One of the physical characteristics that ages people the most is having dark circles under the eyes. A glance in the mirror can be depressing if the image of a tired pair of eyes looks back. There are tricks and treatments to removing or disguising these dark circles, but because the treatments don’t always have perfect results, the staff at the Mayo Clinic advises people to have realistic expectations. Before seeking treatment for the condition, it’s important to get to the root of the problem.
Inherited Under-Eye Circles
Some people seem to be born with dark circles beneath their eyes. Genetics can be blamed for the fragile capillaries in the sensitive tissue under the eyes. Add that to inherited pale skin tones and skin transparency and the cause will be obvious.
Some ways to improve inherited under-eye circles:
- concealer sticks, creams or gels
- dark circle eye serum
- cosmetic surgery
Dark Circles Caused by Too Much Sun
Since sunlight raises the levels of melanin in the skin and bringing it closer to the surface, the dark circles may become more pronounced with too much sun exposure. Tanning bed sessions can also cause this.
Some ways to remove or improve sun-caused dark circles:
- Avoid over-exposure to the sun.
- concealer sticks, creams or gels
- creams designed to lighten the skin
- cosmetic surgery
Age Related Dark Circles
Skin tends to become thinner and get more translucent as people age, making the blood vessels more visible, according to New York dermatologist Heidi Waldorf, M.D. As people grow older, they are also more likely to have collective sun damage after years of exposure.
Some ways to remove or improve age-related dark circles:
- Get more sleep.
- Keep the skin moisturized.
- Avoid applying stress or pressure to the skin beneath the eyes.
- Avoid over-exposure to the sun.
- Use concealer sticks, creams or gels.
- Consider cosmetic surgery.
- Use skin lightening creams.
Under-Eye Darkness Caused by Allergies and Nasal Congestion
In addition to the allergies causing dark circles from the capillaries beneath the eyes to draw closer to the skin surface, many people rub their eyes when they itch. This may break some of the capillaries, causing the blood to spread under the thin tissue beneath the eyes, creating the dark circles. When the nasal passages become blocked, the veins going from the eyes to the nose may dilate and become darker.
Some ways to remove allergy-caused dark circles:
- Avoid the allergen.
- Apply cold compresses or cool, used teabags.
- Use concealer sticks, creams or gels.
Dark Circles Caused by Fatigue, Menstruation and Pregnancy
Fatigue, menstruation and pregnancy may cause the skin to become pale. This creates more of a contrast to the skin beneath the eyes, making the dark circles more pronounced.
Some ways to remove dark circles caused by fatigue, menstruation and pregnancy:
- Check the diet and take nutritional supplements.
- Increase amount of time sleeping.
- Apply cold compresses.
Poor Nutrition and Dehydration Related Dark Circles
A balanced diet feeds every part of the body, and water provides moisture. A lack of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E and iron can cause dark circles. Dehydration will cause the skin to look sunken and gaunt, emphasizing any discoloration around the eyes.
Some ways to remove dark circles caused by nutrition or dehydration:
- Drink at least 64 ounces of water per day.
- Eat well balanced meals and take a nutritional supplement.
Dark Circles Caused by Lifestyle
Smoking, drinking too much caffeine or consuming alcohol may cause dark circles beneath the eyes. Caffeine and alcohol can dehydrate the skin, which makes the capillaries and blood vessels more prominent. Smoking prematurely ages the skin and can irritate the eyes and the skin tissue beneath it.
Some of the remedies for eliminating lifestyle-caused dark circles are obvious. Stop or cut back caffeine, alcohol and smoking. If the damage appears to be permanent, use creams designed to remove dark circles and concealers.
Regardless of the cause of dark under eye circles, there are things people can do to make them fade or cover them up. Dark circles caused by genetics, sun exposure, aging, allergies, dehydration, poor nutrition and lifestyles all have the same effect of making a person appear tired and old. Fortunately, the remedies for each cause can improve a person’s appearance and leave a better impression.
References:
Mayoclinic.com, "Dark Circles Under Eyes," (accessed March 23, 2010)
New York Times, "Putting 'You Look Tired' to Rest," (accessed March 23, 2010)
Debby Mayne - Debby Mayne is a published author of more than 30 novels and novellas and former fashion writer for the Home Shopping Network.
