Dark Circles Under Eyes

What Causes Dark Circles under Eyes

There are a number of reasons that dark circles appear beneath the eyes. These unsightly, smoldering circles can easily make a person look unnaturally exhausted, upset or, quite simply, old. Contrary to popular opinion, it's not just fatigue or lack of sleep that causes dark circles, although both can certainly contribute to them. Other reasons include:

• Nasal Congestion: Believe it or not, that congested nose of yours is doing more than just making it impossible for you to breathe! It's also causing the blood vessels that typically drain from your eyes to your nose to become dilated. This darkness results in the unbecoming circles you see.

• Eyelid Swelling: It doesn't sound very pleasant, but it's common enough. The eyelids can swell when you lie down to sleep for the night. Gravity is the reason. It can cause fluid to collect beneath the eyes in the lower lids, which results in swelling. This may then result in those dark shadows.

• Atopic Eczema: Who knew that skin conditions were associated with dark circles? Unfortunately, eczema can do even more than just wreak havoc on the skin. If you have the condition in the eye area, you are likely prone to irritation, either naturally or due to excessive rubbing. This results in thickening and, thus, darkening of the skin.

• Deep Tear Troughs: Some people simply naturally have deep hollows under the eye, which casts a dark shadow in the area.

• Heredity: Dark circles can run in the family, too. Some are born with darker pigmentation in the dermal layer, which creates the dark, bluish-black shade beneath the eyes. This is especially common amongst African-Americans, Southeast Asians and Southern Italians.

• Fair Skin: Blood that passes through the veins is more likely to show through on fair, transparent skin. Under the eyes, this produces that dark blue tint.

• Excessive Sun Exposure: At the same time, excess exposure to the sun can also aggravate the area and exacerbate the appearance of dark circles. Consider it one more reason to avoid those harmful UV rays!

Fixes for Dark Circles

Anyone who has them knows there's quite a battle to be fought in order to get rid of them. While it may not be possible to permanently remove dark undereye circles, there are several options available that will help minimize their appearance.

• Take an antihistamine: If your allergies are causing your dark circles, a decongestant-antihistamine may help alleviate matters. Avoid going outdoors during hay fever season, to – stay indoors in air-conditioned environments.

• Use a color-corrector: Don't be shocked by the yellow, blue or mauve concealing correctors you see. They serve their respective purposes: The yellow camouflages blue circles, while the pale blue and mauve counter brownish circles. Both must be applied prior to foundation.

• Use a concealer: You can also cover up with your everyday concealer, although it's important to go a shade darker instead of lighter. For the perfect color, try mixing a drop or two of your everyday foundation with a drop of moisturizer. Blend it onto the back of your hand and apply three dots beneath the dark circles with a concealer brush. Then blend upward onto the circle, patting it into the skin instead of rubbing.

• Apply a cream: There are obviously a great many eye creams formulated to eradicate dark circles under eyes. The problem is determining which one will work best for you – and whether it will even attack the problem if your circles are caused by excess pigmentation or dilation. The best type of cream to look out for is one that plumps up the skin (ingredients like alpha hydroxyl acids and vitamins C and K are helpful).

• Visit the dermatologist: These days, it's becoming more and more common to scoot into the dermatologist's office at the first sign of a minor facial flaw. Fillers like Restylane and Juvederm can be injected into the area to plump it and reduce the appearance of visible blood vessels or melanin. Be aware that you may experience bruising, swelling or an allergic reaction as side effects. It's also important to note that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved Restylane and Juvederm specifically for under eye circle treatment (they are, though, approved to treat wrinkles).