Dark circles under eyes are one of the most asked about skincare woes. After all, who likes those 50 shades of dark circles under the eyes? They make you look like an overtired irritable human when in reality you are a cheery flapper bird!
If you are reading this, chances are you’re looking for a curative or preventive measure against them. Fortunately, there’s no need for you to run to the doctor for a pricey laser treatment.
We’ll take you into the world of affordable and simple remedies for dark circles under eyes, after a brief explanation of what these dark patches are.
What Are Dark Circles Under Eyes?
Periorbital dark circles a.k.a dark circles are a fairly common condition that most people experience during their life. Dark circles give your face a permanently tired look, and gradually grow bigger if left untreated.
They’re experienced by both the genders, typically above 16 years of age, and are experts at telling the world that you desperately need rest. Urgh.
Common Causes of Dark Circles
Although common belief is that lack of sleep is the only reason behind it, that’s not entirely true. Pandas get enough sleep and they have dark circles, see!
As per our team of skin experts, “Both genetics and lifestyle choices can cause dark circles.” So, let’s quickly skim through our lifestyle factors that lead to dark circles under eyes.
Unhealthy Sleep Patterns, Of Course
Falling short on sleep leads the skin to go dull and pale, thus revealing dark tissues and blood vessels underneath your skin. It also widens the blood vessels and creates a dark tint that we then try hiding with concealers.
You Were Passed on the Wrong Genes
Chances are that your parents suffered from dark circles, and so did their grandparents. Sometimes, it simply runs in the family and there’s not much you can do to help that.
Tip: Don’t go around blaming your folks!
Your Makeup Is Betraying You
Stepping out of home with a perfectly done makeup is a completely different high! We get it.
However, we subject our eyes to mascaras, eyeliners, eyeshadows, concealers, and other sorts of skincare on a daily basis. Just one mismatched product can go a long way in causing irritation, scratching and darker eye circles under eyes.
An Unhealthy Diet
Nah, don’t roll your eyes. A diet that is high on salts and caffeine can lead your eyes to look puffy and tired. Furthermore, alcohol consumption and caffeinated beverages dehydrate your body, causing blood vessels to look enlarged.
It always seems like all the delicious foods and drinks in the world are the ones that cause the most damage. It sucks. We get it.
Sun Exposure
Ah, this one always marks the list, doesn’t it? That’s the power of the sun – even when it’s not quite visible in the sky. Exposure to the sun boosts the production of melanin – the pigment that gives the skin its colour. Excess melanin around the eyes gives them a darker colour – hello, dark circles!
In conclusion, lack of sleep is indeed the biggest, but not the only cause of dark circles under eyes. Now that we know what causes those pesky dark circles, let’s move on to the remedying part of it.
Ways to Get Rid of Dark Circles Under Eyes
While the curative measure is using the right skincare regimen (which accounts for your skin type and condition, and lifestyle choices), here is a list of preventive measures that you can keep in mind:
Get Some More zzz’s
Maybe, it is true when they say that the best things in the world are free. Now you might have deadlines to meet and Instagram updates to check on, but compromising on sleep is just a big no-no.
The benefits of beauty sleep can have you looking fresh as a daisy, even when you’ve been working hard and playing hard.
Sleep Clean
In addition to all the skincare and makeup you slather on to your skin, it comes in contact with a whole lot of dirt, pollution, and dust on any given day. Before you call it a day and snuggle under your blanket, make sure you wipe your face clean with a facial cleanser.
You can also keep a packet of facial wipes by your bed, for the days that your exhaustion knows no bounds.
Apply Something Cold
Sliced cucumbers, ice cubes, and cold tea bags are some of the things your eyes absolutely love. Not only does it help do away with discolouration and puffiness, but also helps you relax before bedtime.
Shield from the Sun
Make sun protection a mantra. Never step out of your home without applying sunscreen, and flaunt all those hats, sunglasses, and scarves that you’ve been saving for the right day.
After all, every day is the right day when it comes to sun protection.
Eat Collagen-Boosting Foods
Collagen is a protein your body produces that keeps skin hydrated, glowing, and fresh. Did we also say dark circle-free? Some of the foods you could incorporate into your diet are guavas, berries, kale, broccoli, cabbage, melons, tomatoes, etc.
Basically, binge on anti-inflammatory foods, and those rich in Vitamin C. You’ll never have to deal with dark circles again.
Say Hi to Targeted Skincare Products
Bring home products that are really meant to target your skin problems. In addition, always go through the ingredients that make up the products you buy. This will keep you from clutching at straws, and generate quicker results. Some examples of anti-ageing ingredients are hyaluronic acid, retinol, and matrixyl.
All in all, the key to keeping your dark circles in check is to follow an efficient skincare routine. Be sure to make serums and night creams part of your night routine. Moreover, to keep your skin from drying out, slather on some day cream every morning.
Not sure where to start?
We’re here to help.
