Dark circles – What Is the Cause? – There are numerous reasons why we may suffer from the appearance of dark circles under the eyes. Tiredness and lack of sleep are a couple of factors that jump to mind when considering the cause. However, there are other reasons too, for example, ageing, hyperpigmentation, or thinning of the skin around the eyes may create a darker appearance in the area under the eyes.
Women Talking looks at the major causes of this issue and how Natural Elements a range of scientifically developed botanical skincare may be able to help eliminate them.
As mentioned, lack of sleep or poor sleeping habits can be a major cause. A helpful solution is to make sure you get enough quality sleep each night, reassess your sleeping routine and perhaps try raising the head on extra pillows that may help reduce dark circles and swelling around the eyes.
Allergies, including hay fever, can lead to the frequent rubbing of the eyes. The skin around the eye is particularly delicate, therefore caution should be taken when touching or rubbing the area. Allergies that produce nasal or sinus congestion will also increase puffiness around the eyes. Congestion can cause blood to pool in the capillaries underneath the eyes, leading to puffiness and dark circles called allergic shiners. Therefore, try to stay away from your known allergens as much as possible.
Hyperpigmentation happens when the body produces more melanin. Several factors can trigger an increase in melanin production, including certain medical conditions or medications, but the main causes are overexposure to sunlight, hormonal influences, age and skin injuries and inflammation.
Anaemia from iron deficiency. This can result in dark eye circles as not enough oxygen reaches the body’s tissues. Liver problems can also be a cause. Any medications that make blood vessels dilate can cause eye circles to darken as well.
Ageing. Loss of fatty tissue and thinning of the skin around the eyes are part of the ageing process. These changes can make dark circles appear more defined in older adults. There is nothing we can do about the natural ageing process, but we can try to slow it down.
Natural Elements suggests their ‘Antioxidant-rich’ solutions.
Natural Eye Cream enriched with Grapeseed Oil and naturally firming Poppy Seed Extract to eliminate the fine lines, crows feet and dark circles. To encourage age-defying repair, rejuvenation and stimulation of fibre elasticity this Firming Eye and Decollete Cream have been packed with antioxidants, pantothenic acid, and a botanical Vitamin B5 complex.
Revital Facial Oil is a potent and luxurious anti-ageing oil. This blend stimulates and repairs mature skin and powerful antioxidant properties protect against free radical damage and stimulating ingredients encourage collagen production, leaving the skin tauter, tighter, and radiantly glowing.
Smoking. It is said that the nicotine in tobacco disrupts your natural sleep patterns, which can cause fluids to collect beneath your eyes. Smoking also produces substances that break down the elasticity of the skin and the collagen that helps keep the skin firm.
Inherited genes. Dark circles can be hereditary. Research has found that if someone has dark circles under their eyes, these also appear in some other family members.
Dehydration. When your body is not receiving the proper amount of water, the skin beneath your eyes begins to look dull and your eyes look sunken. There are many different opinions on just how much water you should be drinking every day. Health experts commonly recommend eight 8-ounce glasses, which equals about 2 litres, or half a gallon a day.
What you can do about dark circles under the eyes naturally!
Dark circles are rarely a cause for concern, but you may wish to reduce the appearance for your own self-confidence, these natural techniques can be incorporated into your beauty regime:
Green Tea Bags. Applied to the under-eye area, the caffeine in these tea bags is said to work by narrowing the blood vessels surrounding your eye to reduce the appearance of dark circles.
Cucumber. Applying cucumber slices to the eyes may soothe tired eyes and reduce swelling. The high water and vitamin C content of cucumber may help to nourish and moisturize the skin. Cucumber also contains silica, which is essential for healthy tissue.
Sleep Routine. Reassess your evening and sleeping routine.
It must be noted that home remedies aren’t exactly backed by science but may be able to provide a short-term solution.
Poppy Watt