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Under-eye dark circles are a common problem among women. They not only make you look older than you actually are, but they are also tough to get rid of. Even though anyone can be affected by these dark circles, they are most common in people above the age of 20, those who have a genetic predisposition for dark circles or those who are from non-white ethnic groups.
Many reasons can cause dark circles under the eyes. Mostly, they are harmless and do not need any medical attention.
Causes of Dark Circles
Some common causes of dark circles are listed below:
Fatigue or Exhaustion:
Extreme exhaustion or staying up late can cause dark circles to form under your eyes. Your skin becomes dull due to a lack of proper sleep that causes dark tissues and blood vessels beneath your skin to start showing.
Sleep deprivation can also cause fluid buildup under your eyelids, thus appearing as puffy so that the dark circles might be a shadow cast by your puffy eyelids.
Stress On Eyes:
Eye strain is usually caused by staring at television or computer screen for too long. This strain causes the blood vessels around your eyes to enlarge and become visible; thus, the skin surrounding your eyes becomes darker.
Exposure to Sun:
Overexposure to the sun can cause excess production of melanin, the pigment that provides your skin with color. So overexposure to the sun can cause pigmentation and make your skin around your eyes darker.
Allergies or Itchy Skin:
Allergies increase your need to rub and scratch the itchy skin around your eyes. This can aggravate your symptoms, causing swelling and broken blood vessels, which result in dark shadows under your eyelids.
Age:
As you get older, your skin becomes thinner, and because of this, the dark blood vessels beneath your skin become more visible, causing the area below your eyes to darken.
Dehydration:
Dehydration or not receiving the proper amount of water causes the skin around your eyes to look dull and sunken, which is due to its closeness to the underlying bone, thus making the surrounding area appear darker than usual.
Hereditary and Other Health issues:
Genetics and family history is also a common cause in developing dark circles. Other health disorders, like thyroid disease, can also cause dark circles under your eyes.
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How to get rid of dark circles under eyes
Treatment for Dark Circles:
Home Remedies:
Treating dark eye circles depends on the underlying cause. However, we have listed some home remedies that might help reduce these dark circles.
Cold Compress
A cold compress can help reduce swelling and appearance of puffiness that can help reduce dark circles. Simply wrap an ice cube in a clean washcloth and apply it to your eyes for 20 minutes. Repeat this process if the ice melts.
Proper Sleep
Having adequate sleep can also reduce the appearance of dark circles. Lack of sleep can cause your skin to look pale, and this makes the dark circles more noticeable. So take proper seven to eight hours of rest to avoid dark circles.
Apply Tea Bags
Reduce dark circles and tired eyes with tea bags. Tea contains antioxidants that aid in stimulating blood circulation and reduce puffiness under your eyes.
Soak green tea bags or black in hot water for a few minutes. Let them cool down in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes, squeeze out any leftover liquid then apply the tea bags to your closed eyes for 10 to 20 minutes. Wash your eyes properly with cold water after removing tea bags.
Invest in Good Concealer:
Makeup can’t cure dark eye circles, but it can help in hiding them. Concealers can cover up dark circles by blending in with our skin color. However, use proper care as there are many products that can worsen your symptoms or may trigger an allergic reaction. If you notice any allergic reaction, stop using the product immediately and visit your doctor.
Cucumber
If you want a quick fix, soak two pieces of cucumber in lemon juice for 3 to 5 minutes in the refrigerator. Then place them on your eyes for about 10 to 15 minutes. Avoid getting lemon juice in your eyes as it might irritate.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil helps improve not just your health but the appearance of dark circles as well. The vitamin E and antioxidants in coconut oil heal and repair damaged skin cells while reducing swelling around your eyes. All you have to do is to simply massage extra virgin coconut oil gently under your eyes before going to bed.
Cold Milk
Milk contains lactic acid, which is known for reducing darkness and puffiness around the eye. Just soak two cotton balls in cold milk and place them under your eyes for a few minutes. Repeat this twice a day for a few weeks.
Tomato
Tomatoes are known to assist in skin lightening as they have drastic bleaching properties. Mix 1 teaspoon of tomato juice and half teaspoon of lemon juice. Apply this mixture under your eyes and let it sit for 10 minutes. Rinse with cold water. For better results, use this remedy twice a week.
Rose Water
Rosewater refreshes the tired and dull skin, calms tired eyes and helps reduce dark circles. Soak a cotton pad or cucumber slices in rose water for about 3 minutes and then put them on your closed eyelids. Leave it on for 15 minutes. Repeat this twice a day for 2 to 3 weeks for incredible results.
Medical Treatments for Dark Circles:
There are some medical treatments available that help to reduce the appearance of dark circles if you are looking for a more permanent solution. Some of these methods include:
- chemical peels to reduce pigmentation
- laser surgery
- Tissue fillers to conceal blood vessels and melanin, causing skin discoloration.
- removing excess fat and skin to reveal a smoother and more even surface
- surgically implanted fat or synthetic products
Discuss your options with a doctor before trying any invasive medical treatments that can be expensive and painful.
Final Thoughts
Dark circles are often temporary and just indicate aging or lack of sleep. However, if the discoloration worsens over time, visit your doctor or dermatologist to get a proper diagnosis of the issue.
-Shameka Renee
Results may vary. Information and statements made are for general purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. Her Own Health does not dispense medical advice, prescribe, or diagnose illness. The views and nutritional advice expressed by Her Own Health are not intended to be a substitute for conventional medical service. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.
