Dark eye circles refer to the area of skin right under the eyes that look dark brown or black. It is not uncommon to hear women complaining about their tired panda eyes. This problem occurs in both men and women. Here, we are going to cover some causes of dark eye circles and what you can do to reduce or get rid of them.
What causes dark eye circles?
Hyperpigmentation
This means that there is an increase in melanin production in the body. Melanin is the pigment that gives the colour of the skin.
Genetics
Dark eye circles are hereditary. If your parents had them, chances are you’ll have it too regardless of the treatments you use or having ample sleep. But it can also be caused by Long exposure to the sun
Allergies
Having an allergic reaction causes your body to release histamine. This can cause skin itching and skin irritation, making you rub your eyes excessively. This damages the thin blood vessels of the skin under the eyes, causing dark eye circles.
Ageing
Some factors of ageing, including thin skin, fat loss and loss of collagen or elastin make dark eye circles more prominent in older people.
Poor sleeping habits
When you’re sleeping, your body circulates blood to the cells of the skin. A lack of sleep increases stress to the body, reducing blood circulation to the skin and redirecting blood supply to the muscles and the main organs. Having more deoxygenated blood in the skin under the eyes makes dark eye circles more prominent.
Diet
Lacking iron in your diet can lead to anaemia which means not having enough red blood cells in the blood. Insufficient red blood cells supply oxygen to all parts of the body, including the skin under the eyes, which causes dark eye circles.
How do I get rid of them?
There are some factors such as genetics, age, and allergies that you cannot change. However, you can improve your lifestyle and skincare habits. Ways to get rid of dark eye circles include:
1) Develop healthy sleep habits
Sleep seven to nine hours every night to get adequate sleep. Keep your head elevated with extra pillows to help reduce the deoxygenated blood pooling beneath your eyes.
2) Cold compress
A very simple cold compress works with placing cold cucumbers on your eyes. This constricts the blood vessels and decreases dark circles.
3) Eat more food rich in iron
Iron-rich foods include fish, beans, seafood, eggs, chickpeas, chicken and more. Prevent anaemia and supply oxygenated blood to all parts of the body, including the skin under the eyes to reduce dark circles.
4) Antioxidant skin care cream
There are face creams and under-the-eye creams, containing antioxidants that reduce dark eye circles.
5) Cosmetic camouflage
Simply use makeup and concealer to cover up your dark eye circles.
There are many factors that cause dark eye circles. Your diet and sleep pattern are modifiable risk factors that you can improve on. Antioxidant face and under-the-eye creams also help to reduce dark circles. Click here to check out our Clinitas Soothe eyedrops and Vizulize Dry Eye Mist for dry and irritated eyes to restore moisture and feel rejuvenated.
