Dark circles under your eyes can cause you to appear older and more tired than you really are. These circles can be the result of sleepless nights or caused by genetics that predispose you to develop these circles. In order to combat them, you can apply undereye creams that plump the skin or reduce the discoloration that causes dark circles to develop. Understanding which treatment can help to best benefit your dark circles can ensure that you experience the best possible results.
Causes
Dark circles under the eyes can be due to the inflammation and dilation of blood vessels under the skin that cause the area under the eyes to appear darkened, according to MayoClinic.com. Causes related to inflammation and dilation include allergies, lack of sleep, consumption of excess alcohol and smoking. The blood vessels under the eye are close to the skin. If the skin becomes thinner, such as due to aging, the close proximity can also cause undereye circles. Additionally, darker pigmentation in the area of skin under the eyes can cause you to develop undereye circles. Causes associated with this occurrence include heredity and sun exposure.
Commercial Remedy Ingredients
A number of active ingredients are incorporated into topical creams, gels or ointments in order to reduce the appearance of undereye circles. Such ingredients include vitamin K, which can be added to a product to help to reduce dilated blood vessels. Vitamin C and alpha hydroxy acids, which stimulate collagen production in the skin, are added to creams to thicken the skin, according to The New York Times. These nutrients help to reduce the appearance of undereye circles caused by genetics and/or aging.
Natural Remedy Ingredients
If you prefer to utilize natural plant extracts to treat undereye circles, several popular treatments are available in cream applications. Examples include grape seed, butcher's broom and horse chestnut. These products strengthen the vein walls of the skin under your eyes, which helps to reduce fluctuations in blood vessels caused by sleeplessness, allergies or other lifestyle factors.
Bleaching Creams
If your undereye circles are due to excess pigmentation under the eyes, skin-bleaching creams may be beneficial in reducing circles. These creams work by reducing and breaking down melanin pigment in the skin, according to DermNet NZ, a website of the New Zealand Dermatological Society. Melanin is a brown pigment whose overproduction can cause the skin to appear darker. Examples of active ingredients include hydroquinone and kojic acid. These creams are typically available only by prescription. A dermatologist can help you determine which strength is best for you.
Warning
Topical treatments to reduce the appearance of dark circles must be applied very carefully to the undereye skin. Not only is this skin very thin and sensitive, it also is in close proximity to the mucous membranes of the eyes. Flush the eye with water if you experience a burning or itching sensation after applying a topical treatment to the skin.
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