Dark Circles - Factors That Can Often Cause Them!

Iron deficiency is believed to be one of the causes of dark circles around the eyes. Iron deficiency may lead to anemia, which means that enough oxygen is not reaching the body tissues. Therefore, the skin may become pale, making the underlying veins under the eyes to become more visible. As iron may become deficient during pregnancy and menstruation, dark circles can appear in these conditions.

A few medications may cause dilation of the blood vessels, which may lead to dark circles. The skin under the eyes is very delicate; therefore, an increase in blood flow in this area shows through the skin. Other factors which may lead to dark circles include, allergies and eczema as they may provoke itching, which may enforce one to rub or scratch the skin around the eyes, leading to dark circles. Lack of sleep or fatigue is another factor especially when you are tired, the body produces cortisol, a sleep-fighting chemical that may cause the blood vessels to swell. Age factor should also be considered as the skin loses collagen in older age, making it appear thinner and more translucent, allowing dark circles to become more noticeable. Genetics is another factor to be considered as hereditary pigmentation may cause dark circles.

Tea contains caffeine and antioxidants, which temporarily shrink the blood vessels. Green tea may work better than herbal tea or black tea as it contains EGCG, a natural anti-inflammatory catechin that helps in reducing puffiness. Place brewed and cooled tea bags over your eyes for 10-15 minutes to reduce dark circles under the eyes. You may also use cold cucumber slices and raw potato slices in place of tea. They also help in reducing the dark circles.

Fat grafting helps in reducing the appearance of dark circles if there is hollowness underneath the eyes. It may be due to aging as you lose fat with your age and skin becomes thinner. Fat grafting helps in masking the blood vessels, which may otherwise appear underneath the skin. In fat grafting, the cosmetic surgeon transfers healthy fat cells from one part of the body to beneath the eyes.