Reveal Your Glow: How to Treat Dark Circles Under the Eyes!
Why can the under-eye area darken?
The appearance of dark circles under the eyes is caused by thinning under-eye skin, which makes the blood vessels beneath it more visible. As a result, a dark, purplish hue may appear, which can be quite difficult to conceal even with makeup. Dark circles can also occur due to lack of sleep, dehydration, or allergies. The skin around the eyes is very thin because it contains significantly fewer lipids (read more about what lipids are here) and collagen (more information about what collagen is can be found here), so it is more vulnerable to environmental impact. Air pollution, stress, and UV radiation can affect the delicate under-eye skin and cause the unpleasant appearance of darkened under-eyes.
Dark circles can be a sign not only of an aesthetic concern, but also of health issues. If you constantly experience dark under-eyes and they do not disappear even after proper rest, drinking plenty of water, and treating allergies, it is important to see a doctor, as this may already be a sign of something serious.
What causes dark circles under the eyes?
As we’ve discussed, dark circles under the eyes can be caused by several factors. The most common causes are lack of sleep, dehydration, allergies, and genetically thinner skin.
- Lack of sleep and rest is the main cause of dark circles. In short, when the body lacks rest, blood vessels—especially those closer to the skin’s surface—become more pronounced, resulting in dark circles under the eyes. During rest, the body’s processes essentially reset and renew, so sleep and rest are very important.
- Another important cause of dark circles is dehydration. When the body is dehydrated, it cannot properly flush out toxins, so the skin can become dry and the blood vessels beneath it may become more visible.
- Allergies can also cause dark circles. Allergic reactions can cause skin inflammation, which may lead to dark circles. It is important to visit a doctor to determine whether the cause of your dark circles is an allergy.
- Finally, with age, the skin under the eyes can become thinner, making dark circles more visible. This is why dark circles are more common in older people.
How to get rid of dark circles under the eyes
Fortunately, there are several things you can do to reduce or eliminate dark circles under the eyes:
Quality sleep
First, make sure you’re getting enough sleep. Aim for seven to eight hours per night.
Adequate water intake
Drink enough water throughout the day. Staying hydrated is key to healthy skin and reducing dark circles. Read about what healthy skin is here.
A cool compress
A cool compress helps reduce puffiness and the appearance of dark circles. Simply place a cold compress over your eyes and keep it on for at least 10–15 minutes.
Under-eye cream
Look for products that contain vitamin C, as it reduces inflammation and brightens the skin. And under-eye creams containing caffeine can help reduce puffiness.
UV protection
Always use sunscreen to protect your skin. Before going outside, be sure to use sun protection, because sun exposure can not only contribute to the appearance of dark circles around the eyes, but also worsen the existing condition, as direct UV rays thin the skin.
Professional treatment
If home remedies don’t seem to help, consider professional treatments designed to reduce dark circles. Dark circles can be reduced and skin tone evened out with laser treatments and chemical peels. These procedures are performed in a doctor’s office and can be quite effective. Fillers may also be used to reduce dark circles. Fillers are injected into the skin to plump it up and reduce the appearance of dark circles. However, these procedures can be quite expensive and should be performed by a certified specialist.
Preventing dark circles under the eyes
The best and most effective way to prevent dark circles is to get enough sleep and stay hydrated. Try to sleep 7–8 hours each night and be sure to drink at least eight glasses of water per day.
You should also remember to use sunscreen, as it will help protect your skin from sun damage. Finally, try to reduce stress. Stress can cause skin inflammation, which leads to dark circles under the eyes. To reduce stress, make time for yourself, practice relaxation techniques, and exercise regularly.
By following these tips, you can get rid of dark circles under your eyes and reveal your natural glow!