Everyone will experience dark under eye circles at least once in their life. Dark circles typically appear as a blue or purple colour under the eyes, and are caused by an increase in the production of melanin. Whilst we can’t control the melanin within the skin, there are other factors that can influence the darkness of the under-eye area.
What Causes Dark Under Eye Circles?
Some experts believe dark circles can also be genetic, with sleep quality and age also playing a major factor in the formation and appearance of darkness under the eyes. Dark circles under the eyes can be a sign of fatigue, lack of sleep, or a medical condition.
Pigmentation can change in the skin, and when that happens around the eyes, it can lead to a darkening of the area, due to the skin around the eyes being thinner than the skin in other places of the face. The dark appearance under the eyes is thought to be caused by an accumulation of cells that produce melanin, and having a lack of sleep can make dark under eye circles more noticeable.
Dark circles under the eyes are caused by a number of factors. One is genetics, as some people are just more prone to having darker skin pigmentation under their eyes. The more common causes, however, are stress and sleep deprivation. The lack of sleep can lead to a build-up of fluid and melanin around the eyes, and these dark circles can contribute to the appearance of ageing, stress or fatigue.
What Are The Different Types Of Dark Under Eye Circles?
You can get puffy, dark under eye ‘bags’ under the eyes with allergies like hayfever or sinus congestion. Under eye bags can be caused by fluid retention, and a lack of circulation in the capillaries, but it’s more likely to be caused by external factors such as suffering from a lack of sleep, suffering from a cold or virus, stress or genes.
How to Cure Dark Under Eye Circles?
Hydration
Being well hydrated is essential for our health, and a lack of hydration can have knock on effects to our health and appearance. Ensure you’re drinking lots of water, and avoid drinking alcohol, or consuming caffeine to minimise your dark under eye circles.
Cucumber
You’ll see a lot of cucumber themed eye skincare products on the market, as cucumber is known for having revitalising, cooling properties. You could try putting thin cucumber slices on your eyes before going to bed, to reduce any puffiness and soothe tired eyes.
Cold Compresses
There are different methods you can try, but using something cold like a spoon, or face roller, it’ll help to diminish any puffiness, soothe the eye area. TikTok trends like using ice cubes on the under eye area have also been very popular on social media.
Skincare
If you’d like to try and minimise your under-eye darkness, it’d be a good idea to introduce some dark circle treating skincare products in to your skincare routine. Vitamin C has brightening properties, so any eye creams or eye serums enriched with vitamin C will help to brighten the eye area, and diminish any darkness you may be experiencing.
Dark under eye circles is a very common complaint, and there’s no way to prevent them appearing, other than ensuring we’re getting enough sleep, we’re well hydrated and eating a balanced diet. There are, however, tips we can follow to try and minimise their appearance, as well as helping to reduce any puffiness, which can make dark circles appear more prominent.