You have started exercising to improve your health, but now dark circles are cropping up beneath your eyes. While these are not typically a cause for serious concern, they can be unsightly and difficult to hide. You can make changes to your lifestyle and workout routine that may lessen the look of your dark circles. However, if you are concerned about them or have other adverse symptoms, seek medical attention.
Overexertion and Fatigue
One of the most common causes of dark circles is not getting enough sleep. If you pry yourself out of bed for your daily workout, you may be depriving your body of the rest it needs. Additionally, you may be working out too much or at too great of an intensity, causing your body to become fatigued, which can also lead to dark circles. Get the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep a night, and do not work out more than your body can endure.
Sun Exposure
A sunny day can be a great time to exercise outdoors, but sun exposure can lead to dark circles or make the ones you have look worse. The sun increases the amount of melanin, or pigment, that your body produces, which can make the area under your eyes become dark and discolored. If you are going to workout outside, apply sunscreen that is safe for use around your eyes and wear sunglasses. Reapply the sunscreen every hour or so that you are exposed to the sun, especially if you are sweating or exercising in water.
Allergies
Allergies can lead to nasal congestion, causing the veins that drain into your eyes to dilate and become darker, leading to discoloration. If you have allergies and are exposed to your allergens while working out, this can cause dark circles to form. Indoor allergens can include pet dander and dust, while outdoor ones can be certain types of pollen. Try working out in a different location, or ask your doctor about taking an antihistamine to help treat your symptoms and lessen your dark circles.
Additional Considerations
For some people, dark circles are genetic, and while making changes can improve them, you may never be able to get rid of them completely. These discolorations can also become more common as you age, due to thinning skin and a loss of collagen. However, staying well-rested, healthy and protecting yourself from the sun can keep these dark circles from getting worse.
Member Comments