There’s nothing like dark under eye circles to make you look older and more tired than you actually are. Although so many of us suffer from unruly under eyes, the majority of men don’t know how to tackle the problem!
So, precisely what causes dark under eye circles, and how do we get rid of them? Dark circles are mostly a superficial issue caused by capillaries that show through the thin skin under the eyes.
It’s impossible to discuss dark circles without mentioning the dreaded under eye bags – it seems the pair go hand-in-hand. You could also get under eye circles from shadows that form under puffy skin – thus creating the dark eye bags we loathe.
Both dark circles and under eye bags can really ruin your look, especially if you’ve worked so hard on your grooming routine. If you’re looking for ways to fight back the signs of dark and puffy under eyes, keep reading!
Causes of dark circles
Poor sleeping habits
Lack of sleep is a common cause of dark circles, as sleep deprivation typically makes the skin more pale. This allows things like capillaries, tissue, and blood vessels to become more visible and create a darker appearance to the skin.
Those who don’t get quality sleep can also suffer from a build-up of fluid underneath the eyes, making them puffier than usual. The puffiness can then cast a shadow below the eyes, causing the appearance of dark circles under eyes.
Allergies
If you’ve ever had allergies before, then you know how irritated and puffy your eyes can get – and this won’t help your dark circles!
Allergies can trigger dark circles under eyes as they produce histamines that dilate the blood vessels under the skin, making the skin darker and creating a dark circle effect. To avoid the puffy dark under eyes look, prepare for allergy season with some antihistamines from your doctor.
Eye fatigue
Things like staring at phone screens, computer monitors, and TVs for prolonged periods can cause eye fatigue. Extra strain on the eyes will enlarge the blood vessels and capillaries around your eyes, causing your skin to darken around the affected area. This creates those dark circles under eyes you want to avoid.
Dehydration
The skin under your eyes is some of the thinnest on your body, and if you’re dehydrated, this skin becomes even thinner. We already know that thin makes the vessels underneath show more prominently, so this will also be the case if you’re dehydrated.
Tobacco & Alcohol
We all like a good drink every once in a while, and some of us might enjoy the occasional cigar or cigarette, but these choices can harm our under eyes. Alcohol and tobacco smoke can damage the skin and break down the collagen that skin needs to stay supple and healthy.
Stress
If you needed an excuse to de-stress, this is it! When you’re stressed, blood rushes to your body parts – all except your face. The lack of blood in your face will make you look pale, and we know that skin is more translucent when lighter, so you’re apt to get more dark circles.
Genetics
When looking at what causes dark under eye circles, you can’t ignore genetics. Genetics determine your skin’s natural thickness and pigmentation, which is why dark under eye circles often run in the family.
Some people are prone to darker pigmentation in this area, leading to permanent under eye circles. This is particularly common among African-Americans, Southeast Asians and Southern Italians.
How to treat dark circles
Before we give you all our dark circle-banishing tips, it’s important to note that dark circles and bags caused by genetics can’t be removed with any home remedies. For genetic under eye circles, you might have to resort to surgery or dermal fillers.
But for those whose under eye circles are caused by the lifestyle issues discussed above, here are 5 ways to treat them:
Cold compress
Using a cold compress on your eyes for as little as 20 minutes could help to reduce puffiness and shrink those blood vessels darkening your eye area. You don’t need anything fancy, just dampen a towel or washcloth with some cold water! Make sure to rewash your compress with cold water if it gets warm.
Adjust your sleep
Work on your sleeping pattern to help ease your dark circles and your overall health and mood. Try to set a sleep schedule and avoid playing on your phone before bed. Getting into a good sleep routine will keep your skin looking brighter and will make you feel more refreshed, too.
Teabags
Teabags contain antioxidants and caffeine, otherwise known as under eye bag-banishing ingredients! Both of these will help to improve your blood circulation and add color back to your skin, so your capillaries will be less visible.
Soak two tea bags in hot water before taking them from the water and letting them cool in the fridge, then pop them on your eyes for 10-20 minutes – the cold tea bags will act as a cold compress, too!
Concealer
If you want a quick temporary fix for dark circles under eyes, try some concealer. Although this won’t rid your dark circles for good, it’s an excellent way to cover them when you’re in a rush. You just need to blend a small amount of product into your under eye area – you can even use your fingers for this. Make sure you blend the concealer in with your skin for a natural look!
Eye Cream
If you’re serious about treating your under eye circles, try an eye cream like the Triple Shot Restoring Eye Cream!
Look for ingredients like caffeine, along with peptides and antioxidants – these will help boost collagen production to make your skin firmer and thicker. The caffeine will also constrict your blood vessels, so you’ll be less likely to see them around your eyes.
Ready to Ditch the Dark Circles?
We know it sucks to see those tired-looking dark circles under your eyes, but now you know how easy it can be to get a handle on them! If lifestyle issues are the cause, you could start seeing some great results by adjusting your sleep, hydration, and stress levels.
For an even better boost, though, give a high-quality eye cream like JESSE JIMZ Triple Shot a try. It’s not greasy, absorbs quickly, and is dermatologically tested for all skin types. It’s no wonder why it’s our top-selling product!
