How to Handle Dark Circles

What Causes Dark Circles

Dark circles are dark, bluish circles that appear below the eyes, which can be caused by allergies, illness, over exposure to the sun or lack of sleep. Dark circles form below the thin skin layer below the eyes, where blood circulates through the tissue. People with fair skin have a tendency to show dark circles more easily. Being exposed to the sun might heighten the level of pigment melanin below the eyes. Because the skin around the eye is so thin, scratching or rubbing the eyes from allergies can cause the blood vessels in the tissue to bruise. Colds, sinus infections and other illnesses might cause the blood pressure to increase and affect the overall tone of your skin complexion, while deepening the dark color below the eyes. This may also be an issue if your skin grows pale from illness, menstruation or pregnancy.

If you suddenly experience weight loss or lack adequate nutrition, dark circles are likely to appear. Sudden appearance of dark circles may also be a sign of kidney or liver disease. If you ever feel ill, be sure to consult a doctor immediately. Sleeping on your stomach may also cause swelling below the eyes.

How to Treat Dark Circles

Dark circle treatment is prevalent, and you can find various creams and lotions for eye application from almost anywhere. Prominent cosmetic company DHC offers Revitalizing DHC Eye Bright gel to diminish puffiness and dark circles. DHC also offers Eye Off-Shade made from royal jelly, which is high in nutrients and peony extract. The DHC Concentrated Eye Cream is also an eye-care product designed to firm and smooth the skin below the eyes with its cucumber and bamboo extracts as well as antioxidant olive oil. Garnier’s Ultra-Lift Anti-Wrinkle Eye Roller is another product designed to remove puffiness and dark circles below the eyes.

There are various home remedies that are frequently used to treat dark circles. The classic one is cold teabags. The caffeine in the tea reduces puffiness by extracting water content while replenishing the skin around your eyes with antioxidants. Use a cold, used teabag and place one over each eye for 10 minutes.

Cucumber slices are also known to cool and replenish the skin around your eyes. Another well-known remedy is potato puree. Take a thoroughly washed, raw potato and put it through a liquidizer or blender. Take the potato puree and cover your eye area. Lie down with the puree over your eyes for 30 minutes.

How to Cover Up Dark Circles

You can find cover-up, concealers and foundation from your nearest cosmetics store to cover up dark circles for a quick fix. When selecting your foundation or concealer, do not choose a color that is lighter than your actual skin tone. This may cause your dark circles to be even more noticeable. A touch of foundation below the eye to match the rest of your skin tone is a fine way to hide your dark circles. After that, even out the rest of your face with a concealer brush and bronzing powder. In order to avoid unwanted attention to your eyes on dark-circle days, be sure not to use heavy eye makeup.

How to Prevent Dark Circles

For long-term, internal treatment, try to correct some of your daily habits that may lead to dark circles. For instance, try changing your sleeping position and be sure to lie on your back when you go to bed. Sleeping properly on your back will prevent fluids from reaching your face thus preventing dark circles. And while you’re at it, be sure to get adequate sleep. Going to bed at a reasonable hour and getting enough hours of rest can do wonders to your skin.

If you suffer from sinuses or allergies, take antihistamines. Avoid rubbing your eyes so that the delicate skin and tissue below them won’t be aggravated. If you’re stepping out or planning to be outside for a long period of time, be sure to wear sunscreen.

Do everything you can to eat healthily. Avoid foods that are high in salt content so as to prevent any kidney or liver diseases. Salty food consumption can lead to fluid retention in the body. This is not good for your complexion, nor for your health overall. Switch your eating habits to fruits and vegetables that are high in water content such as watermelons and cucumbers.