Dark Under Eye Circles
One of the most annoying aesthetic problems afflicting the face is dark under eye circles. These ugly blemishes can make you look tired, sickly and unhealthy. It can also make you look older than you really are, which explains why many try to eliminate or reduce their appearance.
Capillaries, Thin Skin and Leaks
Despite their sheer number, the capillaries under the eyes are so tiny that they may sometimes be unable to accommodate the amount of circulating blood. Leaks can happen, and when the hemoglobin of this leaking blood oxidizes, it turns into a dark blue/black. Dark under eye circles are created by oxidized hemoglobin, which can be quite obvious due to the delicate overlying skin in the area (the area around the eyelids boasts the thinnest skin on the body).
Dark circles can also result from simply having thin and pale skin, in which case capillaries may be more visible. Blame genetics or aging for this trait.
The Solution
Although manufacturers of skin care and cosmetic products have flooded the market with a plethora of solutions, dark under eye circles are notoriously difficult to correct. An effective solution depends on addressing the underlying cause. Here are a few of the most common:
Lack of sleep: This can make the skin appear paler and reduce circulation, enhancing the dark blemishes under the eyes. Lack of sleep may also make it more difficult for the body to absorb vitamins such as A and K, both powerful antioxidants that protect cellular structures against damage. In fact, vitamin K and retinol (a form of vitamin A) are popular ingredients in products designed to treat dark under eye circles.
Stress may be blamed for affecting healthy sleep patterns or it may be a cause in itself since the body does not function optimally.
Iron deficiency: Anemia has pinpointed as one cause of dark under eye circles. Iron deficiency is characterized by an insufficient amount of hemoglobin in the blood. This causes organs to become deprived of oxygen and the capillaries to become more visible.
Smoking: Smoking has been proven to adversely affect blood vessels. Kicking the habit will most likely help more than using any product designed to treat under eye blemishes.
Excessive salt intake: This can cause water retention and impair circulation, resulting in puffiness and bluer blood vessels. Reducing the amount of salt you consume may diminish those under eye circles.
Allergies and itchy eyes: Because the capillaries in the area are so tiny and the skin is so delicate, rubbing itchy eyes may break the capillaries and cause more blood to oxidize.
Insufficient fluid intake: Flush out toxins and improve circulation in and to the area by drinking an adequate amount of water daily.
Sun exposure: The damaging effects of UV exposure not only weaken the skin, but can also darken under eye circles, making them more obvious. Prevent this from happening by gently applying moisturizers with a high SPF rating to the area. If you wear makeup, you may also want to apply products that provide sun protection (generally mineral-enriched makeup).
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