Overview

Dark circles around the eyes are very common. They can be attributed to sleep deprivation, stress or tiredness. They are often accompanied by sagging skin around the eyes, which makes the eyes look saggy. Dark circles can be observed in both men and women. As you get older, your skin loses its natural thickness and collagen.     

This makes the occurrence of blood vessels in the skin clearer. As a result, the area looks darker than usual. Injuries to the blue eye in this area can cause the entire eye to look darker. Other conditions, such as swelling around the eyes or fluid imbalances in the lower eyelids, can also make the skin appear darker. 

Are dark circles a sign of aging?

Although dark circles are often considered one of the first visible signs of aging, they affect all individuals and can be visible long before you notice fine lines or wrinkles. Although dark circles can affect all skin types, skin tones and ages, they often become more visible over time as the skin loses volume and density. They are often accompanied by other signs of aging around the eyes, including:

• Puffy eyes 
• Crow's feet
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Pockets under the eyes

Why do I have dark circles under my eyes?

Under eye dark circles are the result of many factors, including age, diet, sleeping habits and the environment. If you are struggling with dark circles this might be a sign that you need to make some changes. The quality of your sleep, diet and exercise can influence your physical appearance, including eye bags. Other conditions, such as swelling around the eyes or fluid imbalances in the lower eyelids, can make the skin appear darker. 

What is the best way to banish dark circles under the eyes?

There are ways to banish dark circles at home and in skin care and dermatology practices. Whether you're reaching for a slice of cucumber or a concealer, there are a variety of treatments that can help your eyes and the area that sees light. Here are some treatments at home and in lifestyle to reduce or eliminate puffy eyes.

1- Protect your eyes from the sun

Exposure to UV rays is one of the leading causes of early signs of aging and can lead to depigmentation that can accentuate dark circles. Protect your eyes by wearing SPF and sunglasses with polarized, UV-protected lenses.

2- Eliminate sources of stress

Lifestyle is a significant factor in the appearance of dark circles. To regain a sparkling look, reduce sources of stress, make time for relaxation in your schedule and establish an exercise routine. You can also practice meditation.

3- Gently remove makeup

When removing makeup, use a gentle formula and carefully wipe off eye makeup without scratching or rubbing. Because pulling or rubbing the skin too hard can damage and break the delicate blood vessels, tearing the delicate skin around your eyes.

4- Adjust your diet

Eating a healthy diet and staying well hydrated will not only help maintain your overall health, but also prevent the appearance of dark circles. Focus on fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins and minerals to nourish and strengthen your skin from the inside out. Deficiencies in vitamins K and B12 can lead to the appearance of dark circles, as these are involved in blood circulation and tissue oxygenation.

5- Sleep better

A study published in the Royal Society of Open Science in 2017 examined the effect of sleep deprivation on appearance and found that people who slept four hours longer had more visible dark circles than those who slept eight hours longer. Since one of the primary factors that cause dark circles and bags under the eyes is lack of sleep, it makes sense to get more hours of sleep. 

While you sleep, rest your head on to counteract fluid buildup around your eyes. Apply chilled slices of cucumber, tea bags or cold compresses to the eyes, which are thought to reduce puffiness.

Even an hour of poor sleep can have a negative effect on our skin which can lead to dark circles and swollen eyes. Sleep deprivation can cause eyes to look swollen and skin to become pale over time.

6- Skin care 

Good skin care is essential to remove dark circles and bags under the eyes, to stop acne, to reduce avoidable signs of aging and to keep the skin healthy and happy. If cosmetic procedures are not an option, you can use eye creams and skin care products to reduce the appearance of dark circles.

Cosmetics offer many choices for getting rid of dark circles. According to dermatologists, products rich in vitamin C and hyaluronic acid are the best option (the components of HiSqin products). "These two ingredients help brighten the skin and replace the look of exhaustion with a luminous complexion," they explain. Vitamin C helps with collagen production, which helps separate the vein from the skin, and hyaluronic acid plumps the skin to limit its transparency."

Vitamins A and C provide antioxidant protection, and vitamin C nourishes the skin to brighten dark circles. When using beauty products with high concentrations of vitamin C, people may notice an improved appearance of dark circles. Retinoid creams can be found in cosmetic stores to help promote collagen production and also improve the appearance of dark circles around the eyes. 

When to see a doctor?

Typically, dark circles occur due to stress or insomnia. They can vanish over time if you rectify your lifestyle and get adequate rest. However, if the dark circles do not go away with time or if there is a swelling under one eye, you must get it checked by your doctor.

Takeaway

The quality of your sleep, diet and exercise can influence your physical appearance, including eye bags. Other conditions, such as swelling around the eyes or fluid imbalances in the lower eyelids, can make the skin appear darker.

There are no medical or surgical treatments available if you are concerned about the occurrence of eye swelling. Seek medical attention if swelling or discoloration occurs in one or both eyes , especially if it occurs at a bad time. If you think the swelling may be caused by an allergy, ask your doctor for a prescription for allergy medication.