When you glance in the mirror and see black bags under your eyes, it's depressing. You could expect them after pulling an all-nighter, but what if the shadows persist even after a full night's sleep?
It turns out that it's not only a lack of sleep that causes them, but rather heredity. But don't worry; getting rid of them, or at least making them appear lighter, isn't difficult. Dark eye circles are usually blood vessels visible through the skin beneath the eyes. Because deoxygenated blood is blue, it gives off a bluish tinge as it passes close to the skin's surface.
What causes them to happen?
Genetics
If you have fair skin, you can unfortunately add dark eye circles from sunburns to your list of skin problems. Because fair skin is more translucent, the blue tone of the blood vessels can be seen more clearly. Other inherited characteristics that contribute to dark eye circles include having thinner skin than the average person, Periorbital Hyperpigmentation, and a deep-set bone shape that can cause shadowing around the eyes.
Age
Skin loses collagen and thins out as we age, causing it to become more transparent. Skin begins to sag, resulting in shadowing around the eyes.
Allergies
The histamines released during an allergy reaction create edoema by inflaming the blood vessels. Rubbing the eyes to relieve itching does not help since it can break blood vessels.
Medications and/or Illness
Because not enough oxygen reaches the body's tissues, anaemia or an iron shortage can cause dark eye rings. Liver issues can also be a factor. Eye circles might darken as a result of any medicine that causes blood vessels to dilate.
Congestion in the nose
According to a study, nasal congestion can induce dark eye circles by widening and darkening the veins that drain from your eyes to your nose. To relieve some of the pressure, use a neti pot or a saline spray.
What is the best way to deal with them?
To improve the appearance of dark eye circles, you can do a few simple steps. Blood can be prevented from accumulating under your eyes by doubling up on pillows and sleeping more raised up. When you wake up, a five-minute cold compress (or the classic cucumbers on the eyes) might help constrict blood vessels and give you a more rejuvenated appearance.
There are also a number of eye creams on the market that are specifically developed to treat dark eye circles. Some contain caffeine, which constricts blood vessels, while others contain green tea, which strengthens capillary walls, and others contain collagen-building ingredients (retinol is the most famous of this kind). Drinking enough of water and eating a diet rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids will significantly improve the appearance of your skin, including the area around your eyes.
What's the best way to hide them?
Makeup, when applied correctly, may conceal even the darkest circles. Apply eye cream first and allow it to dry completely. Then, to complement the brighter skin around the eyes, use a creamy concealer that is somewhat lighter than your typical foundation. Blend it into the top of the check bone by patting it along the circles. To set the makeup and prevent it from getting caught in the creases, dust it with loose powder.
If you're not sure what's causing your dark eye circles, stretch the skin under your eyes gently. If it darkens, it is most likely due to genetics or ageing, as it indicates that the darkening is caused by an underlying colour rather than the skin itself. If the colour doesn't change, allergies or UV exposure are most likely to blame. For more information regarding eye treatment, kindly book your appointment with Malaya Optical Optometrist.