Periorbital dark circles (also known as dark
circles) are dark blemishes around the eyes. There are many causes of this
symptom, including heredity and bruising.
- Heredity
- Allergies, asthma, and eczema
- Medications
- Anemia
- Fatigue
- Liver problems
- Age
Heredity
In most cases, the dark circles under the
eyes are blood vessels that can be seen through the skin. The skin around the
eyelids (per orbital skin) is the thinnest skin in the body (around 0.5 mm
thick compared with 2mm in other areas). Like varicose veins, dark circles
under the eyes are usually an inherited trait. When blood passes through the
large veins close to the surface of the skin, it can produce a bluish tint. The
more transparent the skin—also an inherited trait—the darker the circles
appear. In people with a deep-set bone structure, shadowing can also contribute
to the dark color under the eyes.
Allergies,
asthma, and eczema
Any condition that causes the eyes to itch
can contribute to darker circles due to rubbing or scratching the skin around
them. Hay fever sufferers in particular will notice under-eye
"smudges" during the height of the allergy season. Some food allergies
can also cause the area under the eyes to appear darker.
Medications
Any medications that cause blood vessels to
dilate can cause circles under the eyes to darken. Because the skin under the
eyes is very delicate, any increased blood flow shows through the skin.
Anemia
The lack of nutrients in the diet, or the
lack of a balanced diet, can contribute to the discoloration of the area under
the eyes. It is believed that iron deficiency can cause dark circles as well.
Iron deficiency is the most common type of anemia and this condition is a sign
that not enough oxygen is getting to the body tissues.
The skin can also become more pale during
pregnancy and menstruation (due to lack of iron), allowing the underlying veins
under the eyes to become more visible.
Fatigue
A lack of sleep can cause paleness of the
skin, allowing the blood underneath the skin to become more visible and appear
bluer or darker.
Liver
problems
Dark circles under eyes can be symptom of
liver disease.
Age
Dark circles are likely to become more
noticeable and permanent with age. This is because as people get older, their
skin loses collagen, becoming thinner and more translucent. Circles may also
gradually begin to appear darker in one eye than the other as a result of some
habitual facial expressions, such as an uneven smile.
Remedies
for Dark Circles
1. Tomato
Tomato is an
excellent home remedy to remove dark circles under eyes as it naturally helps
in lightening the colour of the skin. You just need to mix 1 teaspoon of tomato juice
with a teaspoon of lemon juice and apply it under your eyes. After applying it,
let it remain for about 10 minutes. Then, wash it off with water. Repeat this
remedy at least 2 times a day.
You can also
drink tomato juice mixed with some lemon juice and mint leaves in order to get
rid of dark circles.
2.
Cucumber
Cucumber is
another home remedy that not only helps in removing the dark circles, but also
soothes your eyes. Cut 2 slices of a fresh cucumber and keep them in the
refrigerator for some time. Now, place the cucumber slices over your eyes for
about 10-15 minutes.
You can also
apply a mixture of cucumber juice and lemon juice under your eyes. It is a
natural remedy to get rid of dark circles.
3. Rose
Water
Soak cotton
pads in rose water and keep them over your eyes for some time. You can also
make a paste of rose petals and milk and apply it over the dark circles. Rose
water is one of the best home remedies to remove dark circles under eyes fast
as it lightens the skin as well as also acts as a natural soothing agent.
4. Potato
Grate a raw
potato and take out its juice. Now, soak a cotton ball in it and place it on
your eyelids. Apply it properly so that it covers the area under your eyes,
which is darkened. Let it remain for about 15 minutes, and then, wash it off
with water. Potato is a natural bleaching agent, and therefore, one of the best
home remedies to reduce dark circles beneath the eyes.
5. Almond
Oil
Almond oil
is also one of the effective home remedies for dark circles around eyes.
Gently
massage some almond oil below your eyes, and then, leave it overnight. Do this
daily in order to eliminate dark circles under the eyes.
6. Cold
Tea Bags
Soak a tea
bag in water. Then, place it in a refrigerator for some time. Now, place these
tea bags over your eyes. You can also use chamomile tea bag. Regular use will
definitely remove the dark circles.
7. Mint
Leaves
Mint leaves
paste is also a good cure for dark circles. Make some paste of mint leaves and
mix tomato juice in it. Apply it on the area under the eyes. This remedy will
eliminate the dark patches of skin, removing the dark circles.
8.
Vitamin E Oil
Squeeze
Vitamin E capsule and apply it over the dark circles to remove them fast.
9. Cold
Milk
You can also
dab a cotton ball in some cold milk or iced water, and apply it over the area,
affected with dark circles. Regular use will lighten the dark circles and give
a soothing effect to your eyes.
10.
Orange Juice
Another
effective home remedy to remove dark circles is orange juice. Mix some orange juice
with a few drops of glycerine and apply this mixture over the dark circles. It
will diminish the dark circles and will also provide a natural glow to the area
around your eyes.
11.
Turmeric Paste
Make a paste
of pineapple juice and turmeric powder. Use it on the regular basis to get rid
of the dark circles fast.
12. Lemon
Juice
Simply
applying lemon juice also works a lot in reducing the dark circles beneath the
eyes.
13.
Frozen Spoon
Put a spoon
in a freezer. After some time, take it out and place it on the dark circles
until it gets warm.
14.
Avocado
Cut slices
of avocado and place it over your eyes. This remedy will also help to
remove dark circles.
15.
Parijat (Night Jasmine)
Crush some
parijat flowers and mix it with curd to form a paste. Apply this paste over the
dark circles for at least 10 minutes, and then, rinse it off with water.
16.
Castor Oil
Mix 1 teaspoon
of castor oil with a teaspoon of milk cream. Apply this mixture under the area
below eyes in order to cure the problem of dark circles.
17.
Cornflour
Mix same
proportion of cornflour and yoghurt in a bowl, and apply this on the area,
affected by dark circles. It will work like a charm on the dark circles.
18.
Practice Yoga or Meditate
Keep your
body relaxed by practicing yoga or meditation. It not only relaxes
your body, but also brings a natural glow on your face while removing the dark
circles under the eyes
REMEMBER
- Take adequate sleep. Consider a hammock for
taking a nap when you have a spare moment.
- Drink lots of water.
- Eat a healthy diet consisting of lots
of fruits and vegetables.
- Treat nasal congestion as blocked
nose also results in dark circles around the eyes.
- Avoid smoking.