The human body is a sophisticated machine that functions well only when each and every part is in sync with one another. Any imbalance, or stress, or deficiency within, gets reflected on the outside leaving tell-tale signs on our face.
Are you one of those people who considers your eyes to be your best feature and carry ugly dark circles under them? You are not alone. Many of us suffer from dark circles under the eyes from time to time.
Dark circles
Eye circles, also called “bags under the eyes,” are dark blemishes that form all around and under the eyes. Since the skin around the eye is thin and very delicate, dark circles look prominent.
People who are healthy, happy, and in a state of wellbeing – physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually – have a radiating face. Those of us who are stressed, tired and unhealthy, often suffer from dark circles – they are precursors of health problems and internal deficiencies.
Causes
A number of factors are responsible if your eyes are plagued by dark circles:
- Insufficient sleep and fatigue. Our body replenishes itself and increases circulation to the face when we sleep. However, lack of sufficient sleep, or disturbed sleep, is one of the most common causes of dark circles. They can make your face look pale.
- Nutrient deficiencies and dehydration. A lack of healthy and balanced diet can lead to nutritional deficiencies [iron, calcium, vitamins etc.,] in the body causing discolouration or dark patches under your eyes. Dehydration is another cause. This happens when you drink less water and consume too much of sugar and alcohol.
- Stress. If you have been working too hard without giving your body that much-needed rest, it is bound to show on your face. Excessive stress, tension and anxiety within, will eventually show on the outside as well in the form of puffy eyes and under eye circles.
- Heredity. Dark eye circles may run in families due to genetic causes. In such cases, getting rid of the discolouration becomes next to impossible. However, you must try to do everything in your power to make sure that it does not get aggravated owing to carelessness.
- Allergies. It has been seen that many people suffer from various kinds of allergies that aggravate, or cause dark circles. Excessive exposure to sun rays can also increase the problem.
Prevention is better
Now, that you know some of the common causes of under eye dark circles, it is time to look within and find out what it is that you are doing wrong.
The best thing to do is to bring about positive changes in your lifestyle, cleanse your body from within, and inculcate good habits. This will help you to slowly eliminate all the negativities from your life – negativities are responsible for dark circles and making your face look insipid.
- Eat healthy. Consume fresh fruits and vegetables in your daily diet
- Sleep well. Get plenty of sound sleep everyday so that your mind and body are rested and prepared for the next day
- Exercise regularly and practice yoga. This will reduce your stress and anxiety levels and you will reach a stage of complete wellbeing
- Refrain from smoking and drinking
- If you suffer from allergies, consult a doctor/therapist and find out what is causing it
- Drink 10-12 glasses of water everyday.
Care for Your Eyes
As you begin to deal with your dark circles, here are a few natural remedies you can use to reduce them around the eyes –
- Empty teabags. Refrigerate used tea bags to cool them. Once cool, place them on your eyes and leave them on for 10-12 minutes [chamomile tea is especially effective]
- Thin cucumber slices. Tilt your head backwards and place thin slices of cucumber on your eyes for 5-10 minutes. Make sure the cucumber touches the dark skin under your eyes
- Grated potato. Tie some grated potato in a cloth and place over the eyes for 15-20 minutes
- Sunglasses. Wear good quality sunglasses when you step out during the day to protect your eye/skin from the sun’s rays
- Massage. Press the skin around your eyes with your middle finger using cold cream, moisturiser, or almond oil. Gently massage from the inner to the outer corner of your eyes
- Spoon. Place a cold spoon on your eyes so that it is in contact with the affected skin
- Rose water. Dip cotton in cold rose water and place it over the dark skin around your eyes for 5-10 minutes.
Good old make-up
If dark circles run in the family, you may have to use make-up to conceal them. Some of the most common options include concealers, under eye creams, and moisturisers with vitamin E and K. Have doubts? Speak to your dermatologist/therapist.