The Truth About Dark Circles

Contributed by – Healthians Team

Do you have dark circles? Do those panda eyes greet you every time you look in the mirror? Well you are not alone, most of us suffer from this annoying problem at some time or other. They are sure not a pretty sight and most of us just want to get rid of it. But, do you know the truth about dark circles? Those dark circles might be screaming out loud that everything is not okay with your health.

So, it is really important to understand the truth about dark circles and what they mean. Covering or getting rid of them is not enough. Let us try to understand dark circles and the secrets they hold.

What Are Dark Circles?

Dark circles under the eyes are mainly the darkening of the skin below the eyes. They are also a natural part of aging or can occur due to stress or fatigue.

We have tiny blood vessels forming a web under our skin. These capillaries and veins are really delicate and the red blood cells queue up to pass through. During this process some of the red blood cells sometimes leak in the surrounding area and enzymes are produced to ensure the cleaning up. The breaking down of the red blood cells causes them to turn black and blue. This discoloration is visible under the eyes as the skin under our eyes are really thin.

Types Of Dark Circles

Yes, you heard it right, there are types of dark circles and they are signs for various health problems as well. Regular dark circles can mean that something is really wrong with your body.

While most of us are more concerned about getting rid of these dark circles we often tend to ignore it’s causes. Before knowing about the causes and treatment of dark circle, it is essential to know about the types of dark circles

The type of dark circle will depend on its tone:

• Bluish – Lack of sleep mainly causes bluish discoloration under the eyes
• Violet-red – Violet reddish discoloration is due to thinning of skin around the eyes
• Brownish black – They are mostly due to sun damage
• Shadowy – Skin aging causes shadowy discoloration

What Causes Dark Circles?

Many of us blame the lack of sleep, fatigue, stress and working long hours on the screen as the cause of their dark circle. But the truth is that these are not the only factors that can lead to dark circles. Some of the most common causes behind dark circles that we mostly overlook are:

Aging

The skin under our eyes is very delicate and thin. As we age the skin around our eyes also starts thinning making the blood vessels prominent which leads to dark circle. With age our skin starts sagging which we commonly know as wrinkles. It is a very natural part of growing age and so is dark circles. It is not a major concern and is not really a symptom of anything serious.

Hereditary

The most common factor behind dark circles are genes. Dark circles are also hereditary and can mean nothing else in a lot of cases. Just opt for a healthy lifestyle and eat, sleep and live healthy.

Vitamin Deficiency

Dark circles under the eyes could be due to nutritional or vitamin deficiency. A healthy and nutritious diet, rich in Vitamin A, C, K, E, and minerals can help in getting rid of the dark circle. As the lack of vitamins can lead to several serious health issues therefore it is a smart idea to take the cue and start working on the deficiencies. Go for a health test to be sure.

Hormonal Changes

Several hormonal changes in the body can also cause dark circles. During pregnancy and mensuration, women undergo a lot of hormonal changes and dark circles are quite a normal part of it. It is not a cause of worry or a symptom of anything serious.

Dehydration

It has always been advised to drink more and more water as lack of it can cause a series of health issues. Dehydration is one of the most common reasons for dark circles. When our body does not receive the required amount of water, the symptoms are visible in the form of a dark circles.

Sun Exposure

Excessive exposure to the sun causes increased production of melanin leading to pigmentation and make the skin around the eye darker than usual. As we say too much of anything is harmful, so is the exposure to sunlight.

Other factors

Other factors which can lead to the development of dark circles are

• Allergies
• Smoking and drinking
• Too much consumption of caffeine
• Sleep deprivation or oversleeping
• Excessive crying
• Fluid retention which can occur due to pregnancy or weight gain
• Excessive salt in the diet
• Rubbing or scratching the eyes
• Liver disease

Preventive Measures

There are a lot of things that you can do those avoid those ugly and unpleasant dark circles, it is always good to take some precautionary measures. The best way to prevent the development of dark circles are:

Well-balanced diet

A healthy diet can help in strengthening and cleaning the body. A balanced diet including all the essential vitamins and minerals will help in retaining the healthy and glowing skin.

Exercising          

Exercising on a regular basis will help in the regulating the circulation of blood and oxygen through the body. It also detoxifies the body, by removing the toxins and encouraging cell repair which helps in maintaining the elasticity of the skin.

Have a good sleep

A good night sleep is the answer to a lot of problems. Most of times lack of proper rest causes dark circles. Body needs to recharge and rest. So sleep is really vital for good health. No matter how busy you are, have a proper good nights sleep.

Drink plenty of water

Drink as much water as possible. Water is really good for the health. Carry a bottle of water with you throughout the day and remember to drink atleast 4-5 litres of water in a day. Staying hydrated ensures good health and less skin problems.

Dark circles are mostly not a severe problem but it makes a person look tired, exhausted and old all the time. You can also go for some home remedies like applying lemon, curd or you can also opt for several undereye creams available in the market.

Start paying yourself the attention that you deserve.