See also: Caffeine against bags and dark circles
What are dark circles?
Dark circles are a rather widespread imperfection that takes away charm and beauty from the eye. These bluish and dark marks that appear under the eye are an indication of a congenital capillary fragility. Dark circles are therefore not a simple sign of the passing of time but an imperfection that affects even the youngest.
Causes
In addition to capillary fragility, the appearance of dark circles is linked to a long list of predisposing factors, such as individual heredity. In fact, it is believed that dark circles can appear in an individual based on a genetic predisposition, as well as due to wrong habits and lifestyles characterized by excessive psycho-physical stress.
To understand how a wrong lifestyle can accentuate the problem it is necessary to clarify some basic concepts.
The thin layer of skin under the orbital cavity is full of very thin blood vessels. When these microscopic capillaries break, small drops of blood come out and tend to expand into the tissues where they remain for a long time. This stagnation gives rise to the characteristic dark halo that distinguishes dark circles from other imperfections such as bags or wrinkles.
In addition to an "innate fragility, the breaking of capillaries can also be favored by incorrect behavioral habits.
Dark circles can, in fact, be accentuated due to:
- Thermal stress (sudden changes in temperature, direct exposure to sunlight or face washing with boiling water);
- Mechanical stress (continuous rubbing of the eyes or excessive contraction of the capillaries of the face mediated by catecholamines, hormones secreted in response to strong psychophysical stress).
At the same time, even an insufficient night's rest favors the stagnation of blood around the eye sockets, facilitating the microhemorrhages responsible for dark circles.
Finally, in some cases, dark circles can be caused by an accumulation of the pigment melanin (the substance responsible for the color and tanning of the skin) in the skin under the eyes.
Aftermath
Being generally very thin, a skin affected by dark circles is also more prone to the formation of wrinkles. For this reason it is very important to use a good moisturizer that nourishes the skin and protects it from dehydration.
In this regard, it is advisable to use high quality products (creams, serums, etc. for the eye contour) specially formulated for this area of the face which is so delicate and easily attacked by environmental and atmospheric factors.
Treatment
Cosmetics
Currently, there are numerous specific creams, serums and gels for the eye contour that are able to effectively fight dark circles. Vitamin K, for example, is one of the most effective active ingredients in lightening this blemish.
Another ingredient widely used in products to combat dark circles is caffeine, which has an anti-edema action (for more information: Caffeine against bags and dark circles).
Finally, if the dark circles are accompanied by swelling (bags) - in addition to using products and cosmetics suitable for their treatment - to alleviate the problem you can try to sleep with the bust slightly raised; this prevents excessive blood reflux towards the eyes.
Natural remedies
There are several natural remedies that can be used to combat dark circles, or in any case to decrease their visibility. Among these, we remember:
- Chamomile, with emollient and decongestant properties. The latter are particularly useful when bags are also associated with dark circles. Not surprisingly, a handkerchief soaked in cold chamomile and dabbed on the eyelids upon awakening is an ancient but effective remedy to reduce swelling.
- Gotu kola, with well-known stimulating properties against the skin microcirculation. In addition to this, gotu kola is also endowed with anti-wrinkle properties.
- The butcher's broom, a plant capable of counteracting capillary fragility, at the same time exerting a soothing action.
- Cucumber, well known for its moisturizing, anti-inflammatory and decongestant properties.
Diet
Diet can also help fight the problem; Vitamin C, contained above all in citrus fruits, broccoli, kiwi, grape juice and berries, is the protector par excellence of the microcirculation (it strengthens the capillary walls).
Useful tips
As mentioned, dark circles are a blemish that can have multiple causes and can be influenced by various factors.
In any case, to mitigate them, or in any case to prevent them from worsening, it might be useful to follow some advice:
- Thoroughly cleanse the eye contour every day using delicate products suitable for this area of the face, in order to eliminate make-up residues and dirt.
- Do not use excessively greasy or occlusive products, as they will only make the situation worse.
- For the day, prefer the use of products for the eye contour with sunscreens, in order to protect the thin skin of this area from damage from UV rays.
- Use products containing moisturizing ingredients and capable of strengthening the skin microcirculation.
- Avoid smoking and - if possible - reduce stress.
- Adopt a healthy diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants.
