Dark Eye Circle

Common Causes of Dark Eye Circles

Thinning of the Skin
The skin under the eyes is thin and delicate. With age, skin and the fat pad under the eyes becomes thinner, causing blood vessels to become noticeable. This gives the appearance of dark circles. Sun damage can make it worse because it weakens the skin.

Allergies and Hayfever
Dark circles under the eyes can be the result of allergies to airborne substances, such as ,pet dander, dust, and pollen, because people rub their itchy eyes.

Genetics
Dark eye circles may be genetic. They tend to be more noticeable in people with fair skin or deep-set eyes.

Fluid Retention
Blood vessels under the eyes can become dilated and engorged, which can contribute to dark circles. Excess dietary salt and smoking are common causes. Conditions that cause fluid retention (e.g. heart, thyroid, kidney, liver diseases) or medications that cause blood vessel dilation may be a factor.

Lack of sleep
A lack of sleep can make skin appear more pale, which allows blood vessels to be more visible through the skin, giving the appearance of bluish or dark circles.

Iron Deficiency Anemia
Iron deficiency anemia may cause a bluish tinge below the eyes.

Dehydration
Dark circles under the eyes can be a sign of dehydration.

Remedies for Dark Eye Circles

1. Be sure to drink enough water (drink up to 8 glass of water a day)

2. Wear sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30 under the eyes to prevent skin weakening caused by sun damage.

3. Get plenty of rest.

4. Apply plain cool teabags over closed eyes. Don’t use herbal teabags because most aren't as effective.

5. Apply cool cucumber slices over closed eyes for 15 minutes.

6. Be careful not to consume too much dietary salt. Start by learning about sources of sodium in your diet.

7. Apply eye cream with Vitamin K may help with bruising.

8. Vitamin C helps to strengthen blood vessel walls.

9. The dietary supplements grape seed extract and Pycnogenol contain antioxidant pigments that may help to strengthen blood vessels. They should be used under medical supervision by people on "blood-thinning" drugs such as Coumadin (Warfarin) and Aspirin. Certain foods, such as cranberries, blueberries, bilberries, tea (green and black), black currant, onions, legumes and parsley also contain these anti-oxidant pigments.

10. Eat kidney-balancing foods. In traditional Chinese medicine, a bluish cast under the eyes is due to an imbalance in kidney energy. Learn more about kidney Yang deficiency and the right counter foods to eat.

11. Concealer. Apply concealer for an instant radiant look. And it is also a makeup tool that I cannot live without!

Links

Dark Eye Circle
Definition of dark eye circle at Wikipedia