Dark Circles: Here is How to Avoid Them.

Dark circles are a very common concern among people of all ages and backgrounds. It is often associated with tiredness, stress, or lack of sleep. They can also stem from a variety of lifestyle, genetics and health related issues. Dark circles are a shadowy or discolored area that appear beneath the eyes. It can be blue, purple, brown, or black in colour depending on your skin tone and the underlying cause of the dark circles. 

The skin under the eyes is thinner and more delicate than the skin on other parts of the body and this makes it more susceptible to changes in blood flow. pigmentation , and hydration. While dark circles are not typically a sign of serious medical issues, they can affect self esteem and appearance and that is the reason why many seek for solutions to it. 

Meanwhile, let us explore some causes of dark circles. 

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Causes of Dark Circles. 

There is no exact or single cause of dark circles as it is usually a combination of a number of factors. Some causes of dark circles include: 

Genetics.

For a number of people, dark circles are hereditary. If any of your parents have dark circles, you are most likely to develop them too. This is because genetic dispositions can influence skin thickness, pigment levels, and other skin issues. 

Lack of Sleep. 

This is probably the most popular cause of dark circles. Inadequate sleep can cause the skin to look pale, allowing blood vessels beneath the skin to become more visible and give the appearance of dark circles. 

Aging. 

As we age, our skin loses collagen and becomes thinner. The loss of skin elasticity exposes the blood vessels beneath the skin, causing dark circles. 

Dehydration.

When the body lacks water, the skin under the eyes can look dull and sunken, making dark circles more prominent. 

Exposure to the Sun. 

Overexposure to the sun can increase melanin production, especially in delicate areas of the eyes, leading to pigmentation and darkening. 

How to Avoid Dark Circles. 

Now that we have figured out some of the causes of dark circles, here are a few ways to avoid them. 

Prioritize Sleep. 

Beyond avoiding dark circles, adequate sleep is important for your overall health.  You should aim for 7-9 hours of sleep, keep a consistent sleep schedule, avoid screens for at least 30 minutes before you fall asleep and create a calm sleeping environment. 

This would keep you well rested and keep dark circles away from your eyes. 

Adequately Hydrate. 

Since we have discovered that dehydration is a leading cause of dark circles, it is important to drink plenty of water throughout the day to improve skin elasticity. 

Drink at least 2 litres of water daily, eat fruits rich in water such as cucumber, watermelon, oranges, etc and reduce intake of dehydrating substances like caffeine. 

Use Cold Compress. 

Cold temperature constricts blood vessels and reduces swelling. To use, place chilled teaspoons, cucumber slices, ice block, or a gel eye mask on your eyes for 10-15 minutes. Then, repeat in the morning to reduce puffiness and dark circles. 

Protect your Eyes Against Sun Exposure.

As sun rays is one of the leading causes of dark circles and aging, it is important to protect yourself from the sun. 

You can do this by always wearing sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, even on days that are not sunny. You can also use sunglasses to protect yourself from UV radiation. 

Putting these steps to action, you can as well say goodbye to dark circles.