Dark circles under the eyes make you look tired and worn out. It's difficult to look fresh and youthful when your eyes seem to tell everyone that you were up too late the night before. Dark under-eye circles can have a number of causes besides lack of sleep. Knowing the common causes of dark circles--and what to avoid--can help to keep you looking fresh and vibrant.
Description
Dark under-eye circles are half-moon shaped areas undern the eyes that have a darker pigmentation than the surrounding skin, says the Mayo Clinic. Dark circles occur in men and women and although they usually appear in adults, circles may also affect children. Circles are linked with aging. The skin under the eyes is thin and has fewer oil glands than skin on other areas of the body, explains the website TargetWoman. Under-eye skin is more likely to become dry and wrinkled with age, making the veins beneath the skin to appear more prominent and creating a darker skin tone.
Myths
Dark circles are typically blamed on inadequate sleep or late-night celebrations. Lack of sleep does not cause dark circles, but it accentuates them, notes the Mayo Clinic. Fatigue makes skin appear more pale and highlights dark veins in the under-eye region. Eye puffiness resulting from too little sleep can deepen shadows under the eyes, making circles more obvious. Alcohol consumption, smoking and caffeinated beverages can also exaggerate the appearance of under-eye circles.
Causes
Most common causes for under-eye circles are unavoidable, notes the Mayo Clinic. Normal aging results in a loss of collagen and thinning skin that makes veins more noticeable. Irregularities in skin pigmentation from natural skin tones, especially in people of color, or as a result of sun exposure cause circles. Nasal congestion contributes to eye circles as the veins that drain the eyes through the nasal passages dilate and darken. People who have allergies are more likely to develop under-eye circles, says TargetWoman. Sinus inflammation and rubbing itchy eyes can cause the skin under the eyes to become darker and thicker. Some food allergies also can contribute to circles.
Remedies
Under-eye circles can be diminished using simple home remedies. Cold compresses made from cooled used tea bags, a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a cloth or two chilled spoons help dilated blood vessels to constrict, suggests the Mayo Clinic. Sleep on two or three pillows to help fluids drain away from the eyes. Relieve nasal congestion with saline sprays or washes. Wear sun glasses and sunscreen to prevent the skin from producing excess pigment. Cosmetic concealers and creams containing vitamins K, C and E and retinol help hide circles.
Considerations
Circles under the eyes rarely require medical treatment. The Mayo Clinic advises consulting with a dermatologist or health care provider if your under-eye circles seem to worsen over time or appear under one eye only. For permanent removal of circles, prescription creams or chemical peels may be used. Laser treatments or surgery can minimize hollows under the eyes to reduce shadows.
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