Note from The Health Coach: It’s crucial for every person with dark circles under (or around) their eyes to correctly understand that this complex condition is the result of many years of development where each individual has their own unique pie of causation. However, we do know that there are certain “big pieces in the pie” which are almost always common denominators for anyone who is so afflicted.
What is also critical for those who see these circles in the mirror every day of their life is that a comprehensive holistic approach is the only one that will work. Yes, there are purely cosmetic means of superficially covering up this systemic disorder and skin condition, but many of those treatments serve to further stress the affected facial epidermis in the long run and are, therefore, counterproductive to the healing process.
Hence, our experience with patients who have damaged periorbital epithelial tissue is always the same: a truly holistic remediation program can successfully treat the systemic imbalances which manifest as the dark circles. Conversely, all attempts to merely conceal the darkened skin, without resolving the underlying health problems, will often be met with frustration and failure. Furthermore, there may be exceptional topical medications and rare natural formulations which contain ingredients that provide both effective treatment and adequate make-up at the same time.
The following two articles address some of the most salient issues that virtually every sufferer of dark circles must acknowledge and resolve in a coordinated fashion. Toward that end, we can assure every client that a “Holistic Dark Circles Remediation Program” will not only reverse that skin ailment to varying degrees, it will also serve to cure other related medical ailments and health conditions.
Dark Circles – Why they occur and holistic remedies
Posted by Dr. Varsha
Dark circles under the eyes are a common problem that can cause cosmetic concerns in any age group.
WHY DO THEY OCCUR?
The skin below the eyes contains fat, and proteins like collagen which act as paddings. There are also blood vessels in this area.
Aging
There is a gradual loss of fat and collagen with age. This causes the under-eye skin to become thin and loose, making the blood vessels more prominent, and the area appearing dark. The lower eyelids begin to sag with age, casting a dark shadow on the under-eye area. Aging also causes increased oxidative damage, less effective skin repair, and more pigment (melanin) production.
The weakening of the blood vessel walls causes them to dilate, leading to slowing down and stagnation of blood flow. This firstly increases the break-down of the blood pigment hemoglobin which leads to a more darkened appearance of blood vessels. Secondly it causes leakage of fluid into the surrounding loose area forming under-eye bags, in addition to the dark circles.
Increased Screen Time
The heat from staring at gadget screens causes dryness of the eyes and skin, and dilation of the blood vessels under the eye. This is accompanied by reduced oxygen in the under-eye blood vessels, and more stagnation of blood flow.
Blue light from gadgets especially when used increasingly post dusk, causes disturbance in the circadian rhythm (normal sleep-wake cycle of the body). This increases pigment formation, while decreasing the natural night-time skin regenerative and repair process, thereby leading to the formation of dark circles.
Lack of Sleep, Increased Stress and Fatigue
Lack of sleep and increased stress also increase oxidative damage, increase heat and blood vessel dilation and decrease blood oxygenation and flow. Sleep is an important time for efficient skin repair.
Allergies and Inflammation
Skin and eye allergies, like eczema, atopic dermatitis, and allergic rhino-conjunctivitis, lead to constant rubbing of the eyes and the surrounding area. This causes inflammation that makes the blood vessels dilate and look more prominent along with increasing the production of more skin pigment melanin, thereby darkening the under-eye area. Inflammation also makes the blood vessels leaky and the under-eye area puffy.
Other causes
Increased sun exposure increases pigment production and dark circles.
Hereditary or genetic factors, darker skin, and pigment disorders (like melasma) can also be contributory factors.
Hormonal imbalances due to menstrual problems, pregnancy or menopause, thyroid abnormalities, and iron deficiency anemia may also sometimes be causes of dark circles.
Smoking causes more oxidative damage and pigmentation, while increased alcohol consumption causes dilation of blood vessels and reduces blood oxygenation, therefore both these habits increase predisposition to dark circles.
HEALTH SOLUTIONS
LIFESTYLE MODIFICATION
- Get adequate sleep – Ensure 8 hours of undisturbed quality sleep on most nights. Keep the bedroom cool and well darkened during sleep. (Read – How to Improve Sleep)
- Control screen time – Reduce screen time and avoid the use of gadgets (laptops, computers, and I-pads) after dusk as much as possible. Turn on the blue light filter in mobile phones, and avoid usage around bedtime. (Read – Healthy ways to use Laptops/Computers and Mobile phones)
- Maintain hydration – Keep yourself well hydrated at all times. Drink a glass of water at least every hour with a total of 10-12 glasses/day (2-2.5 liters).
- Reduce smoking and alcohol consumption
- Have a healthy and nutritious diet.
- Get regular physical exercise preferably outdoors in fresh air for at least 30-45 minutes on most days.
- Stress management can be beneficial.
EYECARE ROUTINES
- Take regular breaks during gadget use. Every 20-30 minutes, look at the furthest end of the room or preferably out of the window at distant objects for 15-20 seconds.
- Cool compress with cotton or soft cloth dipped in cold water can be placed over the closed eye and under-eye area for around 10-15 minutes, twice daily (afternoon and night). This helps to constrict the dilated blood vessels and reduce the appearance of dark circles.
- A few simple eye exercises and massage techniques can help tighten the under-eye skin, tone muscles, and improve blood flow in the area.
- Tapping Massage – Using your index and middle finger, press lightly starting from the inner edge of your eyebrow, following the eyebrow curve till the outer edge. Then continue following the curve under the lower eyelid from outer to inner side till you reach back to the starting point of the inner edge of the brow. One cycle takes about half a minute to complete. This can be repeated 3 times and performed 3 times/day. The movements should be light pressing, without pulling or dragging.
- Eye rolling – Close your eyes and slowly roll them 5 times in the clockwise and 5 times in the anticlockwise direction. 3 sets of this exercise can be repeated 3 times/day.
- Eyebrow stretch – Place your thumb at the center of your eyebrows, then lift up the brows as much as possible, hold for 5 seconds, and release. Repeat 3 times, and do this 3 times/day.
LOCAL APPLICATION OF NATURAL SUBSTANCES
Many natural substances like vegetables, fruits, herbs, and oils are known to have beneficial effects on dark circles and under-eye bags. However scientific evidence through clinical studies is limited and most of the recommendations are based on anecdotes, individual case studies, usage experiences, and known mechanisms of action of the ingredients. Also, it is to be well understood that even when used regularly, the visible effects of these remedies take time (few to many months).
Vegetables and Fruits
Cucumber, a common sight in parlors and beauty treatment photographs, has a scientific rationale behind worth knowing. Cold sliced round cucumber pieces (refrigerated for 30 minutes) when kept over the eyes for 10-15 minutes, cause constriction of blood vessels, and make the darkness less prominent. Round cotton pads dipped in cold water can serve the same purpose, however, cucumber also contains antioxidants including vitamin C, which may help reduce pigmentation over a period of time. Chilled potato slices can also have a similar effect.
Tomato juice contains the antioxidant lycopene, as well as good amounts of vitamin C and vitamin K which help to strengthen the blood vessel wall and improve circulation. Tomato juice can be combined with lemon and orange juice to enhance the vitamin C effect. This can be applied with the help of cotton, kept on for 15-20 minutes and then washed off.
Herbs
Tea contains tannins that help to remove excess fluid and tighten the skin, along with caffeine and tannic acid, which constrict the blood vessels. Immerse black tea bags in warm water for a few minutes, and then refrigerate for a few hours. Then place them on the closed eye and under-eye area for 15-20 minutes. Rosewater kept cold, also helps to tone skin, remove puffiness, and make dark circles look less prominent.
Aloe Vera has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties and improves skin moisturization. It is part of many gels for dark circles. Turmeric can be applied as a paste (by mixing with curd), and it contains curcumin which has good anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. The same is also seen with a paste of crushed mint leaves. Parsley also has lightening effects due to the presence of vitamin C and K.
Oils
Almond, avocado, argan, or olive oils, and shea butter are part of commercial creams for dark circles, as they are rich in antioxidants like vitamin E and A, improve skin repair and provide moisturization. Glycerin is also often added for its hydrating and moisturizing properties.
Gels and Creams
Most creams and gels available over the counter or online for dark circles contain combinations of the above substances (fruits, vegetables, herbs, and oils), or their extracted components. Arbutin, extracted from the bearberry plant has properties to lighten dark circles by reducing the synthesis of melanin skin pigment. Luteolin is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory substance of the flavone class, which is extracted from many fruits and vegetables.
Some of these preparations also contain retinol (a milder form of retinoids which are prescription medicines), kojic acid which reduces pigmentation and inflammation as well as ‘chelates’ (removes) breakdown pigments of hemoglobin, and substances which improve skin suppleness and tightness like collagen proteins and hyaluronate. Exfoliating agents that remove the outer pigmented dead skin layer (like glycolic or lactic acid) are also added in these preparations for enhancing the skin lightening effects.
Products for dark circles are best applied at night. If a lot of sun exposure is inevitable, it is advisable to use sunscreen (at least 30 SPF or higher, and PA++ or PA+++) on the face during the day. Mattifying concealers with sunscreens are also available for improving cosmesis during the day.
MEDICAL TREATMENT
In severe and non-responsive cases, when cosmetic disfiguring is of high concern especially in pigmentary disorders like melasma, medical treatment is recommended in consultation with a dermatologist. Investigations to rule out anemia, thyroid and other hormonal imbalances should be done.
Creams or gels containing hydroquinone, retinoids (tretinoin), and corticosteroid drugs are the medicines sometimes prescribed. It is to be noted that these are strong drugs and have to be used only under the prescription and monitoring of a qualified dermatologist, in the specific amount, frequency and duration recommended. These drugs can have side effects like skin dryness, irritation, redness, patchy pigmentation, or skin degeneration (atrophy), if used inappropriately. These drugs are usually used as initiating therapy and tapered off while the more natural products are continued long term. Often these drugs are combined with kojic acid, or herbs/oils/natural substances mentioned above.
In case of skin thinning and loosening due to loss of fat or collagen padding (as often seen with aging), injection of dermal fillers is done in one or more sittings. These fillers may be made up of fat, collagen, hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid), and polymers like cellulose or polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). Such cosmetic procedures are now combined with other skin tightening and wrinkle removal procedures like Botulinum (Botox) injections. Other procedures include carbon-dioxide infusion (carboxytherapy), laser treatment, chemical peels, and mesotherapy (the technique of injecting vitamins, enzymes, hormones, and plant extracts to tighten and rejuvenate skin). All these procedures are performed by experienced cosmetologists.
References:
Infraorbital dark circles: A review
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https://drvarsha.com/dark-circles-why-they-occur-and-holistic-remedies/
The Best Natural Remedies For Dark Under-Eye Circles
Four Wellness Co.
This post contains affiliate links, through which we may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase, at no additional cost to you. We only share products or services we personally use & recommend!
Dark under-eye circles can be a source of annoyance for many people who experience them. Though they’re commonly thought of as the result of not sleeping well enough, some people find that no matter how much sleep we get, those pesky dark circles are still there!
There’s actually a bit more to dark circles than simply whether or not we’re well-rested. So, let’s explore the cause of under-eye circles and figure out just what they really mean—and if there’s anything we can do about them. (Turns out there is!)
What causes under-eye dark circles?
Contrary to popular belief, dark circles are not just the result of being tired.
The thin skin below our eyes happens to show blood vessels more easily than the thicker skin on the rest of our body. Some people are also genetically predisposed to particularly thin skin below the eyes. And, dark circles tend to worsen as we age and our skin loses elasticity.
Dark circles and under-eye puffiness can be caused or exacerbated by allergies, sinus problems or smoking, all of which affect circulation. (And, because most conventional personal care products contain known allergens, sensitivity to skincare or make-up products may actually contribute to under-eye darkness as well.)
Natural remedies for dark under-eye circles
Fortunately, there are a few simple, natural remedies that can help reduce the underlying causes and appearance of dark circles:
Proper nutrition + Hydration
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies (particularly iron and vitamins K and B12) can worsen under-eye dark circles by reducing the supply of oxygen to our body tissue and making bluish veins more pronounced. (Note: Iron and B12 in particular can be common deficiencies for vegetarians and vegans.)
Gluten and sugar also contribute to the problem, as they’re both inflammatory and inflamed blood vessels are generally more visible.
The most basic way to combat dark circles is to eat a balanced diet rich in whole and anti-inflammatory foods, including plenty of leafy greens (at least a couple servings per day is ideal!).
Dehydration can also make blood vessels more visible through the thin skin below our eyes. So, another simple way to combat dark circles is to stay well hydrated (a general rule of thumb is to drink at least 2/3 of your body weight in ounces of water per day).
It can be especially helpful to stay hydrated with healthy infused water, which also has anti-inflammatory and detoxifying herbs to boot.
Sleep well
As we know, lack of sleep can increase the appearance of dark circles—but that can mean either not enough sleep or not the right kind of sleep.
For many health reasons (not just reducing the appearance of dark under-eye circles!), it’s important to establish healthy sleep patterns that get us both the quantity and quality of sleep we need for optimum functioning. Here are nine natural ways to get better sleep if you think you might need them!
Also, it’s thought that if you sleep on your back (rather than on your stomach or side), your head will be slightly elevated and less fluid will pool in your face, decreasing the appearance of dark circles.
Relax
Stress hormones, which can be caused by lifestyle factors (stressful jobs, hectic schedules) or overconsumption of caffeine/sugar/alcohol, increase swelling in the body, including under the eyes.
As unrelated as it may seem, this means that the appearance of dark under-eye circles can be reduced, in part, by learning to manage stress and keep our body in a relaxed, healthy state.
Here are our favorite natural ways to reduce stress for healthy and happy living… with the bonus side effect of reducing dark under-eye circles too. 🙌
Almond oil
Sweet almond oil contains vitamin A, an antioxidant effective in treating dark under-eye circles. Vitamin A is also anti-inflammatory and helps to moisturize and soften the delicate under-eye skin. (And, it can be used as a natural eye make-up remover too!)
Before bed each night, gently massage a few drops of almond oil into the skin beneath your eyes.
For best results, you’ll need to apply almond oil daily. And, a few precautions:
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Use sweet almond oil.
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Be careful not to get almond oil in your eyes.
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Avoid almond oil if you’re pregnant (pregnant women should avoid topical vitamin A in general) or allergic to nuts (it’s made from almonds!).
Tea bags
This common “remedy” for dark circles works because caffeine constricts blood vessels. When applied to the skin under your eyes, the caffeine in tea bags causes dark circles to appear less vivid. Tea also contains antioxidants and tannins that soothe and tighten the skin around your eyes.
Steep caffeinated black tea bags in boiling water for a couple minutes, then cool in the refrigerator for 20 minutes. Lay down and place the damp (not dripping) tea bags over your eyes for 15-20 minutes.
Cold compress
A cold compress can help to reduce under-eye puffiness and dark circles by shrinking the dilated blood vessels causing them.
You can use a cool, damp washcloth, a chilled spoon (put it in the fridge or freezer for a few minutes before using), or a chilled jade facial roller.
Gua sha
Gua sha is an ancient Chinese facial therapy that reduces puffiness, aids detoxification, and may reduce the appearance of dark under-eye circles and fine lines.
Use a carved jade or rose quartz gua sha facial tool to gently massage the skin around your eyes:
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Apply a gentle oil, like almond oil or vitamin E oil.
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Gently sweep the gua sha tool over your under-eye area, all the way out to the hairline at your temple. Repeat three times for each eye.
Dark under-eye circle remedies:
Natural under-eye concealer
Some days, despite the natural remedies above, you may still have noticeable under-eye circles you’d like to conceal.
The sensitive under-eye area is a notoriously challenging place to apply make-up, as it can easily cake in under-eye creases. It’s best to first use a gentle moisturizer or eye cream (almond oil or vitamin E oil will do the trick too), apply concealer and then set with powder. Gently pat, don’t rub, the concealer into your skin using your ring finger, which is the weakest.
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https://fourwellness.co/blog/the-best-natural-remedies-for-dark-under-eye-circles