Dark circles aren’t always due to lack of sleep. Learn more about other causes and reasons, and how to treat them.
Dark circles are often blamed on lack of sleep, but there are other causes. Fully rested individuals can still experience this due to various factors.
When your body lacks sufficient water, the skin dulls, and the eyes appear sunken. Drinking water and hydrating foods can help restore the skin’s glow.
Anemia, particularly iron deficiency, reduces hemoglobin in blood cells. This results in pale skin and dark eye circles, which can be diagnosed and treated with supplements.
Allergies release histamines, causing itchy eyes and swelling. Rubbing your eyes can exacerbate these symptoms, increasing pigmentation around the eyes.
Sun Overexposure
Excess sun exposure prompts melanin production, which can darken the skin under your eyes instead of giving an even tan.
Skin Conditions
Conditions like eczema dilate blood vessels, making dark circles more visible. Consulting a dermatologist may help manage this issue.
Eyestrain
Prolonged focus on screens or reading can enlarge the blood vessels under the eyes, causing dark circles. The 20-20-20 rule can help reduce eyestrain.
Age
Aging leads to thinner, less elastic skin, making blood vessels under the eyes more noticeable, and contributing to dark circles.
Genetics
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Family traits and facial structure play a major role in dark circles. Deep tear troughs or naturally darker skin under the eyes are often inherited.
Prevention Tips
To minimize dark circles, follow these tips:
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water and eat water-rich foods to prevent dehydration.
- Manage Allergies: Treat allergies with antihistamines and avoid rubbing your eyes.
- Sun Protection: Wear sunscreen and sunglasses to protect the delicate under-eye skin from UV damage.
- Get Sleep: Maintain a consistent sleep schedule for overall skin health.
- Cold Compresses: Use cold compresses or cucumber slices to reduce puffiness and dark circles.
- Eye Creams: Apply a moisturizing eye cream containing retinol or hyaluronic acid to strengthen the skin.
