9 Possible Causes and Natural Treatment of Dark Circles Under the Eyes
What causes dark circles under the eyes?
There are a number of possible reasons for dark circles under your eyes. Some common causes include:
Oversleeping, extreme fatigue, or just staying up a few hours past your typical bedtime can cause dark circles to form under your eyes. Sleep deprivation can cause your skin to become dull and paler. The dark tissues and blood vessels beneath your skin can start to show.
Lack of sleep may also cause fluid to build underneath your eyes, causing them to appear puffy. The dark circles you see may actually be shadows cast by puffy eyelids.
Natural aging is another common reason for dark circles beneath your eyes.
As you get older, your skin becomes thinner. There may be a decrease in the fat and collagen that maintains your skin’s elasticity. As this occurs, the dark blood vessels beneath your skin become more visible, causing the area below your eyes to darken.
3. Eyestrain
Staring at your television or computer screen may cause strain on your eyes. This strain can enlarge the blood vessels around your eyes. As a result, the skin surrounding your eyes can darken.
Allergic reactions and eye dryness can trigger dark circles. When you have an allergic reaction, your body releases histamines to fight off the invader. This causes several symptoms, including itchiness, redness, and puffy eyes. Histamines also cause your blood vessels to dilate and become more visible beneath your skin.
Allergies can increase your urge to rub and scratch the itchy skin around your eyes. These actions can worsen your symptoms, causing inflammation, swelling, and broken blood vessels. This can result in dark shadows beneath your eyes.
5. Dehydration
Dehydration is a common cause of dark circles under your eyes. When your body is not well hydrated, the skin beneath your eyes begins to look dull and your eyes look sunken. This is due to the
6. Sun overexposure
Sun exposure can cause your body to produce an excess of melanin, the pigment that gives your skin color. Too much sun — particularly for your eyes — can cause pigmentation in the surrounding skin to darken. (4 Health Benefits of Sun Exposure)
7. Genetics
Anemia is when your levels of red blood cells are lower than normal. This can leave you feeling:
- dizzy
- weak
- lightheaded
- short of breath
- tired
If you have anemia, you may also notice that your skin is paler than usual, and you may have dark circles under your eyes. Talk with a doctor about getting blood work done to check your iron levels. Treatments for anemia include:
- dietary changes
- iron supplements
- iron infusions, depending on your levels
READ ALSO: Fastest Easy Natural Recipe to Treat Anemia
Natural ways to remove dark circles under your eyes permanently at home
Treatment for dark eye circles depends on the underlying cause. However, there are some home remedies that may help.
Here are some common methods:
Get extra sleep:
Elevate your head:
Stay hydrated:
Try eye creams: