Dark circles under the lower eyelids are common. Often accompanied by bags, having dark circles under your eyes may invite unwanted comments about how tired you look. There are many reasons for dark circles. It is sometimes from a lack of sleep.
Why do we get dark circles?
There are many reasons behind the occurrence of dark circles at any age. People of any age can get dark circles because of their lifestyle and regular habits. So it is necessary to know the actual reason behind your one to get the proper treatment.
According to Dr Manasi Shirolikar, a consultant dermatologist from India, "Factors that cause or worsen dark circles are - sun damage, dehydration, not getting enough sleep, eye strain, drinking too much and smoking, constant rubbing of eyes, irritation, allergies, a genetic trait for having darker colour around or under the eye area, veins and capillaries that show through thin skin, natural shadows due to deep-set eyes or sagging skin, a buildup of dry, damaged skin cells around the eyes, and causing light to reflect poorly."
How can we reduce dark circles?
Dark circles can be reduced. However, once it is cured, you need to follow the habit regularly, so it doesn't return.
"Some general measures include - using sunscreen and wearing sunglasses outdoors, using mineral sunscreen for less irritation on the skin, getting adequate sleep, drinking plenty of water, moisturising, limiting screen time to prevent eye strain, avoiding rubbing your eyes, etc.," said Dr Manasi.
Some safe lighting ingredients can lighten our dark areas. These are normal ingredients that are extracted from fruits or flowers.
According to Dr Manasi, you can use pigment-lightening creams with glycolic acid, kojic acid, and vitamin C after consulting a dermatologist.
Moisturise your skin if dark circles are due to excessive skin dryness. You can also use a low-concentration retinol cream at night, two to three days a week. Over time it will stimulate collagen and make the skin less thin. Thus you can see the result gradually.
Preventing dark circles
"Prevention of dark circles depends on the cause of dark circles. Generally, avoid rubbing the undereye area as the skin here is very thin. Be gentle while removing makeup and have a regular sleep cycle," advised the doctor.
She recommended applying something cool to your eyes to constrict swollen under-eye blood vessels. But don't apply ice directly.
Cold spoons or cucumber slices are fine to apply on the spot. Use an extra pillow, or consider sleeping on your back with an extra pillow so that the fluid does not provide a pool overnight.
