical peels in combination with topical creams for better effect.
9. Lasers
Laser therapy can be an effective treatment for dark circles. Less invasive laser procedures, such as pulsed dye or diode lasers, may lessen the risk of scarring or other potential side effects.
10. Fillers
If thinning of the skin or loss of fatty tissue is causing dark circles under the eyes, fillers may be a potential option. People can have injections of platelet rich plasma or hyaluronic acid gel into the area under the eye.