Dark circles: Causes and Cures

Dark circles are round and uniform area of pigmentation under eyes. They make you look tired, unhealthy and older. There are many causes for dark circles:

1. Heredity
Very thin, transparent skin is an inherited trait. This makes blood vessels under your eyes visible, accentuating dark circles. Another inherited trait is deep-set bone structure, which casts shadows underneath your eyes, making the dark circles look worse.
What to do: use a concealer to cover everything up.

2. Aging
As we age, skin becomes thinner showing the blood vessels underneath and causing the dark circles.
What to do: use a moisturizer loaded with anti-oxidants and always use sunscreen to fight the aging process.

3. Saggy skin
If your skin is saggy, it can cast shadows that accentuate the appearance of dark circles.
What to do: again, concealer is the best way to hide the problem.

4. Lack of sleep
Lack of sleep causes skin to be paler. This makes the bloodstream beneath you skin more visible, accentuating your dark circles.
What to do: go to bed early and get at least 8 hours of sleep a night.

5. Sun exposure
Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause hyper-pigmentation, making dark circles appear darker.
What to do: use skin lightening products.

6. Dehydration
If you don’t drink enough water during the day, inadequate hydration occurs, making dark circles appear more pronounced.
What to do: drink at least 6 or 8 glasses of water a day.

7. Allergies
Skin conditions that causes skin to itch, making you rub your eyes, (like allergic contact dermatitis or hey fever) can accentuate the appearance of dark circles.
What to do: treat the allergy. Consult your doctor for an accurate diagnosis and best treatment.

8. Medications
Some medications make blood vessels dilate, accentuating dark circles.
What to do: again, the best treatment is concealer.

9. Nutrition
If your diet lacks nutrient or is unbalanced, it can cause dark circles.
What to do: eat healthily.

If you’re not sure what is causing your dark circles, the best thing to do is consulting your doctor. He will determine the cause of the problem and suggest the best treatment.