What causes dark circles?
There are several possible causes of dark circles under the eyes. Some common causes include:
fatigue
Oversleeping, extreme fatigue, or staying up late beyond your usual bedtime can cause dark circles under the eyes. Lack of sleep can make the skin appear pale and less radiant. Tissue and blood vessels under the skin may become more visible.
Lack of sleep can also cause fluid retention under the eyes, making them appear puffy. The dark circles you see may actually be shadows cast by swollen eyelids.
aging
Aging is another common cause of dark circles under the eyes. As you age, your skin thins. There may be a decrease in fat and collagen, which maintains skin elasticity. With this change, the dark blood vessels under the skin become more visible, making the area under the eyes appear darker.
eye strain
Looking at a television or computer screen for extended periods can cause eye strain. This strain can lead to dilation of blood vessels around the eyes, causing the skin around them to darken.
Allergies
Allergic reactions and dry eyes can lead to the appearance of dark circles. When allergic reactions occur, the body releases histamine to fight the allergen, causing itching, redness, and swelling around the eyes. Histamine also causes blood vessels to dilate, making them more visible under the skin.
Allergies may increase your urge to rub the area around your eyes, and these actions can worsen symptoms, causing inflammation, swelling, and ruptured blood vessels. This can lead to dark circles under the eyes.
drought
Dehydration is another common cause of dark circles under the eyes. When the body isn't well-hydrated, the skin under the eyes becomes pale and the eyes appear cloudy. This is due to the proximity of the eyes to the underlying bone.
Excessive sun exposure
Excessive sun exposure can cause the body to produce too much melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. Too much sun—especially around the eyes—can darken the surrounding skin.
genetic factors
Family history also plays a role in the appearance of dark circles under the eyes. It can be a hereditary trait that appears from early childhood. Over time, the dark circles may fade or become more pronounced.
anemia
Anemia is a condition in which there is a decrease in the number of red blood cells. This may make you feel:
- vertigo
- weakness
- headache
- shortness of breath
- exhaustion
If you have anemia, you may notice your skin becoming lighter than usual, and dark circles may appear under your eyes. Talk to your doctor about having blood tests to check your iron levels. Treatment for anemia includes:
- Dietary changes
- Iron supplements
- Iron solutions, according to your levels
Treatment:
home remedies
Treatment for dark circles depends on the underlying cause. However, there are some home remedies that may help:
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Using cold compresses: Cold compresses can reduce swelling and constrict dilated blood vessels, thus minimizing the appearance of puffiness and dark circles. Wrap some ice cubes in a clean towel and place it on your eyes. You can also dampen a towel with cold water and place it on the skin under your eyes for 20 minutes to achieve the same effect.
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Getting extra sleep: Compensating for lost sleep may also help reduce the appearance of dark circles. Lack of sleep can make skin look pale, which makes dark circles more noticeable.
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Elevate your head: While sleep deprivation can contribute to dark circles, sometimes the cause is your sleeping position. Try elevating your head with extra pillows to prevent fluid from pooling under your eyes, which can make them appear puffy and swollen.
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Stay hydrated: Try to drink more water. Other fluids such as milk, tea, and juices can also help keep you hydrated. Eating fruits and vegetables also adds to your overall fluid intake.
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Using tea bags: Tea contains caffeine and antioxidants that can help stimulate blood circulation, constrict blood vessels, and reduce fluid retention under the skin. Steep two black or green tea bags in hot water for 5 minutes, then refrigerate them for 15-20 minutes. Once cooled, place the tea bags on your closed eyes for 10-20 minutes, then remove them and rinse your eyes with cool water.
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Try eye creams: These creams may reduce the appearance of dark circles by moisturizing and smoothing the skin around the eyes.
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Concealing dark circles with makeup: If you want to conceal dark circles, coverage products like concealer can hide them and blend them with your usual skin tone. As with any topical treatment or makeup, reactions or allergic reactions may occur. If you notice any side effects, stop using it and talk to your doctor.
