A lot of people see dark circles under their eyes when they look in the mirror. If you’re one of them, have you ever considered where they come from and how to get rid of them naturally? You might be happy to know that the issues that lead to dark circles can be prevented and it’s easy to get rid of them.
10 Causes of Dark Circles Under Your Eyes
1. Getting Older
As you age, your skin can sag, get thinner, and lose some of its elasticity The lost elasticity, in particular, can result in the veins beneath your skin looking darker and more prominent. Your tear troughs may also look more hollow, which can cause you to look more tired.
2. Not Sleeping Well
Fatigue is a common cause of dark circles under the eyes. When you don’t sleep well, fluid can collect under your eyes, which makes the skin appear darker.
3. Anemia
When you’re anemic, your level of red blood cells is lower than normal. Studies show that those with anemia are more likely to have dark circles under their eyes so you may experience this if you have that condition.
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4. Drinking Alcohol
Different factors can lead to alcohol affecting your skin. Firstly, alcohol can disrupt your sleep and leave you feeling exhausted even when you think you’ve slept well. Secondly, alcohol can dehydrate your skin, leading to dark circles under your eyes.
5. Smoking
According to recent studies, smoking can make wrinkles more prominent and cause dark circles under the eyes. It’s estimated that it’s a side effect of the way nicotine narrows blood vessels.
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6. Having Allergies
Your body releases histamines when you have an allergic reaction to something. Unfortunately, the presence of histamines can lead to itchy, inflamed skin, which can also cause dark circles around your eyes.
7. Straining Your Eyes
Staring at computer or phone screens for extended periods can strain your eyes. Eyestrain can cause the blood vessels around your eyes to become enlarged and present as dark circles.
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8. Drug Reactions
Certain drugs that are used to treat glaucoma can cause the skin around your eyes to darken. Since this change may be permanent, it’s best to talk to your doctor as soon as you start to see changes in your eyes.
9. Being Dehydrated
Your skin requires proper hydration to remain supple. If you’re dehydrated, the skin under your eyes can be the first to show it.
10. Too Much Sun
It’s no surprise that the sun can damage your skin. This damage can be shown as postinflammatory pigmentation. Additionally, too much sun exposure can lead to excessive production of melanin, which your body may deposit around your eyes to cause dark circles.
How They Affect Black People Differently
Studies show that Black Americans are more prone to developing hyperpigmentation of the skin. This issue includes dark circles under the eyes. Though this condition is characterized by dark rings, they can appear darker and more pronounced in those with darker skin. As a Black person, your dark circles may also last longer and be more stubborn when you try to treat them.
Natural Ways to Eliminate Them
Given how hard it can be for Black people to get rid of dark circles under their eyes, prevention is often best. You should aim for a good night’s sleep by establishing a bedtime routine, protect yourself from sun exposure, and stay away from alcohol and cigarettes. Furthermore, you should aim to keep hydrated and talk to your doctor if you suspect anemia.
Some of the natural ways you can treat dark circles include placing cold compresses, cucumber slices, or tea bags on your eyes to reduce inflammation. Some studies suggest that using a combination of almond oil and Vitamin E can also get rid of dark circles under your eyes.
Anyone can get dark circles under their eyes but Black Americans may be more prone to developing them. They may also have a harder time getting rid of them. It’s a good idea to prevent them while quickly treating the dark circles. If nothing is working, you should see your doctor to determine if there’s a root cause that needs medical intervention.
