Dark Circles Under The Eyes

Health Tip Week September 6-10, 2010

Dark Circles Under the Eyes many women (especially women of color) struggle with dark circles under their eyes. It makes them look older and tired.

What is it?

Dark Circles under the eyes are round uniform areas of pigmentation beneath each eye.

Some Causes Are:

• Fatigue
• Lack of Sleep
• Heredity
• Water Retention
• Allergies/Hayfever
• Iron Deficiency
• Anemia
• Eczema
• Life Style Factors:
• Smoking
• Drinking Alcohol
• Caffeinated Sodas
• Environment
• Nasal Congestion
• Pigmentation Irregularities
• Sun Exposure
• Thinning Skin (around the eye area)
• Lost of Fat and Collagen

 Different types of Dark Circles under the eye:

• Hyperpigmentation (dark circles)
• Blue-ish Veins (thinning of under eye skin)
• Poor Circulation (puffy or baggy eyes)

There are no approved treatments to remove dark circles under the eyes but some women have used laser treatments, creams, and cosmetically camouflaging using concealers

Home Remedies:

• Get Rest Sleep! Sleep!
• Increase water intake
• Eat fruits, vegetables,  and whole grains 
• Apply cucumber slices to eyes
• Limit dietary salt
• Apply vitamin K or C cream

As I have aged I have increased my use of light creams for under eye hydration (night and morning) as well as ensuring that I maintain a healthy eating (fruits, vegetables, grains, etc.) and lifestyle (reduce stress, get plenty of sleep, stay peaceful through prayer and quite time) regime.

We will provide more information on this topic in the future. If you have found a remedy that works please let us know and we will post it. 

Live well
Doc V