According to the Mayo Clinic, the thing that ages a person most is dark circles under the eyes. Most people don’t realize it, but the biggest contributor to a person “looking old” is the circles under our eyes. Surprisingly, dark circles under your eyes are not usually a sign of exhaustion or serious illness. However, the dark circles can make you feel old. Some people find the dark circles can affect your attitude and make you feel unhealthy and tired.
Dark circles under the eyes are common for both men and women. This trend tends to start in adulthood. However, some children, teens and younger adults develop dark circles under their eyes too.
Causes of Dark Circles Under The Eyes
Strangely, you can get plenty of sleep and still find that you have dark circles under the eyes. Yes, being tired and having fatigue will certainly cause dark circles. Often, a lack of sleep is not the cause of dark circles under the eyes. Sometimes, it is just shadows from you face; the puffy eyelids or area where you have hollows under the eyes that do it. This is a normal part of aging, but it can really make you look older.
Some of the most common causes of true under-eye circles are:
- Allergies
- Eczema (Atopic dermatitis)
- Heredity – From your “DNA” as dark circles run in families
- Lifestyle factors – Physical and emotional stress, smoking, alcohol
- Nasal congestion – This darkens the veins due to dilation, particularly in areas where there is nasal drain.
- Pigmentation irregularities – Often a problem for people of color, including blacks and Asians
- Rubbing or scratching your eyes
- Sun exposure – Arising from melanin the pigment that gives skin color
- Thinning skin and fat loss/collagen loss – This is common as you age.
PLEASE MAKE SURE TO CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR OR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL. THE ITEMS ABOVE ARE GENERAL SYMPTOMS. Above all, if you feel that the dark circles are serious and are getting worse, see your physician. Also, if there is swelling or discoloration under one eye, you should consult with your doctor.
Solutions For Dark Circles Under The Eyes
Concealers and Creams – There are literally hundreds of skin creams claiming to reduce or prevent under-eye circles. You can find them at your drug store and department stores. You should note that the Mayo Clinic has reported one study showing that a serum containing plant-based compounds, including root extracts and Brazilian suma, significantly improved the appearance of dark under-eye circles.
Laser Thereapy
Chemical Peels
Prescription Creams
Injectable Fillers
Plastic Surgery
Self Care – Dark under-eye circles usually aren’t a medical problem, and home remedies for dark circles under eyes may be all you need to help manage this condition. Mild to moderate dark circles often respond well to simple and inexpensive treatments, such as:
- Cold. Try a cold compress, two chilled teaspoons or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a soft cloth to temporarily reduce dilated and discolored under-eye blood vessels. Or try a cooled, used teabag.
- Extra pillows. Elevate your head with two or more pillows to prevent puffiness that develops when fluid pools in your lower eyelids.
- Extra sleep. Although short nights don’t usually cause under-eye circles, a lack of sleep makes you paler and more hollow-eyed, so shadows and circles you already have are more obvious.
- Dark glasses and sunscreen. Although a tan might hide dark circles in the short term, in the long run, the extra pigment it produces can make circles worse.
- Saline washes or sprays. Rinsing your sinuses with a saltwater solution (mix 1/4 teaspoon sea salt with 2 cups warm water) or over-the-counter saline spray can help relieve nasal congestion.
- Camouflage. The right concealer can do just that — hide dark circles. If the circles under your eyes are bluish, use a peach-colored concealer, not one that’s white or gray. And avoid scented products and those containing salicylic or glycolic acid, which can irritate delicate eye tissue, making redness and swelling worse.