Dark Circles

Many people suffer from dark circles under their eyes. Whether they appear suddenly or are a chronic problem, they can be a real nightmare, making us look older and more tired than we actually are. Unfortunately, there are no miracle cures for dark eyes, and the popular advice of “Just get more sleep” can be difficult to fit into a busy modern life, and utterly ineffective when the problem lies elsewhere.

What Causes Dark Circles?

Contrary to popular belief, dark circles under the eyes are not always caused by tiredness. The skin under your eyes is thinner and more delicate than the skin elsewhere on your face, making the blood vessels more noticeable. However, several different factors can make your skin even thinner or more translucent, creating the appearance of pesky dark circles. If you suffer from dark circles under your eyes, it could be caused by one or more of the following:

Age: As we age, the skin under our eyes thins and becomes less plump. Unfortunately, aging is difficult to prevent, but this type of dark circle under eyes is most easily fixed with eye creams.

Allergies: Rubbing itchy eyes can temporarily increase the appearance of dark circles.

Dehydration: Water retention causes the area under your eyes to swell. If you do not drink enough water, the body will cling on to whatever liquid it gets, contributing to dark circles.

Genetics: People with fair skin or deep-set eyes naturally have more noticeable dark circles under their eyes.

Iron Deficiency: A lack of iron in the blood causes a blueish tint around the eyes.

Lack of sleep: Tiredness makes the skin appear more pale, which makes dark circles stand out more.

Stress or Depression: As well as making sleep less effective, it can also lead to poor diet, loss of appetite and less daily exercise, all factors that contribute to dark circles.

Sun Damage: Excessive exposure to the sun weakens the skin.

How Can I Get Rid of Dark Circles?

It can be difficult to get rid of dark circles once they appear. However, there are some steps you can take to prevent them from getting worse and to reduce their appearance in the short term, using items found in your kitchen, as well as creams that will have a more lasting effect.

Drink Enough Water: Experts recommend that we drink 8 glasses of water a day. Water will help to keep your skin healthy and prevent the veins under your eyes from swelling.

Wear sunscreen: Wear Factor 30 under your eyes to protect that delicate skin.

Cool cucumber slices: Place them on your eyes for 15 minutes a day to hydrate the skin and cool and sooth the eyes.

Vitamin C: This vitamin strengthens the walls of your blood vessels, making them less visible under your eyes. Look for creams that include Vitamin C to apply directly to the affected area, and be sure to eat plenty of fruit.

Vitamin K: Creams containing vitamin K can add volume to the skin and heal the veins that run under your eyes.