If you’ve been occasionally sleep deprived lately, you’re probably not surprised that dark circles have developed under your eyes. But what kinds of circumstances can lead to occasional dark circles, including the occasional lack of sleep? There can be many reasons for the appearance of dark circles under the eyes, including being too stressed, not getting enough sleep, or even sleeping too much.
Wondering how to lessen the appearance of those occasional dark circles under your eyes? As you will discover in this article, in addition to the reasons mentioned above, some of the most effective strategies include staying hydrated, eating antioxidant-rich foods, using plumping skincare ingredients, and taking collagen supplements. to increase the volume of your skin.
What are dark circles under the eyes?
Dark circles are a form of hyperpigmentation (discoloration) that affects the delicate skin under the eyes. They are often linked to skin volume and sometimes to the natural aging process, fatigue and insufficient hydration. All of these factors can occasionally cause the under eye area to look purple, blue, brown or black and sometimes puffy. The soft tissue under the eyes is called the suborbicularis oculi. The underside of the eyes is made up of collagen, elastin, and even body fat. When you’re young, the under-eye area usually appears bright, firm, and evenly toned. But as you age or experience excessive stressors, such as occasional lack of sleep and/or deviation from your usual diet, the appearance of the under-eye area can change in several ways.
Causes of dark circles under the eyes
What are the causes of dark circles under the eyes? Here are some of the most common causes of dark circles:
Aging: As we age, we may notice a loss of volume in the facial area, including around the eyes. It happens when our body produces less collagen, a type of structural protein, and elastin that keeps skin firm. (As our skin thins and loses volume, the underside of the eyes may sag and appear darker. Capillaries (small blood vessels) may also become visible, which helps to darken the color of the below the eyes.
Lack of quality sleep: Occasional lack of sleep can lead to water retention and puffiness under the eyes.
Not getting enough hydration: This leads to tissue shrinkage and affects blood circulation. Not getting enough water and/or drinking too much caffeine, alcohol, and other diuretics can contribute to this.
Products that can irritate the sensitive eye area: Many personal care products, such as soaps and serums, contain ingredients that can irritate the sensitive eye area. You can also be irritated if you rub your eyes too much.
Excessive Sun Exposure: Excessive sun exposure negatively impacts skin cells and contributes to discoloration, which sometimes manifests as dark circles, fine lines and wrinkles.
Other causes may be as follows
Do not remove makeup
Excessive stress
be too sedentary
Genetic
A poor diet
6 Ways to Help Brighten Eyes
Now let’s get to the question you’re probably asking yourself: How can I reduce the dark circles under my eyes? Below are a few ways to brighten your eye area, all of which contribute to the overall health of your skin. Of course, you should always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new diet or lifestyle, including dietary supplements.
1. Prioritize getting enough sleep
As mentioned above, the two main reasons why dark circles form are occasional lack of sleep and loss of tissue volume, for example due to natural aging.
2. Stay hydrated
To keep your skin plump and to prevent dryness and sagging, be sure to drink plenty of water. Avoid consuming too many dehydrating foods or drinks, but drink water, bone broth, green juices, and herbal teas regularly throughout the day.
3. Apply these skin care products
You don’t necessarily have to pay a lot of money or undergo treatments to lessen the appearance of dark circles. Instead, try over-the-counter skin care products that can help reduce discoloration when used regularly.
For an optimal daily skincare routine, include these skincare ingredients to lighten dark circles under the eyes:
Sunscreen, to help prevent sun damage.
Vitamin C, an antioxidant beneficial for cells and skin.
Retinol (provided it doesn’t irritate your skin), which promotes cell turnover and helps reduce hyperpigmentation and fine lines.
Caffeine (often found in eye creams), which helps reduce puffiness.
Hyaluronic acid, an ingredient that can help plump up the skin.
vitamin B3, also known as niacinamide, which helps even out and brighten your skin tone.
Antioxidant ingredients such as seaweed and green tea, which contribute to healthy skin.
Glycerin, a moisturizing agent that helps prevent dryness.
4. Avoid irritants, including sleeping with makeup on.
Opt for gentle skincare products, avoiding those that contain alcohol and fragrances. It is especially important to use only hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic products. That is to say that do not clog pores and do not cause allergies or irritation, if you have sensitive skin.
Also be careful not to wash too much or rub your eyes. And always wash off your makeup at night. However, go easy on makeup removers and cleansing wipes, which can sometimes contain alcohol and other irritants. Wash them off after applying them to your face and eyes.
5. Eat a healthy diet
By increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables, you increase your intake of antioxidants, which help fight free radicals (oxidative stress) and maintain healthy levels of inflammation. Foods containing healthy fats, such as fish and nuts, are also great for keeping skin hydrated and smooth.
Here are some of the best foods for healthy skin:
Leafy green vegetables
Berries
citrus fruits
peppers
Kiwi
Herbs and spices
Olive oil
Attorney
Nuts and seeds
fatty fish, such as salmon
6. Exercise
Physical activity stimulates blood circulation. Also, when you exercise during the day, you are more likely to feel tired at night and fall asleep easier and deeper.
Other Tips
In addition to the steps above, you can potentially help reduce the appearance of dark circles under your eyes with these tips and techniques:
Sleep on silk pillowcases, which can keep stiff sheets from rubbing your eyes and irritating them.
Apply cooling patches under the eyes to reduce puffiness. For even more benefits, store your eye creams and patches in the fridge so they help constrict the blood vessels under your eyes when you apply them.
Consult a dermatologist to find out if you can receive dermal fillers to plump the skin near the eyes.
If you think certain products irritate your skin, see your doctor to discuss doing a patch test (a special type of skin test that helps reveal ingredients you may be allergic to).
