What causes dark circles?
There are several possible reasons for the appearance of dark circles under the eyes. Some common causes include:
Fatigue
Excessive sleep, extreme fatigue, or staying up for a long time past the usual bedtime can cause dark circles under the eyes. Lack of sleep may make skin appear dull and less radiant. Subcutaneous tissue and blood vessels may begin to appear.
Lack of sleep may also cause fluid to accumulate under the eyes, making them appear puffy. The dark circles you see may actually be shadows caused by puffy eyelids.
getting older
Aging is another common cause of dark circles under the eyes. As you age, your skin becomes thinner. A decrease in lipids and collagen, which maintain skin elasticity, may occur. With this change, dark blood vessels under the skin become more visible, making the area under the eyes appear darker.
eye strain
Looking at a TV or computer screen for long periods of time can cause eye strain. This stress may cause blood vessels around the eyes to dilate, causing the skin around them to darken.
Allergies
Allergic reactions and dry eyes can lead to dark circles. When allergic reactions occur, the body releases histamine to fight the allergen, causing itching, redness, and puffiness of the eyes. Histamine also causes blood vessels to dilate and make them more visible under the skin.
Allergies may increase your desire to rub the area around the eyes, and these actions may worsen symptoms and cause inflammation, swelling, and rupture of blood vessels. This can lead to dark shadows appearing under the eyes.
drought
Dryness is another common cause of dark circles under the eyes. When the body is not well hydrated, the skin under the eyes becomes pale and the eyes appear cloudy. This is because the eyes are close to the underlying bone.
Excessive sun exposure
Excessive exposure to sunlight can cause the body to produce a large amount of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. Excess sun — especially in the eye area — 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 genetic trait that appears from early childhood. Over time, dark circles may lighten or become more noticeable.
Anemia
Anemia is a condition in which there is a low level of red blood cells. This may make you feel:
- vertigo
- weakness
- headache
- shortness of breath
- exhaustion
If you have anemia, you may notice that your skin becomes lighter than usual, and dark circles may appear under your eyes. Talk to your doctor about blood tests to check your iron levels. Treatment of anemia includes:
- Dietary changes
- Iron supplements
- Iron solutions, depending on your levels.
Treatment:
Home remedies
Treatment of dark circles depends on the underlying cause. However, there are some home remedies that may help:
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Use cold compresses: Cold compresses may reduce swelling and constrict dilated blood vessels to reduce the appearance of puffiness and dark circles. Wrap some ice cubes in a clean towel and place them on your eyes. You can also wet a towel with cold water and place it on the skin under the eyes for 20 minutes to achieve the same effect.
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Get extra sleep: Catching up on sleep may also help reduce the appearance of dark circles. Lack of sleep can make skin look dull, making dark circles more noticeable.
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Lift your head: While sleep deprivation may play a role in the appearance of dark circles, sometimes the way you sleep is to blame. Try elevating your head with extra pillows to prevent fluids from collecting under your eyes, making 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 help keep the body 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 accumulation under the skin. Soak two black or green tea bags in hot water for 5 minutes, then put them in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes. After they cool, place the tea bags on your closed eyes for 10-20 minutes, then remove them and rinse your eyes with cold water.
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Try eye creams: These creams may reduce the appearance of dark circles by moisturizing and softening the skin around the eyes.
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Hide circles with makeup: If you want to hide dark circles, covering products such as concealer can hide the circles 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.
