Introduction
First, understand that dark circles under your eyes are not usually an indication of a medical problem. They are more of a cosmetic or self-image concern. In some instances, however, they can be caused by an underlying illness, such as thyroid disease. But there is generally no cause for concern unless the discoloration and swelling are appearing under only one eye, especially if it worsens with time. Then you should see your doctor.
Dark circles are more common in older people, those with a family history of them, and people with darker skin tones.
So, what causes dark circles under the eyes? There’s more than one answer, and some might surprise you. It’s not just staying up late that’s causing those dreaded circles to form.
What do Dark Circles under the Eyes Indicate?
They can indicate a number of things. Here’s what causes dark circles under the eyes most commonly.
Fatigue – Poor sleeping habits and lack of sleep are one of many things that can contribute to dark circles under your eyes. The skin under your eyes can become paler so the blood vessels show through. Also, a buildup of fluid under the eyes – blood pooling from slowed blood flow – can cause puffiness or bags under the eyes. Shadows from this puffiness are seen as dark circles under the eyes. At the same time, this pooled blood can make the thinner skin below your eyes look darker.
Age – As we age, the skin under our eyes thins due to the loss of collagen and fatty tissue. It becomes easier to see the darker blood vessels beneath the skin, causing dark circles. Also, older people can develop what’s known as “tear troughs” or hollows under their eyes which contribute to dark circles. Puffiness is another product of aging that, again, can cast shadows that look like dark circles under the eyes.
Genetics – Dark circles can be hereditary and run in families.
Anemia – This iron deficiency can lead to dark circles.
Eyestrain – Staring at screens for long periods of time can cause eyestrain. It can cause the blood vessels around your eyes to enlarge and become darker, causing dark circles under your eyes.
Overexposure to the sun – This can increase the dark coloration around your eyes from melanin which is triggered by sun exposure. Melanin is what gives skin its color.
Allergies – Aside from the swelling and inflammation that come with allergies like hayfever, rubbing your eyes just makes dark circles worse. It actually causes more swelling and the blood vessels will break creating dark circles.
Smoking– This speeds up the aging process, causing the skin to lose collagen and creating free radicals which attack healthy skin which can both cause and enhance the look of dark circles under the eyes.
Stress – Stress can cause or worsen the look of dark circles.
Dermatitis – Both eczema and contact dermatitis can cause dark circles under the eyes.
How do Dark Circles go away?
Now that we know what causes dark circles under the eyes, here are some possible treatments, many of which you can do at home.
Get enough sleep – Develop a healthy sleep routine and stick to it.
Use a cold compress – Some of what causes dark circles under the eyes are dilated blood vessels under the eyes. A cold compress, using anything from ice cubes wrapped in a washcloth, to chilled teaspoons, frozen peas wrapped in cloth, a cold wet washcloth, or even chilled cucumber slices can help constrict these blood vessels and reduce both the appearance of dark circles and swelling around the eyes. Just apply to under eye area for several minutes. Take care not to overdo it. That skin is delicate and fragile and must be treated kindly.
Keep sun exposure to a minimum – Wear sunglasses that protect against UV rays. Hats can help as well. Be sure to wear sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day. Make sure to use sunscreen that is safe to use around the eyes.
Elevate your head while you sleep – Using extra pillows will prevent fluid from collecting and pooling under your eyes overnight, causing dark circles and swelling under the eyes.
Use teabags – Tea can stimulate blood circulation around the eyes and shrink blood vessels to reduce dark circles from circulation that has slowed, and reduce puffiness around the eyes from dilated blood vessels. This is because tea contains caffeine and antioxidants. Just steep two tea bags, then put them in the refrigerator until cold, apply to eyes for several minutes and then rinse with cold water. Be sure to use caffeinated tea, such as green tea.
Cucumber – Cucumbers have high water content and using them as a cold compress can help with swelling and dark circles. They’re also rich in Vitamin C which has additional health benefits for the skin under the eyes, including increasing collagen production and reducing discoloration caused by blood pooling in blood vessels.
Take allergy medication – If you have allergies, antihistamines can help reduce symptoms that contribute to dark circles and puffiness. Treating your allergies will also help keep you from rubbing your eyes and damaging your delicate under-eye skin, causing more dark circles and swelling.
Use a vitamin C eye cream or vitamin C serum for the eyes – These products can lighten hyperpigmentation, slow premature aging from the sun by fighting free radicals, and boost collagen production to plump the skin below the eyes.
Get a facial – If it includes massage around the eye area, it can help improve circulation and reduce the appearance of dark circles.
Get medical treatment – There are numerous medical treatments available for under-eye circles, including laser therapy, chemical peels, medical tattoos, injectable fillers, bleaching creams, and even surgery. Consult with your doctor to determine what is best for your situation.
Universal C Eye Perfector is a product that can help with the appearance of dark circles under the eyes. It is applied topically and works by brightening the area under the eyes and helping to reduce the appearance of puffiness. The product can be used on its own or in conjunction with other products in a skincare routine. Universal C Eye Perfector can be a helpful tool for those who are looking to improve the appearance of their under-eye area.
Get Your Universal C Eye Perfector Now!
Which Vitamin is good for Dark Circles under the Eyes?
Derivatives of vitamin A, called retinoids, promote collagen production and lighten hyperpigmentation. But, they are very harsh on the tender skin under the eyes and can cause irritation.
Vitamin K has shown promise when combined with the caffeine in reducing the appearance of dark circles, but more research is needed.
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that may help reduce dark circles. It works well in conjunction with vitamin C to help prevent damage from the sun.
Vitamin C eye cream and vitamin C serum for eyes increase collagen production to help plump up the tissues under the eyes and can reduce the buildup of blood under the eyes that cause discoloration.
As we age, we naturally lose the collagen in our skin, making it thinner so that blood vessels can become more evident, causing discoloration and dark circles. If you’re wondering when to use vitamin C serum, start as soon as possible. Since it helps produce collagen, you want it on your side as you age.
But vitamin C serum isn’t your only choice. You may prefer vitamin c eye cream over vitamin c serum for eyes. Either way, you’ll not only be getting a collagen boost but protection from the sun as well. Vitamin C serum for eyes can help fight hyperpigmentation caused by the sun, as well as other sun damage that causes premature aging – fine lines and wrinkles.
Vitamin C is also a potent antioxidant that fights free radicals that can damage delicate skin under the eyes and cause premature signs of aging and dark circles.
One way vitamin C eye cream and vitamin C serum for eyes lighten hyperpigmentation under the eyes is by interfering with melanin production. They do this by inhibiting the production of a necessary enzyme called tyrosinase. Without that enzyme, melanin cannot be produced, so the skin below your eyes becomes lighter and brighter with continued use.
A 2019 clinical study showed the power of vitamin C eye cream in affecting blood stasis (pooling blood) and plumping under the eyes, thus improving dark circles. In that study, it was sought to determine the efficacy of vitamin C, which is known to increase collagen, on dark circles of the lower eyelids. It was recognized that dark circles involved blood stasis and hyperpigmentation of the eyelids. Further, it had been reported that dermal (layer of skin below epidermis) thickness of the lower eyelid may represent another factor that affected the appearance of dark circles. It was found that the application of vitamin C eye cream (10 percent sodium ascorbate) improved dark circles by thickening the eyelid dermis and by concealing dark coloration due to congested blood.
Beautystat Universal C Eye Perfector vitamin c eye cream is made from the purest vitamin C, L-ascorbic acid, and is safe for all skin types. It also contains caffeine to reduce puffiness and increase circulation and hyaluronic acid for long-lasting, deep hydration.
Can Drinking Water Reduce Dark Circles?
Yes. Dehydration is a common cause of dark circles. Your eyes look dull and get a sunken appearance. So, hydrating properly, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding too much alcohol, which is very dehydrating, can help prevent dark circles under your eyes.
How can I Lighten my Dark Circles Fast?
Probably the fastest ways to lighten dark circles would be applying cold compresses, using cold teabags, applying a coffee mask (see below), or just plain covering them up with makeup.
Can Coffee Reduce Dark Circles?
Yes. The caffeine in coffee can increase microcirculation under the eyes which helps reduce the appearance of dark circles and can also reduce puffiness. It is an antioxidant so it helps protect the skin around the eyes from free radicals caused by sun exposure which can lead to premature aging and dark circles.
And, you can make your own coffee eye mask at home. Here’s the easiest one we’ve found. It’s a coffee and vitamin E mask.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of coffee (caffeinated)
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1 capsule of vitamin E
Add honey to coffee in a bowl and mix well to make a smooth paste. Puncture and carefully squeeze the contents of the vitamin E capsule into the mixture and mix in well.
Apply the mask evenly under your eyes and allow it to dry for 10 minutes.
Remove the mask gently, then wash your face with cold water.
You should apply this at least 3 times a week.
Make sure the paste doesn’t get into your eyes and if you have any irritation, stop using the mask.
Conclusion
What causes dark circles under the eyes? There are many factors involved, and even more, remedies to try. From cold compresses to tea bags, coffee masks, and medical interventions like injectable fillers, there’s something for every situation.
One of the best things you can do for your eyes is to use a vitamin C eye cream or vitamin C serum for your eyes. Start early and reap the benefits throughout your life.
What Causes Dark Circles Under Eyes – Beautystat Cosmetics
https://beautystat.com/products/universal-c-eye-perfector
Reduce dark circles, and brighten eyes with 5% pure vitamin C eye cream. Firms & smooths crow’s feet, reduce puffiness, provides deep hydration
