Under Eyes Circles

According to statistics, the problem of under eye circles and darkness is second only to acne as a major skin problem in the U.S.A. While circles under eyes are not a serious condition, they can be a symptom of an underlying illness or allergy. However, often the under eye circles are simply hereditary, caused by deep set eye sockets or excess pigment in the area.

The skin under the eyes tends to be thinner than that on the rest of the face, which allows for the blood capillaries under the surface to show through. If, through skin damage, age or illness, the capillaries have become broken or enlarged, then the under eye area will appear much darker. Sometimes prolonged stress combined with poor nutrition and lack of sleep will exacerbate the problem in which case the solution is easier to remedy. Dehydration, smoking, alcohol consumption and iron deficiency can all be factors in making the under eye circles worse, therefore it is obviously imperative to try to improve one’s general health.

Certain cosmetics and skin creams can help with dark circles under the eyes. Any yellow tinted concealer will help to balance out the blue tones of the dark circles and a cream that uses light refracting minerals will help the skin appear brighter by bouncing light off the area. Some creams work towards strengthening the capillaries and improving the texture of the skin, whilst others add collagen and vitamins to the skin so that the capillaries are less visible under the surface. Although the cost of creams and under eye gels differ greatly, they should all contain vitamins C and K, rehydrating ingredients, collagen, peptides and arbutin. A cream alone is not likely to actually rid the under eyes of dark circles but by boosting the nutrients and circulation in the skin, the entire eye area should improve to the point where they are vastly less noticeable.

Dark Under Eye Circles

Dark under eye circles can be a source of embarrassment and misery for many people, particularly as they have the effect of making them appear tired, stressed or ill. While sometimes these can be the reasons for the dark circles, quite often they are simply hereditary or caused by ‘leaking’ blood capillaries close to the surface of the skin.

There are a number of products that are designed to help thicken the delicate eye skin, thus making the capillaries less obvious while other eye creams help lighten the dark skin, sometimes using light refracting pigments or gentle skin bleaches. These are probably best for those whose dark under eye circles are genetic, and can be combined with a yellow-toned under eye concealer to counteract the blue tones in the skin.

It is possible that the dark circles are caused by illness (kidney and thyroid diseases being the main culprits), in which case it is obviously wise to talk about solutions with a doctor. Certain medications can also exacerbate the dark circle problem, as can allergies. Skin creams containing vitamins K and C can help the dark circles as they both boost the skin’s nutrients, strengthen the blood capillaries and, in the case of vitamin K, help heal bruising. Other ingredients often found in under eye creams are peptides, alpha-arbutin and the patented formula Hylexin. Although no cream will be able to banish the dark under eye circles completely, used daily in conjunction with plenty of water (to rehydrate the skin), reduced sodium intake and a nutritionally sound diet, the circles should become noticeably less visible over time.

Dark Circles

Dark circles under the eyes can be a very upsetting problem for many people as it tends to make them appear ill, tired or stressed. Often the reason for the dark circles is none of the above and can unfortunately be hereditary. Of course, if there is any reason to suspect illness may be the cause, it is imperative to get a check up from a doctor. However, if illness is not to blame and stress and sleeplessness can also be ruled out, then it is likely due to problems with the skin.

The skin under the eyes is much thinner than that on the rest of the face, making it prone to discoloration and darkness. Often, dark circles are simply the results of blood capillaries under the surface becoming engorged or bursting, showing as a bluish tint through the skin. Of course make-up can be used to help cover the area, although it should be applied with a very light hand and must be the correct tone to avoid the circles looking worse. For most people a yellow-tinted concealer works well as it counter-acts the blue.

For those who wish to try a cream or serum to help diminish the dark circles, there are a great many on the market from which to choose. The main purpose of any cream designed for this problem is to help constrict the vessels, reduce under eye puffiness, improve circulation and strengthen the skin. A good cream will include vitamin C to reinforce the vessels and vitamin K which improves the appearance of bruising. Other ingredients often included in creams are niacin, to help diminish wrinkles, alpha-arbutin and peptides. Sometimes they will even use light refracting pigments that ‘bounce’ light off the skin, making the dark circles even less visible.