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Dark Eye Circles and How To Manage Them

HOW TO COVER YOUR DARK EYE CIRCLES

Are there any products that you have used for dark eye circles that have worked for you? They could be home remedies or otherwise.

Dark Eye Circles

Dark circles a very common skin care problem in both men and women appear under lower eyelids. They are often accompanied by bags that are very difficult to get rid of. Dark circles under our eyes don’t only make us look older and tired; they’re seen as a sign of high stress, poor diet, and often full-blown exhaustion.

Causes of Dark Eye Circles

Dark eye circles are typically a result of hyperpigmentation. However, there are contributing factors to dark circles. These can either be genetic or environmental.

  1. Genetics

Asians and Africans are predisposed to having hyperpigmentation under the eyes. This is because there is a common genetic trait of very thin lower eyelid skin. This allows for veins to show through resulting in a darker appearance.

Family history also contributes to dark eye circles. This trait can be inherited in childhood and may worsen as you age or slowly disappear.

  1. Overexposure to the sun

Exposure to the sun causes the skin to produce an excess of melanin. This can cause hyperpigmentation around the eyes hence dark eye circles.

  1. Fatigue and Eye Strain

Extreme fatigue, lack of sleep/ sleep deprivation, excessive sleep, and eye strain can cause dark eye circles. Lack of sleep causes fluid to build underneath your eyes, causing them to appear puffy. Eye strain causes blood vessels around the eyes to enlarge, making the skin darker. Eye strain can be a result of staring at a screen for long hours.

  1. Dehydration

This is a very common cause of dark eye circles. Dehydration causes the skin around the eyes to look dull hence sunken. As a result, the skin will become loose and dark.

  1. Seasonal allergies and nasal congestion

This contributes to poor circulation to the lower eyelid leading to dilated veins. When veins under the eye dilate, they become bigger and darker.

  1. Age

As you get older, your skin becomes thinner. In addition, loss of volume – fat and collagen – under the eyes causes the dark vessels beneath the skin around the eyes to become more visible hence making the area darker.

Management of Dark Eye Circles

  1. Sleep better. Sleeping between 7 to 9 hours is sufficient.
  2. Also sleeping on your back with your head slightly elevated helps to minimize the chance of added puffiness.
  3. Improve your health habits e.g., Cigarette smoking cessation (stop smoking).
  4. Dietary changes and exercises to lower cholesterol levels in the body, as being overweight worsen dark circles.
  5. Wear sunscreen every day. Sunscreen helps prevent hyperpigmentation. UV-protected sunglasses are key when going out to the sun.
  6. Apply a cold compress. It can help reduce swelling and shrink dilated blood vessels. This reduces the appearance of puffiness and helps eliminate dark circles.
  7. Applying cold tea bags. Tea contains caffeine and antioxidants that can help stimulate blood circulation, shrink your blood vessels, and reduce liquid retention beneath your skin.
  8. Apply Eye Concealer. Look for an under-eye concealer that contains broad-spectrum SPF. This will hide eye bags while simultaneously protecting the under eyes.
  9. Skincare. Switching up your skincare is one sure way to deal with dark eye circles. Add products that contain Hyaluronic acid, Vitamin C, Caffeine, tripeptides, ceramides, and collagen to your routine.

Hyaluronic acid plumps the skin to reduce transparency which enhances the appearance of dark eye circles. Vitamin C helps build collagen that is good for firming skin. Caffeine as seen previously can help stimulate blood circulation, shrink your blood vessels, and reduce liquid retention beneath your skin. Ceramides help lock moisture in your skin.

There are a couple of eye creams and serums that contain these ingredients. Examples of such eye products include:

Medical Treatments are available for dark eye circles. But these should be done by qualified dermatologists and aestheticians. These include:

  • Laser surgery
  • Chemical peels
  • Surgical implants
  • Tissue fillers
  • Medical Tattoos