If you are reading this, you probably searched for ways to get rid of your dark circles. The beauty industry has an overflowing river of products that claim they can help. The most popular one being under eye cream for dark circles. Today we will holistically look at why you might be getting dark circles, things you can do at home to help and home remedies and other medical treatment options!
So, what causes dark circles?
There can be many different reasons for dark circles to occur. Let’s have a look at the most common ones.
Hit the bed, darling.
Sleep deprivation makes your skin dull and pale, allowing blood vessels under your skin to show more evidently.
The effects of time
As you get older, your skin loses elasticity and thickness. Again, as this occurs, the dark blood vessels under your skin become more evident, causing dark circles.
The future is not your friend!
Staring at your laptop and mobile screen for long hours can strain your eyes. This strain can cause blood vessels around your eyes to enlarge. This can look like dark circles.
The bane of allergies
Allergic reactions and eye dryness can cause dark circles too. In response, when you rub and scratch the itchy skin around your eyes, it can result in dark shadows beneath your eyes.
You are a thirsty beauty.
The most common cause of dark circles under your eyes is dehydration. When you’re not providing enough water to your body, the skin beneath your eyes begins to look dull, and your eyes can look sunken.
You’re meds
Certain medications can make your blood vessels dilate and lead to the blood pooling in the under-eye area, causing it to appear dull and dark.
Run from the sun
Too much sun exposure releases melanin, the pigment that provides your skin with colour. This, too, can cause pigmentation in the surrounding skin to darken.
Your parents had it!
Can dark circles be hereditary? Yes! It plays a part in causing dark circles under your eyes that worsen as you grow old.
What can you do at home to reduce dark circles?
1. Using a moisturiser and sunscreen.
Moisturisers and sunscreen will help keep your skin hydrated and protected, reducing your dark circles with time.
3. Sleep with your head kept high
It’s not just sleep deprivation; sometimes, it’s how you sleep too. Elevate your head with a few pillows to prevent fluid from pooling under your eyes, making them look puffy and swollen.
3. Get enough sleep
The easiest way to get rid of dark circles is to get restful sleep for at least 7 to 8 hours every night.
4. Try soaked tea bags
Place one cold tea bag on each eye for 5 minutes for it to feel fresh. Antioxidants present in tea bags help stimulate blood circulation, shrink your blood vessels, and reduce liquid retention beneath your skin.
5. Cool your eyes
Apply cucumber slices or potato slices that are cool over your closed eyes. Leave them on for 10 to 20 minutes and give them a chance to soothe your eyes.
6. Cut back on salt
Getting rid of excess salt in your diet can help combat dark circles under your eyes.
7. Avoid rubbing your eyes
Ensure you avoid rubbing your eyelids, as this can also lead to increased pigmentation and dullness in the area.
8. Drink plenty of water
No matter what your day entails, drink enough water on an hourly basis. Your eyes and body will thank you!
9. Limit alcohol
Alcohol dehydrates your body. If you’re suffering from severe dark circles, reduce your alcohol intake.
10. Include food rich in vitamin C.
Eating vitamin C rich food helps your body produce collagen. Collagen keeps the skin under your eyes stay—healthy, hydrated and dark circle-free.
11. Get enough iron.
Iron deficiency causes dark circles too. You can combat iron deficiency with vitamin B12 and food that is rich in iron.
12. Stop smoking
Without smoking, you’ll have healthier, happier, brighter eyes.
Medical treatments for dark circles
Medical treatments that can be advised to you by an expert dermatologist:
Topical creams
Suitable lightening creams and under eye creams can help reduce dullness and pigmentation around the eyes.
Chemical peels
The use of mild chemical peels can help lighten the under-eye area.
Laser
Laser treatments, including IPL (Intense Pulsed Light), can help minimise under-eye pigmentation, mainly if it is UV induced.
Cosmetic Interventions
Fillers can be injected into the tissue under the eye by an aesthetic dermatologist or surgeon to help with volume loss or hollowness noted in the area.
Surgical interventions
Fat on the lower eyelid can be surgically removed with a procedure known as lid blepharoplasty by a surgeon. This procedure decreases the shadow cast by your lower eyelid, which in turn reduces the appearance of dark circles.
Contact a dermatologist if you think you need help with your dark circles as early as possible. They know what is best!
The silver lining
We all have to deal with dark circles at some point or the other, so we know how you feel! But we’ve got you covered with these tips and tricks to make your skin healthy!
Disclaimer
The natural remedies mentioned in the blog are the widely popular ones. It is in no way a substitute for medical advice, treatment or diagnosis. Avoid using these if you have sensitive skin or are prone to allergies.
Before trying any natural remedy, always test a small quantity on your skin to check for any adverse reactions or allergies to any particular ingredient. In case of emergency or any reaction, immediately connect with a doctor who can offer the proper treatment.
FAQ’s
1. How can I remove dark circles permanently?
You cannot get rid of dark circles permanently. You can address their root cause and lighten them, but they can come back if you do not take care of your skin.
2. What vitamin is good for dark circles under the eye?
Vitamin K is the one you should look out for to give your skin its nutrition for your dark circles. Apart from this, look for antioxidants such as Vitamin A, C and E.
3. Does aloe vera remove dark circles?
Aloe vera is a great ingredient to use on your skin. It can be beneficial in keeping your skin healthy. Make sure you are not allergic to it before you use it.
4. Are dark circles permanent?
No. Dark circles are not permanent. There are many things you can do to help reduce them.
