What Causes Dark Circles Under the Eyes?
Dark circles under your eyes can make you appear tired, aged, or unhealthy. There are several possible causes for those pesky circles:
Lack of Sleep
Not getting enough zzz’s is a common culprit. When you’re sleep deprived, the skin under your eyes thins out and blood vessels dilate, causing the area to darken. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night to avoid this.
Aging
As we get older, the skin under our eyes naturally thins and fat pads shrink, allowing veins below the skin to become more visible. While aging is inevitable, you can slow down this process by wearing sunglasses outside, not smoking, eating a healthy diet, reducing stress, and staying hydrated.
Genetics
Unfortunately, dark circles can be hereditary. If your parents or siblings have them, chances are you may develop them too, especially as you age. The good news is many of the remedies and preventative tips still apply.
Allergies
Allergic reactions can cause the blood vessels under your eyes to dilate, leading to swelling and darkening of the skin. Common allergens include dairy, wheat, and seasonal irritants like pollen or pet dander. An over-the-counter antihistamine may help reduce the appearance of circles from allergies.
Sun Exposure
Too much sun can cause the skin under your eyes to darken and age prematurely. Always wear sunglasses outside and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen under your eyes to block harmful UVA and UVB rays.
With the right remedies and prevention, you can reduce the look of dark circles and keep your eyes looking bright and youthful. Now that you know the possible causes, you can make the necessary lifestyle changes and try targeted solutions for your particular issue.
Lifestyle Changes to Prevent and Reduce Dark Eye Circles
To prevent dark circles from forming or reduce existing ones, make some lifestyle changes. Getting enough sleep and rest is key. Most adults need 7-9 hours of sleep per night to feel well-rested. Lack of sleep can cause fluid buildup under your eyes and make dark circles more prominent.
Manage your stress levels. Too much stress can cause changes in circulation that lead to darker under-eye skin. Try relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing to lower stress. Limit screen time, caffeine and alcohol intake which can disrupt your sleep and stress levels.
Improve your diet.
Eat more foods high in vitamins and minerals that promote skin health and reduce inflammation. Some recommendations:
- Vitamin K rich foods (spinach, kale, broccoli, prunes) help with blood clotting and circulation.
- Vitamin C (citrus fruits, bell peppers, kale, broccoli, tomatoes) acts as an antioxidant and helps with collagen production.
- Vitamin E (sweet potatoes, spinach, avocados, almonds) protects skin cells from damage.
- Iron (red meat, poultry, fish, beans, dark leafy greens) prevents anemia which can cause dark circles.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Dehydration makes dark circles more prominent.
Limit salt intake and avoid rubbing your eyes which can lead to swelling. Apply a cool compress, like chilled cucumber slices or cooled tea bags, to your eyes for 10-15 minutes a few times a week to reduce inflammation and refresh your under eye area. Making healthy lifestyle changes and being consistent can significantly improve your dark eye circles over time. Staying committed to self-care will have you looking bright-eyed in no time!
Top 5 Home Remedies for Dark Circles
Before you rush out to buy expensive creams and serums to treat your under-eye circles, try some simple home remedies. These natural solutions are gentle, effective, and budget-friendly.
Potato slices: Potatoes contain catecholase enzymes and antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation and pigmentation. Simply cut two slices of potato and place them on your eyes for 10-15 minutes. The cooling effect will immediately de-puff, while the enzymes work to lighten your under-eye area over time.
Cucumber slices: Cucumbers have a high water content and natural bleaching properties. Place chilled cucumber slices on your eyes for 15-20 minutes to reduce swelling and brighten dark circles. The vitamin C in cucumbers boosts collagen production and skin cell regeneration.
Cold tea bags: The caffeine in tea bags constricts blood vessels, reducing fluid buildup. The antioxidants also help improve skin tone and color. Steep two tea bags in warm water, then chill before applying to your eyes. The cold temperature will further aid in reducing puffiness. Keep on for at least 15 minutes. Green tea and chamomile tea work well for this.
Turmeric paste: Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Make a paste from turmeric powder and water or coconut oil and apply under your eyes. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes before rinsing off. Turmeric may temporarily stain your skin, so do a patch test first and wash your face well after using. You should see results in about 2 weeks of regular use.
Almond oil massage: Almond oil is rich in vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects skin cells from environmental damage. Gently massage a few drops of almond oil under your eyes before bed each night. The massage action will boost circulation, while the oil moisturizes and softens your under-eye area. Almond oil is non-greasy and absorbs quickly into the skin. Continual use can help fade the appearance of dark circles over time.
Following a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water, limiting alcohol/salt intake, avoiding eye-rubbing, and getting enough sleep are the best ways to prevent and improve the look of under-eye circles in the long run. But when you need a quick fix, these natural remedies should do the trick nicely.
How to Cover Up Dark Circles With Makeup
If your dark circles are persistent, you may want to try covering them up with some makeup. The key is to use makeup that is specifically meant for the under-eye area, as it is thinner and formulated not to crease or look cakey. Here are some tips for camouflaging those dark circles:
Use a color corrector
Color correctors are meant to neutralize the dark, blue-ish tone of under-eye circles. Look for a peach or salmon-colored corrector to cancel out the blue tones. Gently dab it onto your under-eye area and blend it in well. Let it sit for a minute before applying your concealer.
Apply concealer
Use a concealer that closely matches your natural skin tone. For the most natural look, choose a concealer labeled “for under eyes” or that is a shade lighter than your foundation. Apply light, thin layers, blending in between applications. Make sure to dab on concealer with your ring finger, as this applies the least pressure.
Set with some powder
Lightly dust some translucent or skin-toned powder over your under-eye area. This will set the concealer and prevent creasing. Re-powder during the day as needed to keep your under-eyes looking fresh.
Consider eye primer
An eye primer can provide an extra layer of coverage for stubborn dark circles. It creates a smooth base for your concealer and helps it last longer. Look for a primer formulated for the under-eye area.
Use a brightening product
For an extra boost, apply an under-eye brightening product before or after your concealer. Products containing light-reflecting particles, hydroquinone, kojic acid or licorice extract can help brighten the under-eye area and reduce the appearance of dark circles.
READ ALSO- Craniofacial Hyperhidrosis 101: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment Options
Conclusion
With some experimentation, you can find the right combination of color correctors, concealers and brighteners to minimize the look of your dark under-eye circles. Be sure to set your makeup and check on your coverage in natural lighting to ensure an even, natural result. Consistently using eye creams and getting enough rest will also help improve the overall appearance of your under-eye area in the long run.
Leave a Reply