We’ve all been there. Under-eye dark circles are one of the most frustrating beauty complications. The cause is not always as simple as lack of sleep. The mysterious nature of dark circles often leads people to give up on treatment and conceal the issue with makeup instead. However, there is no need to stock up on concealer just yet. Here is some information broken down into causes, treatment, and prevention, so you can enjoy your natural face in no time.
Common Causes
There are a handful of factors that can be contributing to dark circles under the eyes. Some are rather wellknown, such as aging and sleep deprivation. However, others are often overlooked. Certain medications may be dilating in the blood vessels, causing them to show through the thin, delicate skin around the eyes. Allergies can cause swelling and puffiness, resulting in a shadow under the eyes. Prolonged exposure to sunlight will lead to general, all over tanning, however, the body might produce extra melanin around the eyes to serve as a stronger means of protection. Dehydration, while generally bad for all skin, is especially harmful to the skin under the eyes. When this thin skin becomes dull due to lack of proper hydration, the underlying blood vessels shine through. Malnutrition can cause general paleness which, again, reveals the colour of blood vessels under the skin.
Taking Matters Into Your Own Hands
When it comes to getting rid of dark circles, there are several simple treatment options that can be performed in the comfort of your home. Many brands of cosmetics sell brightening cream to diminish dark spots, and some have been known to be very effective. For a comprehensive approach, there are plenty of options to choose from. Tea bags are helpful because the caffeine can shrink enlarged blood vessels. It is recommended to wet them with cold water, then hold them on the eye for 5 to 10 minutes. You can also apply cold cucumber slices to the area—the antioxidants will calm any puffiness that can be casting an unsightly shadow. It is also helpful to hold a potato slice to the area, as potatoes have bleaching properties that lighten dark skin.
Prevention
Now that you know how to get rid of your dark circles, it is in your best interest to make sure it doesn’t happen again. The first, most obvious step to take is getting enough sleep. Adults require seven to nine hours of sleep every night, while teenagers need slightly more. It is also a good idea to keep your sleep schedule as consistent as possible. Next, make sure that you wear sunscreen when going outside for long periods of time, especially on particularly bright and sunny days. Another helpful course of action is to avoid using hot water on your face, as heat causes the blood vessels to dilate. Instead, use cold water to wash your face. It is also necessary to drink enough water to prevent dehydration and eat a variety of nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables to avoid malnutrition.
All in all, figuring out the root cause of under-eye dark circles is not always easy, but possible. Treatment options include natural home remedies, as well as commercial cosmetic products. Once the issue has been solved, there are several steps you can take to prevent dark circles from returning.
