I have always been under the assumption that dark under eye circles were caused by the late nights I kept in high school and college. It turns out that I could have been up all night, drinking, and partying and might not have ever developed under eye circles. I feel like I've been duped!
The most common cause of under eye circles may surprise you (or not):
-Nasal congestion and Allergies (veins from your nose become darker and dilated when you are congested or suffering from allergies)
-Eczema
-Heredity/Genes (take a look at family photos, if under eye circles are visible on the faces of your family, there is a good chance you will have them as well)
-Exposure to the sun (sunlight increases production of melatonin, which darkens skin)
-Aging (sadly, as we age our skin loses collagen and becomes thinner exposing more of the blood cells underneath)
-Lifestyle choices like smoking, drinking coffee or caffeinated beverages
-Lack of sleep (I know I said it’s not a cause, but in actuality its not the MAIN cause of under eye circles. The more you sleep, the less you are outside and that equates to paler skin and noticeable under eye darkness.)
If you have under eye circles, chances are you’ve tried to conceal or hide them. My method of choice is makeup because mine aren’t too terribly dark and are able to be covered using cosmetics. Under eye circles aren’t really considered a medical condition but if they do bother you there are alternatives to makeup that last a bit longer, see your dermatologist for what might work best for you. The dermatologist might recommend prescriptions, laser therapy, or chemical peels. And for the brave there are injectables that will help fill the hollow areas that increase darkness under the eyes.
For those of us who aren’t as brave (or as financially able) there are plenty of things you can try at home to diminish under eye circles.
-Cosmetics—there are numerous over-the-counter creams that can help reduce darkness. Looks for creams that contain vitamin K, vitamin C, vitamin E or retinol, these ingredients have been shown to be effective in the treatment of under eye circles.
-Cold Compression—the cold will help reduce (temporarily) dilated blood vessels under the eye. You can use the back side of two metal spoons, a cool used tea bag, or frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel (peas, corn, lima beans).
-Elevating your head—sleeping with two or more pillows will help prevent fluid filling your lower eye lids and creating dark under eye circles.
-Makeup—just like over-the-counter creams, makeup is a great and inexpensive way to conceal under eye circles. Use a peach-colored concealor for bluish under eye circles, avoid products containing acid (glycolic or salicylic) and scented products as they can cause eye irritation, swelling, and redness.
Regardless of the path you take to treat or conceal under eye circles, there is a solution for you!
Alison is a 28-year old full time consultant in Kansas and a part time freelance writer. Please visit her profile for more information and links to other HerArticles. Please leave comments below!