Dark circles aren't discriminating. Men, women and children of all ages and ethnicities suffer from under-eye dark circles. Of all the common complaints about the fragile skin under the eyes, dark circles are the toughest to treat. There are many different causes of unsightly dark circles, some genetic and others the result of unhealthy lifestyle choices. While there is no quick fix, there are plenty of ways to improve the health of the skin under and around the eyes.
Causes of Dark Circles
The way we choose to live our lives does play a role in our overall eye health. Consuming alcohol and caffeinated sodas, smoking and not getting enough sleep certainly contribute to the bags and circles under our eyes, but lifestyle factors are typically not the primary culprit.
According to the Mayo Clinic, allergies and heredity play a far more significant role. If you are suffering from a cold or allergies that cause nasal congestion, chances are your dark circles are more dominant than at other times. Nasal congestion causes the blue veins under our eyes to become dilated and more pronounced.
As we age, collagen production decreases and the skin underneath our eyes becomes thinner as our under-eye veins become more noticeable. The capillaries under the eyes play perhaps the most prominent role in creating dark circles. Red blood cells escape from the extremely thin capillaries that surround the eyes. Enzymes rush to the under-eye area to remove the blood cells, resulting in bruised dark circles appearing under our eyes.
Eat Right
Stay hydrated with 2 to 3 liters of water a day, cutting back on the consumption of alcohol, sodas and other caffeinated beverages. A diet rich in antioxidants supports the skin by protecting the body against free radical damage and encouraging cell regeneration. Vitamins C, A, E, K, niacin and iron are particularly important for skin and eye health. Green, leafy vegetables, fruits, whole grains and lean proteins are food sources high in antioxidants.
Home Remedies
A cold compress placed on the eyes for 5 to 10 minutes can temporarily reduce dark circles and refresh tired eyes. Thin slices of cucumber, peeled potato, or even a bag of frozen peas soothes the delicate skin under the eyes.
A cold steeped tea bag is a common trick, as it soaks the skin with antioxidants and caffeine, which reduces fluid retention around the eyes. Gently massaging the skin under the eyes with vitamin E or a cotton ball soaked in milk or rose water every evening, brightens eyes and improves under-eye health.
Topical Treatments
Reinforce eye health by applying an eye cream morning and evening that is specifically designed to diminish dark circles under the eyes. Topical creams and lotions containing vitamin K and niacin have shown success in reducing dark circles.
A study cited in the May 6, 2003 edition of "Cosmetic and Toiletries" found that volunteers treated with a vitamin K and A eye cream experienced a lightening of the under-eye area and a subsequent reduction in dark circles. When applied topically, vitamin K has been reported to reduce bruising.
A study published in 2002 in the "Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology," found that participants who applied vitamin K cream to their face after receiving laser treatment experienced less bruising than participants who applied a placebo cream.
For those suffering from dark circles under the eyes caused by pigmentation discoloration, niacinamide, a derivative of niacin, acts as a skin-lightening agent, and is a primary component in many over-the-counter eye creams.
Medical Treatments
Popular medical treatments to help reduce dark circles under the eyes include laser skin resurfacing, blue light therapy, and the IPL Photofacial. Dark circles can also be disguised with dermal fillers such as Juvederm, which plumps up hollow eyes so dark circles are less visible.
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