FAST FACTS:
• Dark circles under the eyes can be caused by a variety of factors – from genetics and facial anatomy to lifestyle habits and medical conditions.
• Although home remedies can temporarily lighten the appearance of dark circles, depending on the cause and intensity, cosmetic products or even medical intervention are sometimes necessary.
Dark circles under the eyes are a common cosmetic concern. They are characterized by discolored skin around the eyes , often make us look older and more exhausted, and can significantly affect our self-confidence.
However, treating these dark circles under the eyes is not always easy, as their causes are so varied. While some can be alleviated with simple home remedies, others require professional intervention. In this article, we will look at the different reasons for dark circles under the eyes and how you can improve them using tried and tested home remedies depending on the situation.
WHAT CAUSES DARK CIRCLES?
The main factors that contribute to the eye area appearing darker include:
pigmentation
Genetics play a significant role here. Family history and even ethnic origin (in the case of pigmented skin) can contribute to the natural formation of dark circles under the eyes. Sun exposure can also cause or worsen pigmentation by stimulating the skin to produce more melanin and thus increase darkening in that area. In addition, allergic reactions can lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Thinner skin and blood vessels
Thinning of the skin around the eyes causes the blood vessels underneath to become more prominent, resulting in a "darker" appearance. This phenomenon can worsen over time due to sagging skin and altered distribution of subcutaneous fat. Dehydration due to lack of fluid intake or excessive alcohol consumption can also increase this effect.
Shading
Dark circles under the eyes can occur due to the anatomical structure in the periorbital area, which causes a shadow effect on the underside of the eyes when light falls from above.
Fluid accumulation
Fluid accumulated under the eyes can cause puffiness, making the eye area appear darker. This can be triggered by lack of sleep , consumption of salty foods and even allergic reactions.
HOW CAN I DISTINGUISH PIGMENTATION FROM VASCULARIZATION?
In order to better assess how the following home remedies can help in your individual situation, it is important to recognize the type of dark circles you have.
A simple trick to determine if your dark circles are due to pigmentation or vascular problems is to lie on the bed for a few minutes and use a mirror to observe changes in color intensity. If the dark circles remain the same, pigmentation is the main cause. If the color becomes lighter, the reasons are more likely to be related to the blood vessels or shade.
HOW CAN I TREAT DARK CIRCLES AT HOME NATURALLY?
Home remedies are very popular among many users to reduce dark circles in a "natural" way. They can help reduce the appearance of dark circles, especially those caused by vascular problems and fluid retention.
Please keep in mind that many of these home remedies can only achieve temporary effects and do not have a permanent effect on dark circles under the eyes. Depending on the cause and severity of the dark circles under the eyes, more effective measures may be necessary to achieve optimal results. These include, for example, the use of cosmetic products as well as medical, surgical or laser therapies.
1. GOOD SLEEP QUALITY
Studies have shown that poor sleep quality can negatively impact skin function. It increases signs of aging, dry skin, and reduces the skin's ability to recover from sun damage. These factors, as mentioned above, contribute to or worsen under-eye darkening.
To prevent this or minimize its severity, a good quality of sleep of 7 to 9 hours per night is highly recommended. In addition, elevating the head during sleep can improve blood circulation and prevent the accumulation of fluid in the eye area.
2. COLD COMPRESSES
This is the most commonly recommended method to achieve quick results when dark circles are caused by puffiness and protruding blood vessels. Cold compresses help reduce puffiness and constrict blood vessels.
Simply take a clean washcloth, moisten it with cold water and place it on the eye area while sitting for a few minutes.
Other variations of this method could be
- Cold spoons: Chill two metal spoons in the refrigerator for a few minutes and gently place them on the eye area.
- A facial roller: Place the facial roller in the refrigerator for a few minutes and then gently massage the eye area.
- Eye patches: You can even chill eye patches in the refrigerator and then apply them. This way you combine cold therapy with the cosmetic benefits of the eye patches.
CAUTION! Please never place the mentioned items in the freezer. Using frozen objects or even ice directly on the skin can cause burns and significant damage.
3. COLD TEA BAGS (CONTAINING CAFFEINE)
Some dermatologists also recommend using green or black tea bags to temporarily improve the appearance of dark circles under the eyes. Both green and black tea contain caffeine, which when applied topically has a vasoconstricting effect, causing blood vessels to constrict, making them less visible. They also contain antioxidants such as polyphenols, which are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties.
Although there is a lack of scientific evidence that applying tea bags under the eyes actually delivers these bioactive compounds to the skin, it is still worth a try – especially since cold tea bags have similar decongestant and vasoconstrictor effects as a cold compress.
To try this, simply place two tea bags in hot water for about 5 minutes, then let them cool in the fridge for at least 20 minutes, squeeze out any excess liquid and place them on your face with your eyes closed for 15-30 minutes. Then remove them and clean your face with cold water.
4. MOISTURE
Dehydration can cause the skin to appear thinner and the underlying melanin and blood vessels to become more visible. For this reason, applying moisturizers to the eye area is helpful to lock in moisture and reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
You can inexpensively apply a small amount of Vaseline or simply an eye or facial moisturizer under the eyes. A natural alternative is castor oil, which has additional anti-inflammatory properties.
5. ALOE VERA GEL
Another popular and natural way to moisturize is to use aloe vera gel. Although its safety and effectiveness have not been scientifically proven, aloe vera contains many active ingredients that not only moisturize (sugars and polysaccharides), but also have anti-aging, healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is even thought that aloe vera has a lightening effect that could help with pigmented skin.
Since the eye area is very sensitive, you should be particularly careful when applying aloe vera gel and avoid direct contact with the eyes. If you have allergies or sensitive skin, it is advisable to test the gel on a small area of skin beforehand to avoid possible eye irritation, pain or damage.
6. PROTECT FROM SUNLIGHT
Since sun exposure can increase the pigmentation of dark circles, it is advisable to take some simple measures such as wearing sunglasses and a hat to protect the eye area. Although it is not considered a "natural home remedy", applying sunscreen is extremely important to protect the skin from the harmful effects of UV rays, including in the eye area.
Tinted facial sunscreens not only provide protection, but can also help to optically conceal dark circles under the eyes.
THE CONCLUSION
Although home remedies can provide simple solutions to temporarily reduce the appearance of dark circles, they do not guarantee permanent elimination. If your dark circles do not improve despite using the natural methods described here, it is advisable to seek professional help from a dermatologist or ophthalmologist. These professionals can advise you on more suitable alternatives to treat your specific problem.
