Dark circles under the eyes can give the appearance of being overly tired and can sometimes be treated with over-the-counter products, prescriptions, or concealed with make-up. While some people suffer from dark circles under their eyes as a result of genetics or illness, others experience them as a result of fatigue.
Fatigue Causes
If you engage in extreme physical activity, experience emotional stress or a lack of sleep, you may experience fatigue. Fatigue may also be a result of illnesses, such as the flu or other viral infections. Fatigue may also occur if you have a over or under-active thyroid problems, diabetes, anemia or cancer. The Mayo Clinic recommends scheduling a doctor's appointment if you experience fatigue for longer that two weeks.
Fatigue Symptoms
The New York Times health experts distinguish fatigue from drowsiness, by noting that drowsiness is the feeling of needing to sleep, while those who experience fatigue experience a lack of energy and motivation along with drowsiness. You also may feel dizzy or weak if you are fatigued.
Under Eye Circle Formation
When you become fatigued, your skin becomes paler. This paling of the skin allows blood vessels and skin discoloration to become more visible. Excessive drinking can also cause dark eye circles, as similar side effects occur. Dark cirlces may also be referred to as "raccoon" or "panda" eyes, given the drastic change in color that occurs in the eye area. If you suffer from dark circles, you may experience embarrassment or discomfort with your appearance.
Preventing Under Eye Circles
You can prevent dark circles from fatigue by getting at least seven to eight hours of sleep each night. Additionally, ensuring that you eat a balanced diet will provide your body the energy it needs to fight off fatigue and causes of fatigue, such as illness. Be sure to drink eight glasses of water each day, as well to maintain hydration in your skin.
Treatment
You can treat your under eye circles with creams, natural remedies, or simply changing your lifestyle, especially if fatigue is the cause. If you choose to use a topical product, doctors recommend using products that contain alphahydroxy acids to thicken the skin or Vitamin C and K to add volume to the skin around the eye. You can also place green tea bags over your eyes for a few minutes to aid in reducing puffiness. Of course, if your fatigue is due to consuming too much alcohol or staying up too late, drinking less and setting an earlier bedtime for yourself can help to treat your under eye circles effectively, as well.
Member Comments