Let’s face it all of us have to pull an all-nighter at least once whether it is for work or for studying for an examination the night before. As satisfying as it might feel to ace your examinations or complete accumulated work in one overnight, one might face its repercussions.
If you have ever woken up with eyebags that resemble a raccoon, you are definitely not alone as dark circles are experienced by men and women alike. Even though these dark patches underneath the eyes are not injurious or harmful to one’s health, they can definitely look unappealing to most people.
Although Dark circles are not a cause of concern, they can make one appear older, ailing, or fatigued. Due to the current Pandemic situation where all of us are stuck inside our homes, the tenacious dark circles appear to be a grim reminder of exhaustion, sleep deprivation, and aging.
But how does one approach this problem? Just like distinct skin types, not all dark circles are the same, and finding an appropriate solution for this problem can be quite perplexing when one does know where to begin.
Here is a compilation of vital information one must comprehend in order to appropriately diminish the appearance of apparent dark circles.
What are dark circles and how do they occur?
Dark circles under the eyes are not an indication of a medical problem. Unlike bruising that is caused by an injury or infection that might appear in just one eye, dark circles on the contrary are discoloration or darkness under and seldom all around both of the eyes.
Some dark circles are caused by the shadow which is cast by puffy or swollen eyelids. If the discoloration is persistent and is causing itching, pain, or swelling one should immediately contact their doctor.
Depending on the symptoms and causes, the medical professional will prescribe you appropriate medication to help make the dark circles appear less apparent.
How to properly determine if you have dark circles?
In order to effectively determine you have dark circles under your eyes, you must closely observe each and every inch or crevice of your eyes in front of a mirror.
Dark circles are most apparent near the inner corner of one’s eyes, which gradually disperse around other areas of the eyes in circular form. One can easily recognize they have dark circles when they observe that the skin around the eyes is comparatively darker than the rest of the skin.
One other way to determine you have dark circles or not is by the color of the dark circles. For people with a lighter complexion, the discoloration might appear to have a purple or bluish tinge, while people of darker complexion may have brown or blackish in color.
What are the causes of Dark Circles?
Even though a majority of people perceive that dark circles are induction of sleep deprivation and exhaustion. But there ate a plethora of causes other than the two common denominators that can contribute to you looking like a panda upon waking up. Here is a list of causes that can lead to dark circles:
1. Aging:
The natural process of aging is one of the main reasons why one would be experiencing dark circles under their eyes. As one ages, their skin begins to lose its elasticity and becomes thin due to decelerated production of collagen.
Due to the skin becoming frail and thin, the blood vessels underneath the lower eyelids become more apparent, leaving a dark cast called dark circles.
2. Exhaustion:
Extreme fatigues, oversleeping, and sleep deprivation are amongst the common causes that contribute to one having dark circles. Sleep deprivation can make the frail skin of the lower lid pale, making the blood vessels more apparent.
In most cases, the eyes can become puffy and cast a dark shadow that appears to resemble dark circles.
3. Strain:
Eye strain can be caused by looking at the computer screen, television, o mobile phone for prolonged periods of time. Strain can cause the blood vessels around the eyes to enlarge, making them more apparent and leaving a dark cast.
4. Allergies:
Allergies to several substances can trigger dark circles and cause the area around the eyes to become dry. When one experiences an allergic attack, the body naturally releases a substance called histamines, which can make the blood vessels dilate.
5. Dehydration:
Hydration is integral for sustaining and maintaining the body’s overall health as well as appearance. When the body receives an insufficient amount of hydration, The skin around the eyes can become dull and pale, making the eyes appear sunken in and tired.
6. Heredity:
Heredity or genetics can also be a contributing factor to why one has dark circles. If some members of your family experience dark circles, you might have a great chance of inheriting the gene.
7. Exposure to UV rays:
Ultraviolet rays are present in the sun rays, which can cause a plethora of skin as well as health issues. Overexposure to Ultraviolet rays can the sensitive skin around the eyes to darken.
8. Iron Deficiency:
Anemia is a health condition that is caused by a deficiency of iron. Iron helps regulate oxygen in the blood vessels, people who are anemic can experience an insufficient amount of oxygen reaching their skin tissues. This can make the appearance of the blood vessels under the eyes appear dark.
This can be further accentuated by the following factors:
- Alcohol consumption or Caffeine purge
- Nasal congestion
- Poor diet
Home remedies to get rid of Dark Circles:
Although dark circles are not an indication of a health risk, they can become a hindrance when it comes to overall appearance and aesthetics. Many people resort to seeking professional help for dark circles, but this problem can be easily treated at home. Here is a list of effective home remedies that can help reduce the appearance of dark circles:
1. Cold compression:
Cold compression can help with constricting the dilated blood vessels, helping in making the dark circles less apparent. One can easily perform cold compression by using cold spoons on their eyes.
2. Protect:
Prevention is better than cure, Ultraviolet rays can be a chief factor contributing to abhorrent dark circles. One can easily prevent dark circles by applying SPF-rich Sunscreen when heading out.
3. Moisturize:
Moisturize the under eyes by using an over-the-counter eye serum or eye cream. Eye creams incorporate ingredients like Vitamin E, Caffeine, Aloe, and Hyaluronic acid which can help reduce the appearance of dark circles and de-puff the eye bags.
4. Cucumbers or green tea bags:
Applying chilled pieces of cucumbers can help with reducing the appearance of dark circles. Cucumbers and green tea assimilate anti-oxidant properties that can help de-puff the eyebags. One can apply thick slices of cucumbers on their eyes for 10 minutes for best results.
5. Almond Oil and vitamin E:
Applying a mixture of Vitamin E and Almond oil before bedtime can help reduce dark circles. One can add equal parts of vitamin E oil and almond oil in a container and gently massage it on the eyes for 5 to minutes.
In the morning you can wash it off and have significantly less apparent dark circles.
