Dark Circles: Defining What They Are and How to Treat Them

Have you ever been sleep-deprived and looked in the mirror the next morning? You may have noticed dark discoloration or puffiness under your eyes. This is completely normal! Many people deal with dark circles under their eyes and this article will cover the causes and treatment options for periorbital dark circles. These pesky areas under the eyes can look bruised or puffy due to a variety of reasons. If you struggle with dark circles under your eyes, you can rest assured as there are many ways to combat this skin condition.

Different Causes of Dark Circles

There are many reasons that you might notice dark circles under your eyes. For some people, genetics play a large role in the physical appearance of their skin. It is possible that darkness under the eyes may run in your family and you may face a predisposition to periorbital dark circles. Lack of sleep or exhaustion can make dark circles more prominent for others. It is important to identify the potential causes of your dark circles before trying to implement a treatment strategy to minimize their appearance. In addition to family history and lack of sleep, dark under-eye circles may also appear due to allergies and increased sun exposure.

Family History of Dark Circles

If you are looking to treat your dark under-eye circles, it is smart to sit down and analyze the likely causes of your specific under-eye discoloration. If you notice that dark circles seem to run in your family, check in with your relatives to determine their strategies to treat the issue. You can also visit a dermatologist to discuss your family history and create a skincare routine that is optimized for your specific needs.

Sun Exposure and Lack of Sleep

For many, their dark under-eyes are caused by increased sun exposure or lack of sleep. If these causes contribute to your own dark under eyes, consider writing out a new skincare strategy. It is very important to take special care with your sun prevention routine. This not only helps reduce the appearance of dark circles but also reduces your likelihood of experiencing skin cancer or signs of premature aging. Therefore, make sure to prioritize sunscreen and moisturizing products that protect your skin barrier from harmful UV rays. If you are struggling with getting enough sleep, try implementing a nighttime routine that focuses on consistency. Allowing your body to adjust to a regular routine can help you to feel better rested.

Allergies

Sometimes seasonal allergies or sensitivities to certain plants or ingredients can cause dark circles to appear under your eyes. If you are struggling to identify the cause of your dark circles, you might want to consider visiting an allergist. These medical professionals can help you to identify any allergies or sensitivities you may have. After identifying these potential stressors, you can create a plan to eliminate or avoid those substances and minimize the appearance of dark under-eye circles.

Are Some Dark Circles Untreatable?

Some people wonder if dark circles are impossible to treat. This is not always the case as there are a variety of reasons dark circles appear. For those who have a family history of dark circles, treatment of their appearance can be more difficult. This is primarily due to the impact of their genetics on the appearance of dark circles. Skincare routines and natural remedies can still be used to combat the appearance, but it is possible that these dark circles will be nearly impossible to get rid of completely.

In these instances, it can be useful to utilize makeup if the appearance of dark circles bothers you. However, it is important to remember that dark circles are extremely common and many people have them. The appearance of dark circles does not detract from your beauty and you never have to feel the need to mask them. Prioritize your comfort and make treatment decisions based on what will allow you to feel your most confident.

Natural Remedies for Dark Under-Eye Circles

Luckily, there are countless natural remedies to help treat the appearance of dark under-eye circles. These methods can be incorporated into your existing skincare routine to help eliminate dark circles and puffiness that occur beneath the eye.

Ice Roller or Cold Compress

Taking a piece of ice or chilled facial roller to your under-eye region can help minimize inflammation and the appearance of dark under-eye circles. Try placing your facial roller or Gua Sha tool in the fridge or freezer before applying it to your face in the morning. If you are rolling ice directly below your eye make sure you are using very gentle pressure as the skin in that region is very thin and fragile. Pulling too hard may result in premature wrinkles or signs of aging. It is also critical to remove the ice quickly. The cold temperature can irritate your skin if left on for too long. This rejuvenating step can reduce puffiness and minimize darkness, leaving your skin feeling and looking more vibrant.

Facial Oils and Eye Creams

Adding more healing and nourishing oils to your skincare routine can also help to minimize the appearance of dark under-eye circles. Prioritizing the health of your skin barrier by locking in moisture can reduce darkness under your eyes. Try adding a nightly facial oil such as the farragio All-Natural Rejuvenating Face Oil to your evening skincare routine and watch as your under-eye area becomes more rejuvenated. This oil is infused with caffeine and vitamin C to help brighten the dark circles under your eyes. This oil comes in two different sizes and is the perfect addition to your nightly skincare routine. Other eye moisturizing products such as eye masks or eye creams can help to keep your under-eye area moisturized which can often help to reduce dark eye circles and inflammation.