Do you really know what causes dark circles? Contrary to what many think, insomnia, stress and PMS are not the main villains.
Fatigue, lack of sleep and PMS are factors often used to blame the appearance of dark circles, however, the truth is that these are just a few agents that can aggravate dark brown, black or bluish areas around the eyes. But after all, what causes dark circles?
The answer to this question is very simple: the accumulation of melanin in the eye area. This accumulation occurs, in most cases, due to genetics, however, it may be occurring with greater intensity due to the interference of problems such as, for example, allergies, aging and/or excessive sun exposure.
Therefore, it is essential that there is an accurate assessment of the type of your dark circles so that you can start an effective treatment and reduce them. So, to help you, we, at Women’s Area, will explain what causes dark circles, what types they are and what to do to alleviate/prevent them.
Types
Before starting any treatment, it is essential that you know what type of dark circles you have. In fact, it is worth mentioning that dermatologists are the best suited to diagnose your case. However, generally speaking, it can be said that dark circles are classified into 4:
Pigment: Caused by excess melanin in the skin, this type of dark circles generally has a more brownish color. The cause is usually associated with dark and black skin. However, this excess may also be linked to an inflammatory process, such as rhinitis.
Structural dark circles: This type of dark circles appears due to the bone anatomy of the face. People who have “deep-set” eyes end up forming a dark shadow in the area around the face.
Vascular: Known as “fatigue dark circles”, vascular dark circles are caused by increased vascularity or congestion of blood vessels in the eyes. In these cases, the color tends to be bluish, purplish or reddish.
Mixed dark circles: Quite common, mixed dark circles occur when there is a combination of two or more types, such as, for example, pigmented vascular, pigmented structural or pigmented structural vascular.
What causes dark circles?
Dark circles can be caused by excess melanin in the eyes, genetics, allergies, aging, poor blood circulation, etc. However, there are some factors capable of aggravating this problem.
They are: Insomnia, tiredness, loss of collagen, sun exposure, cigarette use, alcohol, excessive eye scratching, dehydration, respiratory diseases, stress and PMS.
Dark circles treatment
You have probably already heard of numerous treatments for dark circles, such as chemical peels, intradermotherapy, lasers, dermocosmetics, filling with hyaluronic acid, etc. However, do you know which one is ideal for your type of dark circles? If not yet, then find out below.
Treatment for pigmented dark circles
As this type of dark circles is caused by excess melanin production in the eye area, it is recommended that its treatment be carried out through the application of depigmenting/whitening complexes and also the daily use of sunscreen to prevent this problem from returning.
Tip: Look for whitening creams that have arbutin, hydroquinone, mequinol, niacinamide, retinol and vitamin C in their compositions.
Vascular or blood
To minimize this type of dark circles, you can resort to a treatment that stimulates blood circulation in the eye area, such as drainage and the use of hyaluronic acid.
In addition, treatments that increase the thickness of the skin and move it away from spider veins, reducing their “transparency”, such as pulsed light, lasers and lymphatic drainage, are recommended.
Treatment for structural dark circles
In this case, the use of dermocosmetics with densifying action and filling with hyaluronic acid are the most recommended.
Mixed dark circles
For mixed dark circles, treatment must be personalized. Therefore, if this is your case, look for a dermatologist.
How to prevent?
There are some habits that can reduce or even prevent the appearance of dark circles, for example:
- Sleep 8 hours a night;
- Avoid scratching your eyes;
- Reduce the consumption of cigarettes and/or alcoholic beverages;
- Moisturize the eye area;
- Use sunscreen frequently;
- Remove makeup before bed.
Natural treatments for dark circles
Chamomile tea: Prepare chamomile tea, let it cool and place it in the freezer for a few minutes. Then, as soon as it is cold, apply it to your eyes and leave it for 10 to 15 minutes. This treatment stimulates vasoconstriction and improves circulation, reducing swelling.
Water or serum compress: This home treatment stimulates vasoconstriction. First, moisten cotton pieces with water or saline and place them in the freezer. Then, when cold, apply to the area under the eyes.
Cucumber slices: This is a super easy classic that, in fact, everyone knows how to do, right? First, wash the cucumber well, cut into slices and leave them on your eyes for 15 to 20 minutes.
Homemade mask: First, mix a cup of milk, a tablespoon of cornstarch and a tablespoon of honey. Afterwards, cook over low heat until it thickens.
Let it cool and, once the mixture is warm, apply it to your eyes and let it act for 15 minutes. Finally, rinse with water and finish with a moisturizing cream.
So, what did you think of this article? Take the opportunity to also check out: Eye area – Routine to avoid wrinkles, bags and dark circles.
Sources: Boa Forma, Sallve, Contox, Sephora.
Image sources: The Ofy, Horp, Heliomendes, Jornal de Brasília, Beaubit, Gazeta.
