How to get circles under the eyes?

Dark circles under the eyes are a common cosmetic problem affecting a high percentage of the population. Why they are formed, how to deal with them, or what to do if it is a more serious problem, you will learn in this article!

How are circles under the eyes formed?

One of the main causes is the thin and sensitive skin around the eyes. Capillaries shine through it – thin-walled and delicate blood vessels that create the impression of dark circles. This phenomenon is more common in older individuals (there is a natural loss of collagen that helps maintain the elasticity of the skin), moreover, it is often intensified due to increased blood flow in the eye area, which can be caused by inappropriate sleeping habits (dull and paler skin), overwork, eye fatigue (long-term exposure to television, computer or mobile screens), dehydration (which makes the skin look duller and the eyes more sunken) or stress.

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Another scare can be excessive swelling in the eye area. These tend to be caused by excessive salt consumption, allergies, heart problems or even due to  genetics . These swellings can compress the blood vessels and cause that darker skin tone.

Less common origins include:

• excessive exposure to sunlight: increased melanin production leads to more pronounced pigmentation in the area under the eyes
• lack of certain nutrients: for example, vitamin K or group B vitamins affect the condition of blood vessels and skin
• certain lifestyle factors : smoking, drinking alcohol or using addictive substances
• Ocular hypotensives: some medications used to treat glaucoma increase the likelihood of more pronounced circles under the eyes (usually 3 and 6 months after starting treatment)
• anemia : the skin is then paler than usual due to the lower level of red blood cells

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When can it become a more serious problem?

In exceptional cases, circles under the eyes can signal more serious health problems. If it persists or worsens despite your efforts or lifestyle changes , it’s a good idea to contact a dermatologist, ophthalmologist or allergist to check for a more serious complication. The following situations should help you detect the possible severity of the problem:

• Sudden and dramatic changes in the appearance of under-eye circles: if under-eye circles get dramatically worse, it may be a sign of a more serious health problem, such as allergies, infections, or some autoimmune diseases.
• Accompanying symptoms: if other symptoms appear in addition to the circles under the eyes (more pronounced swelling, itching, redness or pain), this indicates, for example, an infection, an allergic reaction or another eye disease.
• Significant mental or physical discomfort: if the circles under your eyes cause you significant discomfort (pain, itching) or negatively affect your mental health, it is appropriate to seek the help of a specialist who can provide not only medical care, but also appropriate psychological support.

What does it take? Grandmother’s advice and proven ingredients in creams!

There are many ways to treat dark circles under the eyes. Whether you’re looking for grandma’s natural advice, creams, serums, or a combination of them, it’s definitely nice to have a “puller” on hand to advise you on what to focus on, or what to look for. In terms of a home spa, these are:

• Cucumbers: applying cucumber slices to closed eyes for 10-15 minutes can help reduce puffiness and dark circles due to their cooling and hydrating effects.
• Ice cubes: gently massaging the area around the eyes with ice cubes wrapped in a cloth can help constrict blood vessels and reduce swelling and redness in the area.
• Green tea bags: Place cooled green tea bags over closed eyes (similar to cucumbers). This will reduce swelling and highlight the circles thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties and tannin content.
• Almond oil: massaging around the eyes before bed helps to hydrate and soften the skin, thus actively preventing thin and sensitive skin around the eyes.
• Honey and lemon juice: making a paste of honey and lemon juice (roughly 1:8 ratio) and then applying it to the under-eye area can help refresh the skin and increase its natural brightness.

It should be noted that these home remedies may have some effect on reducing the visibility of under-eye circles, but the effectiveness of these methods may vary depending on the individual response and the severity of the problem . At the same time, some caution and prudence (especially with lemon juice) is important when applying in case of an allergic reaction or any negative effects.

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When choosing creams, it is essential to pay attention to the key ingredients that have a beneficial effect on this area of ​​the skin . Some of the ingredients that should be included in creams designed to reduce under-eye circles include:

• Caffeine: this stimulant helps to constrict blood vessels and reduce puffiness in the eye area, ultimately reducing the appearance of dark circles.
• Vitamin C: Vitamin C is widely known to have powerful antioxidant properties that can help even skin tone and reduce pigmentation.
• Retinol: this form of vitamin A naturally supports the production of collagen and thus improves the structure of the skin, which not only reduces the visibility of under-eye circles, but also improves the overall appearance of the skin.
• Hyaluronic acid: a naturally occurring glycosaminoglycan known for its moisturizing properties that help hydrate and soothe the sensitive skin around the eyes.
• Peptides: palmitoyl pentapeptide-4, acetyl hexapeptide-8 or pentapeptide-3 and tetrapeptide-7 help increase the production of collagen and elastin, which increases the firmness and elasticity of the skin.

Professional treatment options for the reduction of under-eye circles

There are several professional treatment options that can help reduce dark circles more effectively than common home methods. These include, for example, laser therapy (resurfacing or photorejuvenation) – this procedure works to increase collagen production and regenerate the skin in the area around the eyes. At the same time, it reduces pigmentation and improves the overall texture of the skin.

Another option, mesotherapy, consists in the application of special mixtures containing vitamins, minerals and other active ingredients directly into the upper and middle layers of the skin under the eyes. This method helps increase hydration, improves skin elasticity and minimizes the visibility of under-eye circles.

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However, it is good to remember that each of these treatments should be carried out under the supervision of a specialist, such as a dermatologist or a plastic surgery clinic. At the same time, it should be adapted to the individual needs of the patient and the severity of the problem. Before starting any professional procedure, it is crucial to consult with a qualified doctor who can provide specific recommendations and a plan for the treatment itself.

What to take from it?

Dark circles under the eyes can be caused by many factors – these include thin skin, fatigue, genetics, allergies or other factors. Treatment options include both homemade (cucumbers, ice cubes or honey) and store-bought creams or serums. In case of more serious problems, a consultation with a specialist is recommended , who can provide a specific diagnosis, but also a treatment plan, for example in the form of laser and mesotherapy.