10 Causes of Dark Under-Eye Circles and How to Eliminate Them

Dark circles are unwelcome. They mock you from the mirror every time you attempt to conceal them. So, what leads to dark under-eye circles? Here are ten causes of those unsightly dark circles you might not be aware of, and how to eliminate them. Research indicates that, on average, a woman in the United States spends about $15,000 in her lifetime on cosmetics, with a significant portion of that going towards under-eye concealers. It's no surprise that dark circles can make one appear tired and older. The causes of dark circles vary from person to person.

TEN CAUSES OF UNDER-EYE DARK CIRCLES

Family history may play a role in the presence of dark circles under your eyes, yet there are various other contributing factors.

1. DECREASED BLOOD CIRCULATION

Aging can lead to poor circulation and fluid accumulation around the eyes, resulting in a darker appearance. The thin and delicate skin under the eyes reveals the oxygen-depleted blood, contributing to the dark circles observed.

2 – HYPERPIGMENTATION

Hyperpigmentation refers to the darkened skin beneath your eyes. It is caused by melanin, a pigment responsible for skin coloration, not an amino acid. Melanin also contributes to tanning when you're at the beach. One cause of increased pigmentation under your eyes is the lack of oxygen to the blood vessels in that area.

3 – TIREDNESS

Insufficient sleep can lead to dark circles under the eyes. Going to bed late and waking up early can interrupt your sleep pattern. Maintaining a consistent sleep routine is crucial for complete rest. Aiming for 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night is advisable. Shut off all electronic devices several hours before bedtime. The blue light from these screens can disrupt your sleep cycle, making it harder to settle down before bed.

Engage in relaxing activities before sleep, such as reading a book or taking a warm bath. These practices can help you fall asleep faster and enjoy uninterrupted sleep. Additionally, adequate rest can alleviate eye strain, which often causes dark circles under the eyes.

4 – STRESS

When your body experiences stress, it redirects more blood to your organs as a compensatory response. This can cause your face to appear pale and dark circles to form under your eyes, visibly manifesting the stress. Engaging in exercise or yoga can be an effective method to alleviate daily stress in a healthy manner.

5 – ALLERGIES

Nasal congestion due to allergies can lead to dark circles under the eyes. This congestion impacts the tiny veins beneath your eyes, causing them to appear swollen and puffy. As blood accumulates, these veins dilate and dark circles form. Similarly, colds and sinus infections can cause this effect. If you suspect allergies, it's important to identify the cause. Common allergens include outdoor pollen, hay fever, seasonal allergies, mold, pet dander, dust mites, food allergies, and irritants like smoke, chemicals, or strong fragrances.

6 – POOR DIET

Often, the emphasis is on eliminating dark circles under the eyes rather than understanding their cause. Diet plays a significant role. Without adequate nutrition, your appearance may suffer. Below is a list of foods to consider incorporating or avoiding in your diet to help reduce dark circles.

NOT ENOUGH IRON IN YOUR DIET:

Iron is vital for the production of healthy red blood cells. A deficiency in iron can lead to anemia, which is often indicated by dark circles under the eyes and a feeling of extreme fatigue. Foods rich in iron include leafy greens, lean beef, sardines, tuna, molasses, and liver.

NOT ENOUGH VITAMIN K:

Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting. Insufficient amounts can lead to bleeding in the small blood vessels around the eyes, causing the appearance of dark, bruised-like circles. Foods rich in vitamin K include leafy greens, soybeans, prunes, kiwi, avocado, olive oil, and canola oil.

NOT ENOUGH VITAMIN C:

Vitamin C, an antioxidant, shields your skin from damage, which can lead to wrinkles and hyperpigmentation with age. Include these foods rich in vitamin C in your diet:

• Peppers
• Oranges
• Grapefruits
• Kiwi fruits
• Strawberries
• Cantaloupe
• Pineapple
• Watermelon
• Raspberries
• Blueberries

What you may need to limit in your diet.

EXCESS SALT:

Consuming excessive salt can lead to fluid retention, resulting in puffiness and discoloration under the eyes. It's advisable to avoid high-sodium foods such as bacon, canned soups, processed meats, and fast food. Health professionals suggest a daily intake of 2,300 mg of sodium for optimal health. Always check food labels and season your food with salt while cooking rather than at the table, which can help reduce overall salt consumption.

EXCESS CAFFEINE OR ALCOHOL:

Excessive consumption of beverages like soda, coffee, or iced tea can lead to dehydration. Dehydration is a contributing factor to the appearance of dark circles under the eyes.

7 – HEALTH CONDITIONS

Thyroid disease can lead to dark circles under the eyes due to its impact on fluid retention in that area. This results in the skin beneath the eyes appearing swollen and puffy.

8 – EYESTRAIN

Staring at a computer screen for extended periods can tire your eyes, straining the blood vessels beneath them, causing them to swell and darken the delicate skin. It's important to take regular breaks and perform eye exercises to rest your eyes and promote blood flow, helping to prevent dark circles.

9 – SUN EXPOSURE

While sunlight is a natural source of vitamin D, it can also contribute to the formation of dark circles by increasing melanin production in your skin, particularly in the thin-skinned areas around your eyes. To minimize this effect, it's advisable to use sunscreen and wear sunglasses during sun exposure.

10 – DEHYDRATION

Dehydration often results in dark circles under the eyes, as the delicate skin appears darker and duller. It is advised that men consume at least 3,000 mL (about 13 cups) of fluids daily, while women should aim for 2,200 mL (9 cups). To ensure adequate fluid intake, consider the following tips:

• Drink fluids before you feel thirsty to avoid dehydration.
• Take sips of water during meals.
• Have a glass of water with medication.
• Hydrate well before exercising.
• Limit alcohol consumption, as it can lead to dehydration.

REDUCING DARK UNDER-EYE CIRCLES

To diminish dark under-eye circles, you can try several home remedies.

1 – DECONGESTANTS

For those with allergies causing nasal congestion, a decongestant may alleviate eye puffiness and darkness. Nasal sprays can also help clear congestion. Identifying and minimizing exposure to allergens can further reduce symptoms.

2 – MOISTURIZER

Every night before bed, cleanse your face to remove makeup, dirt, or dust, then apply an eye moisturizer beneath your eyes. Ingredients like vitamin C or retinol are beneficial for eliminating dark circles.

3 – COLD SPOON THERAPY

A popular remedy for dark circles is to place cold spoons under your eyes. Keep the spoons there for 30 minutes; the chilliness helps reduce inflammation and puffiness. Under-eye masks or patches are also effective.

4 – AVOID SMOKING

Smoking damages your skin cells, leading to wrinkles and dark circles under your eyes. It can make you appear older and more worn out.

5 – CHILLED CUCUMBER SLICES

To diminish under-eye swelling, place chilled cucumber slices under your eyes for 30 minutes. Their coolness helps alleviate swelling or puffiness, and cucumbers contain vitamin K, which can improve blood circulation to the skin.

6 – REFRAIN FROM TOUCHING YOUR EYES

Rubbing your eyes when tired is a common habit, but frequent rubbing can cause dark circles to appear darker. The skin under the eyes is delicate, and rubbing can break blood vessels, making the skin look bruised. Waking up with dark circles may indicate eye rubbing during sleep.

Dark circles can make you appear older and fatigued. Many daily habits contribute to dark circles, including an unhealthy diet, insufficient sleep, stress, and too much sun. Identifying the cause of your dark circles is the first step. Then, establishing healthy eye care routines can help eliminate them permanently.