Do you have dark circles under your eyes? Don’t worry; you’re not alone. Many people suffer from this problem. This blog post will discuss the causes of dark circles and how to get rid of them. We will also provide tips on preventing them from happening in the future. So, if you’re ready to learn how to achieve brighter and more youthful-looking eyes, keep reading.
What causes dark circles?
Many factors can contribute to their formation. For example, they can be caused by:
Lack of sleep
Poor sleep dilates blood vessels and increases fluid accumulation under the skin, causing the skin around your eyes to get shady.
Allergies
Allergies can cause your eyes to water and itch, which leads to rubbing. Chronic itching can damage the delicate skin around your eyes and lead to dark circles.
Ageing
As you age, the fatty tissues that support your skin break down. The result of this can be sunken-looking skin around your eyes and shadows around your eyes.
Dehydration
Water is essential for human life. It helps regulate body temperature, lubricate joints and transport nutrients and oxygen to cells. Dehydration can occur when the body loses more water than it takes in.
If you’re not drinking enough water, your skin will look dry and dull, which can make dark circles more pronounced.
Excessive sun exposure
Too much sun exposure can damage the skin around your eyes and cause wrinkles, making them more noticeable.
The importance of collagen and elastin
Collagen and elastin are two essential proteins responsible for the skin’s firmness and elasticity. They play a crucial role in the prevention and treatment of dark circles. When these proteins are abundant, the skin is healthy and looks younger. However, as we age, our body produces less of these proteins, which can lead to the development of dark skin around our eyes.
There are several ways to increase collagen and elastin production. Some methods include using topical products containing both of them, eating foods high in these proteins, and using laser treatments or other forms of therapy.
Treatments for dark circles
Home remedies
- Cold compress. Applying a cold compress can help constrict the blood vessels under your eyes, improving their appearance. Wrap a clean cloth around ice cubes or a refrigerated spoon and apply it to your eyes for about 10 minutes. Do this once daily.
- Elevate your head. When you sleep, gravity can cause fluid to collect under your eyes, which may contribute to the appearance of dark circles. Try elevating your head while you sleep by using an extra pillow. Elevation will help reduce fluid retention and give you a more restful night’s sleep.
- Cucumber slices. Cucumbers contain ascorbic acid and caffeic acid, which can help reduce inflammation and water retention. Place cucumber slices on your eyes for about 10 minutes. Every day, do this once.
Medical treatments
- Laser therapy. Laser therapy helps treat the underlying causes of dark circles, such as thinning skin, broken blood vessels, and inflammation.
- Injections. Injections of botulinum toxin (Botox) or fillers can temporarily reduce the appearance of dark circles around your eyes.
- Surgery. In some cases, surgery may remove excess fat or skin under the eyes.
Prevention
- Wear sunscreen. Protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays can help to prevent skin damage. Be sure to apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to any exposed skin, including the delicate skin around your eyes.
- Get enough sleep. Getting enough is vital for overall health and can help reduce the dark skin around your eyes. Aim to get seven to eight hours of sleep each night.
- Eat a healthy diet. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help keep your skin looking its best. Foods rich in antioxidants, such as blueberries and dark leafy greens, can also help protect your skin from damage.
Blue light therapy
Some studies found that blue light therapy, also known as photodynamic therapy, may help to improve the appearance of dark circles. In this treatment, a serum can be applied to the skin and then exposed to blue light. Blue light can help to stimulate collagen production and reduce inflammation.
Solawave has an at-home red light therapy treatment in an easy-to-use handheld device. It uses LED light therapy to help reduce the appearance of dark skin while being portable, making it a convenient option for at-home treatment.
If you are looking for a safe and effective way to reduce the appearance of dark circles, consider blue light therapy.
Dennis Relojo-Howell is the founder of Psychreg.
