Why We Get Dark Circles and How to Get Rid of Them

When we see a person with dark undereye circles, our initial thought will probably be, “Oh, she’s lacking sleep!” But medical experts have found that there are more than a handful of factors that contribute to those dark circles, other than fatigue.

Today at Bright Side we are tackling the reasons why you might have dark circles, plus we’re sharing some tips on how you can fight them off to keep your face looking refreshed.

Why we get undereye circles

The reason behind dark circles under the eyes is different depending on the person, but one cause that we all share is that the shadows under your eyes are caused by the lack of free-flowing oxygen in the blood vessels, which causes hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation is produced by an amino acid called melanin. What are commonly known as eyebags, can be attributed to the unconscious act of rubbing one’s eyes, excessive exposure to the sun, or inadequate sleep; while other factors include genetics and aging. Even so, dark circles can also be caused by medical conditions such as allergies, eczema, dermatitis, and anemia.

How we can fight them

Melanin is a natural brown or black pigment in our bodies that is responsible for bringing color to our skin, hair, eyes, and some other parts of our bodies. Here are some tips on how you can prevent too much melanin from getting under your eyes and giving you those gloomy eye bags.

1. Practice proper bed posture.

Sleeping in an upright position can prevent puffiness. While you’re getting your zzzz’s, fluid can collect under your eyes, especially when you are laying in a more flat position. Keeping your head slightly propped up can help prevent that fluid build-up, leaving your morning face looking well-rested.

2. Avoid direct sunlight.

Ask any dermatologist and they will tell you to keep your face out of direct sunlight. Not only does sunlight compel our skin to age faster, but harmful UV rays can also cause damage to the skin. This skin aging leads to the formation of swelling and dark undereye circles. So if you plan to be in the sun, put on some sunscreen and wear a pair of shades and a hat!

3. Try out natural ingredients.

Common ingredients that you can find in your own home, like cucumbers and used tea bags, can be beneficial in fighting your eye bags. Cucumbers have great cooling and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce undereye swelling, while the caffeine and tannins in tea bags also help to reduce inflammation and tighten the skin. For the best results, apply the cucumber or tea bags for 5 minutes as a cold compress on your dark circles, then rinse your face afterward.

4. Prep an ice-cold facial.

In the same way that cold cucumbers and tea bags can reduce eye bag inflammation, using an ice cube or a cold compress (or icepack) can also bring down the puffiness that dark circles leave on the face. Applying ice also speeds up skin healing and gives your skin a renewed and healthy glow.

5. Get enough sleep.

When our bodies lack sleep, our skin tends to look paler, which makes the darkness under our eyes more noticeable. Because the skin under our eyes is quite thin, it can become dark easily from fatigue, due to the constant dilation of blood vessels. For adults, it is important to get at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep daily in order to keep our faces fresh and youthful.

6. Apply moisturizers and healing oils.

Hydrating your face with beneficial oils and moisturizers keeps the lines and wrinkles at bay. Choose face products that are high in antioxidants, which can have a positive impact on those dark circles. The massaging movement that you use when you apply something on your face also help the blood circulate better, so you avoid any build-up or constriction in your blood vessels. Some popular choices for daily moisturizers are Vitamin E or C cream, almond oil, and coconut oil.

What have you done to treat your dark circles?